Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Erythrocytes: a Functional Sensor of Environmental Toxicity from Brominated Flame Retardants

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used synthetic compounds with increasing environmental persistence and toxicological concern. This study investigated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in human erythrocytes as a potential biomarker of BFR-induced cellular dysfunction. METHODS: AChE activity was measured spectrophotometrically using Ellman's method after exposure to selected compounds including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), and bromophenols. RESULTS: TBBPA and TBBPS significantly altered AChE activity, with increased enzyme activity observed at specific concentrations. Among bromophenols, significant effects were detected for 2,4,6-TBP and pentabromophenol. CONCLUSION: The biological effects of BFRs depend on chemical structure and concentration. While erythrocyte AChE responds to exposure, it is not a highly sensitive biosensor, as detectable changes occur alongside other cellular alterations.