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Exploring the Activation of the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ ARE Pathway by PAHs in Children's Toys
Author(s) -
Lauenstein Jonas,
Weyer Simon,
Alsaleh Rasha,
Wiedmer Christoph,
Buettner Andrea,
Kersch Christian,
SchmitzSpanke Simone
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.14792
Subject(s) - chrysene , fluoranthene , pyrene , chemistry , phenanthrene , anthracene , fluorene , benzo(a)pyrene , acenaphthylene , carcinogen , naphthalene , environmental chemistry , stereochemistry , organic chemistry , polymer
ABSTRACT Background Children are particularly susceptible to environmental pollutants. This study assessed the skin sensitisation risk associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), prevalent in toys. Objectives To evaluate the skin sensitisation potential of PAHs using the KeratinoSens assay. Methods Individual PAHs (acenaphthylene, anthracene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F), benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[k]fluoranthene (B[k]F), chrysene, fluoranthene, fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and triphenylene) and ternary mixtures containing B[a]P were assessed for their ability to activate the Keap1‐Nrf2‐ARE pathway in human keratinocytes. The concentration addition model and additive index were used to predict and analyse mixture effects. Results Among the individual PAHs, B[k]F demonstrated the most potent activation of the pathway, exhibiting a 34‐fold higher potency relative to B[a]P. B[b]F, chrysene and B[a]P also exhibited significant activation, while the remaining PAHs displayed negligible or weak activation. Notably, PAH mixtures exhibited synergistic effects, except for those composed solely of potent sensitizers. Conclusions This study provides the first assessment of the skin sensitization potential of these PAHs. The findings suggest that B[k]F, B[b]F and chrysene may pose a higher risk of skin sensitisation than previously thought. Additionally, the synergistic effects observed in mixtures highlight the importance of considering combined exposures when assessing PAH exposure risk.