First metabolic profiling of 4-n-nonylphenol in human liver microsomes by integrated approaches to testing and assessment: Metabolites, pathways, and biological effects

Abstract

4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP), a typical endocrine disrupting chemical, has been so far frequently detected in various environmental mediums and editable food. However, the specific metabolic pathways in human and potential adverse effects of metabolites have not been elucidated yet. Here, metabolic profiling of 4-n-NP in human liver microsome (HLM) was comprehensively characterized by integrated approaches of testing and assessment. A total of 21 metabolites were identified using nontarget analysis with high-resolution mass spectrum, including three groups of unique phase I metabolites first determined in HLM. Seven various metabolic pathways of 4-n-NP were identified by both in silico and in vitro, and CYP1A2, 2C19, and 2D6 were the mainly participating enzymes. Two secondary metabolites with carbonyl groups on side chains (M4, M7) presented most abundant in HLM, which were also predicted to have high binding affinities towards HPG-axis-related receptors (AR, ER, and PR). ESRs (estrogen receptors) were shared core protein targets for all metabolites revealed by protein-protein interaction networks. Biological functions enrichment analysis indicated that 4-n-NP metabolites might primarily involve in ESR-mediated signaling, GPCR ligand binding, Class A/1 (Rhodopsin-like receptors) and metabolism-related pathways. These findings of 4-n-NP metabolites, pathways, and biological effects provide insightful information for its environmental exposure and risk assessment.

Keywords: 4-n-nonylphenol; Biological pathway; Endocrine-disrupting effect; Human liver microsome; Key protein target; Metabolic pathway.