QSAR classification models for the screening of the endocrine-disrupting activity of perfluorinated compounds

SAR QSAR Environ Res. 2012;23(3-4):207-20. doi: 10.1080/1062936X.2012.657235. Epub 2012 Feb 21.

Abstract

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a class of emerging pollutants still widely used in different materials as non-adhesives, waterproof fabrics, fire-fighting foams, etc. Their toxic effects include potential for endocrine-disrupting activity, but the amount of experimental data available for these pollutants is limited. The use of predictive strategies such as quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) is recommended under the REACH regulation, to fill data gaps and to screen and prioritize chemicals for further experimentation, with a consequent reduction of costs and number of tested animals. In this study, local classification models for PFCs were developed to predict their T4-TTR (thyroxin-transthyretin) competing potency. The best models were selected by maximizing the sensitivity and external predictive ability. These models, characterized by robustness, good predictive power and a defined applicability domain, were applied to predict the activity of 33 other PFCs of environmental concern. Finally, classification models recently published by our research group for T4-TTR binding of brominated flame retardants and for estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity were applied to the studied perfluorinated chemicals to compare results and to further evaluate the potential for these PFCs to cause endocrine disruption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Endocrine Disruptors / pharmacology*
  • Flame Retardants / pharmacology
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / pharmacology*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Prealbumin / metabolism*
  • Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship*
  • Receptors, Estrogen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism*

Substances

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Flame Retardants
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated
  • Prealbumin
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Thyroid Hormones