NRP50

02: Hormonal activity of UV screens in aquatic ecosystems (HAUS).

Hormonal activity of UV screens in aquatic ecosystems.

A recent study has shown that certain UV filters display adverse estrogenic effects. Residues of UV screens have been found in Swiss lakes and fish. In this project, the potential estrogenic effects of UV screens will be evaluated for aquatic organisms in vitro and in vivo.

Fent Karl, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, Muttenz 

e-mail: karl.fentanti spam bot@fhnwanti spam bot.ch

Background

Chemicals used as UV filters (UV screens) in sunscreens, cosmetics and in other materials may contaminate the aquatic environment in relevant concentrations. Residues of UV screens have recently been found in Swiss lake water and in fish, but their bioaccumulation and possible hormonal effects on aquatic life remain largely unknown.
Recently, estrogenic activity of some UV filters was shown in rats. The question arises “do UV filters display similar estrogenic effects in aquatic organisms such as fish and amphibians?”.

Aim

The project intends to evaluate the estrogenic activity caused by a series of single UV screens. In vitro and in vivo assays will be carried out to gain further understanding of the hormonal activity of these compounds with respect to sex hormones in fish and on the thyroid hormone system in frog. In vitro assays with genetically engineered yeast carrying a human estrogen receptor will be performed to analyze estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities. In addition, the estrogenic activity of mixtures of UV filters will be examined to determine their interactions.

Significance

This project will help further scientific knowledge of the hormonal activity of UV filters both in vitro and in vivo in fish and amphibians.
UV screens are increasingly being used by the public; these compounds may play an ecotoxicological role in humans and wildlife, probably resulting mainly from direct exposure and intake via the food chain. For these reasons, a better evaluation, hazard and risk characterization and risk assessment of UV screens is urgently required.