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

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. AChE activity was measured spectrophotometrically using Ellman's method after exposure to selected compounds including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), and bromophenols. 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. 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.