How a common flame retardant may disrupt metabolism differently in men and women
Mechanisms of Sex-specific Metabolic Disruption Caused by Organophosphate Flame Retardant Exposure
This work looks at whether exposure to a widely used flame retardant that becomes BDCPP in the body leads to more body fat and insulin resistance, with stronger effects in men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128730 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that eats food containing the flame retardant to copy how people are exposed and then track changes in body fat and blood sugar control. They measure body composition and insulin resistance with detailed tests, including euglycemic clamps, and examine liver-specific changes. In lab experiments they test how TDCPP and its metabolite interact with hormone receptors and found activation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) linked to liver gene changes. The project builds on population data showing BDCPP is common in urine and is associated with metabolic problems mainly in men.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults concerned about environmental chemical exposures, particularly men with obesity or early signs of insulin resistance, are the group most directly relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: People whose diabetes is clearly driven by non-environmental genetic causes or who have no measurable exposure to these flame retardants are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify a preventable environmental cause of excess body fat and insulin resistance—especially in men—and inform exposure-reduction strategies or regulatory action.
How similar studies have performed: Previous population studies linked urinary BDCPP to metabolic syndrome in men and animal experiments have reproduced male-specific metabolic changes, so this work builds on suggestive prior evidence.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rashid, Cetewayo Saif — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Rashid, Cetewayo Saif
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.