| Estrogenic Activity of Phenolic Additives Determined By an In Vitro Yeast Bioassay Danielle Miller,1 Brian B. Wheals,1 Nicola Beresford,2 and John P. Sumpter2 1Centre for Environmental Research; and 2Department of Biological Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom Abstract
We used a recombinant yeast estrogen assay to assess the activity of 73 phenolic additives that are used as sunscreens, preservatives, disinfectants, antioxidants, flavorings, or for perfumery. Thirty-two of these compounds displayed activity: 22 with potencies relative to 17ß-estradiol, ranging from 1/3,000 to < 1/3,000,000, and 10 compounds with an impaired response that could not be directly compared with 17ß-estradiol. Forty-one compounds were inactive. The major criteria for activity appear to be the presence of an unhindered phenolic OH group in a para position and a molecular weight of 140-250 Da. Key words: estrogenic activity, phenolic additives, recombinant yeast assay. Environ Health Perspect 109:133-138 (2001) . [Online 19 January 2001] http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2001/109p133-138miller/ abstract.html Address correspondence to J.P. Sumpter, Department of Biological Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. Telephone: 44 1 895 27 4000. Fax: 44 1 895 274348. E-mail: John.Sumpter@brunel.ac.uk This work was supported in part under contract with the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry as part of the Government Chemist Programme. Received 28 March 2000 ; accepted 11 September 2000.
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