Association between Immunological Reactivity with Tetrabromobisphenol-A and Autoimmune Target Sites of the Nervous System

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

Abstract

Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) is the most widely used flame retardant. Flame retardants are sprayed on furniture, mattress beds, children’s pajamas, car seats, upholstery, carpets, and rugs in the United States. Chemical immune reactivity may play a role in the epidemic of autoimmune disease. The goal of this research is to investigate whether any correlation exists between immunological reactivity to TBBPA, a key chemical used in most flame retardants, and neurological autoimmune target sites that are associated with neurological autoimmune diseases with a diverse and specific list of antibodies that include myelin basic protein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, alpha-synuclein, aquaporin receptors, and S100B antibodies with human serum samples. The outcomes of this research can be used to support the development of safety regulations and for identifying potential health concerns for current mandatory flame-retardant legislation. Additionally, this research may support the decisions made in respect of those suffering from neurological autoimmune diseases, as to whether removing flame retardant chemicals is a factor for consideration.

Original languageAmerican English
QualificationPh.D.
Awarding Institution
  • College of Health Care Sciences – Health Science Department
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Swann, Elizabeth, Advisor, External person
Publisher
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • Health and environmental sciences
  • Alpha-synuclein
  • Autoimmunity
  • Myelin basic protein
  • Myelin oligodenrocyte protein
  • S100B
  • Tetrabromobisphenol-A

Disciplines

  • Medicine and Health Sciences

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