Aroclor 1254 (CED0000009)

Aroclor 1254 belongs to the biphenyls and derivatives, a subclass of benzene and substituted derivatives within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound has a formula of C12H5Cl5 and an average molecular weight of 326.43 g/mol. It exists as a solid at room temperature. Recorded sources of the compound include household cleaning and consumer products such as pipe accessories, as well as electrical and electronic equipment including magnets and electrically stimulated smoking devices. Exposure can occur via inhalation (PMC10757425). Biologically, Aroclor 1254 acts as a neurotoxin and a carcinogenic agent. The compound interacts with several protein targets to produce various effects. It inhibits ATP-citrate synthase, which leads to a decrease in fatty acid synthesis. Inhibition of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase and aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase is believed to cause decreased dopamine synthesis. Aroclor 1254 causes endocrine disruption in humans by binding to and inhibiting the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and estrogen receptor (ESR1). Additionally, binding to estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) can produce other estrogenic effects, such as reproductive dysfunction, and may stimulate the growth of certain cancer cells. Dioxin-like PCBs bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), disrupting cell function by altering gene transcription, specifically inducing the expression of hepatic Phase I and Phase II enzymes such as the cytochrome P450 family. Finally, the compound can bioaccumulate by binding to receptor proteins such as uteroglobin (SCGB1A1).