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<P>The aim of the project is to investigate the distribution of brominated chemicals in adipose tissue of morbidly obese patients and a comparative control population. Samples of blood, liver and adipose tissue are analysed. The secondary outcome will be to determine whether bariatric surgery-induced weight loss causes an increase in tissue concentrations of brominated compounds. The results will allow the risk assessment process for the obese population to be refined.</P>
<P>The obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery (gastric band surgery) have been recruited, who will provide tissue samples during surgery. Follow up blood samples are being taken 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. Each participant will also complete a simple food diary and have their weight loss and change of body composition monitored. Non-obese patients undergoing minor gastric/abdominal surgery are being recruited as controls.</P>
<P>Measurement of levels of brominated compounds in liver, adipose tissue and blood samples has been performed using high resolution mass spectrometry.</P>
<P>The final data will be analysed to identify the change in brominated compounds levels over time associated with loss of body weight/change in lean body mass, together with the load of brominated chemicals in subcutaneous adipose tissue before and after weight loss. </P>
<P>Brominated chemicals are used widely and applications include flame retardants in office products (computers, for example), and soft furnishing (upholstery, for example). While some flame retardants are decreasing in use due to restricting regulations, the use of other replacement brominated flame retardants is still increasing. These compounds persist in the environment and several have been added to the list of Stockholm persistent organic pollutants (ie based on the 2001 Stockholm Convention). They persist in human and animal tissue and have been reported to show various biological effects. The results of this study are meant to provide insights on toxicodynamics of the distribution of brominated chemicals in adipose tissue of obese and non-obese patients, characterise burden of contaminants in liver and adipose tissue and relationship with blood levels. </P>