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Yang J, Zhang K, Shi J, Li Z, Dai H, Yang W. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and Cancer risk: results from a dose-response Meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2024; 22:455-469. [PMID: 39464822 PMCID: PMC11499464 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-024-00899-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent organic pollutants in the environment. While some studies suggest that PFASs may contribute to cancer development, the link between PFAS exposure and cancer risk remains debated. Methods This dose-response meta-analysis explores the relationship between PFASs and cancer. It employs odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD), along with their 95% confidence interval (CI), to assess the effects of PFASs on cancer risk. Relevant studies were sourced from Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and CNKI databases. The dose-response relationship was assessed by the fixed-effects model and least-squares regression. Results Forty studies, involving a total of 748,188 participants, were included in this meta-analysis. Out of these, 13 studies were specifically analyzed for the dose-response relationship. Findings revealed that exposure to PFASs, especially PFDA, significantly raises the risk of genitourinary cancers, and PFDA exposure shows a dose-dependent increase in overall and breast cancer risk. Additionally, PFOS exposure is associated with an increased cancer risk, and elevated PFOA levels were significantly observed in breast cancer patients. Conclusions The findings suggest that PFAS exposure is a potential cancer risk factor, with the carcinogenic potential of PFDA being dose-dependent. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-024-00899-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Shi
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Dai
- Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxing Yang
- Department of Physiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 People’s Republic of China
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2
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Zheng J, Liu S, Yang J, Zheng S, Sun B. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cancer: Detection methodologies, epidemiological insights, potential carcinogenic mechanisms, and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176158. [PMID: 39255941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are synthetic chemicals which have been used since the 1940s. Given their remarkable thermostability and chemical stability, PFAS have been widely utilized in commercial products, including textiles, surfactants, food packages, nonstick coatings, and fire-fighting foams. Thus, PFAS are widely distributed worldwide and have been detected in human urine, blood, breast milk, tissues and other substances. Growing concerns over the risks of PFAS, including their toxicity and carcinogenicity, have attracted people's attention. Recent reviews have predominantly emphasized advancements in the detection, adsorption, and degradation of PFAS through their chemical structures and toxic properties; however, further examination of the literature is needed to determine the link between PFAS exposure and cancer risk. Here, we introduced different PFAS detection methods based on sensors and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, we discussed epidemiological investigations on PFAS levels and cancer risks in recent years, as well as the mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis. Finally, we proposed the "4C principles" for ongoing exploration and refinement in this field. This review highlights PFAS-cancer associations to fill knowledge gaps and provide evidence-based strategies for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Junjie Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Shujian Zheng
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA.
| | - Boshi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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3
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Rashid F, Kabbo SA, Wang N. Mechanomemory of nucleoplasm and RNA polymerase II after chromatin stretching by a microinjected magnetic nanoparticle force. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114462. [PMID: 39002538 PMCID: PMC11289711 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that the mechanics of chromatin and nucleoplasm regulate gene transcription and nuclear function. However, how the chromatin and nucleoplasm sense and respond to forces remains elusive. Here, we employed a strategy of applying forces directly to the chromatin of a cell via a microinjected 200-nm anti-H2B-antibody-coated ferromagnetic nanoparticle (FMNP) and an anti-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-antibody-coated or an uncoated FMNP. The chromatin behaved as a viscoelastic gel-like structure and the nucleoplasm was a softer viscoelastic structure at loading frequencies of 0.1-5 Hz. Protein diffusivity of the chromatin, nucleoplasm, and RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) and RNA Pol II activity were upregulated in a chromatin-stretching-dependent manner and stayed upregulated for tens of minutes after force cessation. Chromatin stiffness increased, but the mechanomemory duration of chromatin diffusivity decreased, with substrate stiffness. These findings may provide a mechanomemory mechanism of transcription upregulation and have implications on cell and nuclear functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlur Rashid
- The Institute for Mechanobiology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sadia Amin Kabbo
- The Institute for Mechanobiology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- The Institute for Mechanobiology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Li F, Yang R, Lu L, Hua W, Sun Y, Tian M, Lu Y, Huang Q. Comparative steroidogenic effects of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Regulation of histone modifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124030. [PMID: 38663511 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
As a widely used alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) has been detected in the environment and humans; however, little is known regarding its male reproductive toxicity. To compare the effects of HFPO-TA on steroid hormone synthesis with PFOA, we exposed Leydig cells (MLTC-1) to non-lethal doses (0.1, 1, and 10 μM) of PFOA and HFPO-TA for 48 h. It was found that the levels of steroid hormones, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP), androstenedione (ASD), and testosterone (T) were significantly increased in 1 and 10 μM of PFOA and HFPO-TA groups, with greater elevation being observed in the HFPO-TA groups than in the PFOA groups at 10 μM. We further showed that the two rate-limiting steroidogenic genes (Star and Cyp11a1) were up-regulated, while Hsd3b, Cyp17a1, and Hsd17b were down-regulated or unchanged after PFOA/HFPO-TA exposure. Moreover, PFOA exposure significantly up-regulated histone H3K4me1/3 and H3K9me1, while down-regulated H3K4me2 and H3K9me2/3 levels. By contrast, H3K4me2/3 and H3K9me2/3 were enhanced, while H3K4me1 and H3K9me1 were repressed after HFPO-TA treatment. It was further confirmed that H3K4me1/3 were increased and H3K9me2 was decreased in Star and Cyp11a1 promoters by PFOA, while HFPO-TA increased H3K4me2/3 and decreased H3K9me1 in the two gene promoters. Therefore, we propose that low levels of PFOA/HFPO-TA enhance the expression of Star and Cyp11a1 by regulating H3K4 and H3K9 methylation, thus stimulating the production of steroid hormones in MLTC-1 cells. Collectively, HFPO-TA exhibits stronger effects on steroidogenesis compared to PFOA, which may be ascribed to the distinct regulation of histone modifications. These data suggest that HFPO-TA does not appear to be a safer alternative to PFOA on the aspect of male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Weizhen Hua
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Defect, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yanyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Qingyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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5
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Sands M, Zhang X, Gal A, Laws M, Spinella M, Erdogan ZM, Irudayaraj J. Comparative hepatotoxicity of novel lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI, ie. HQ-115) and legacy Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in male mice: Insights into epigenetic mechanisms and pathway-specific responses. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108556. [PMID: 38461777 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI ie. HQ-115), a polymer electrolyte used in energy applications, has been detected in the environment, yet its health risks and environmental epigenetic effects remain unknown. This study aims to unravel the potential health risks associated with LiTFSI, investigate the role of DNA methylation-induced toxic mechanisms in its effects, and compare its hepatotoxic impact with the well-studied Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Using a murine model, six-week-old male CD1 mice were exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of each chemical for 14 days as 14-day exposure and 1 and 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days as 30-day exposure. Results indicate that PFOA exposure induced significant hepatotoxicity, characterized by liver enlargement, and elevated serum biomarkers. In contrast, LiTFSI exposure showed lower hepatotoxicity, accompanied by mild liver injuries. Despite higher bioaccumulation of PFOA in serum, LiTFSI exhibited a similar range of liver concentrations compared to PFOA. Reduced Representative Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) analysis revealed distinct DNA methylation patterns between 14-day and 30-day exposure for the two compounds. Both LiTFSI and PFOA implicated liver inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism. Transcriptional results showed that differentially methylated regions in both exposures are enriched with cancer/disease-related motifs. Furthermore, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a regulator of lipid metabolism, was upregulated in both exposures, with downstream genes indicating potential oxidative damages. Overall, LiTFSI exhibits distinct hepatotoxicity profiles, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment of emerging PFAS compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Sands
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Laws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zeynep-Madak Erdogan
- Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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6
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Xie Z, Sun S, Ji H, Miao M, He W, Song X, Cao W, Wu Q, Liang H, Yuan W. Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and DNA methylation in the placenta: A prospective cohort study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132845. [PMID: 37898083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies regarding the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and DNA methylation were limited. We investigated the associations of maternal PFAS concentrations with placental DNA methylation and examined the mediating role of methylation changes between PFAS and infant development. We measured the concentrations of 11 PFAS in maternal plasma during early pregnancy and infant development at six months of age. We analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation in 16 placental samples using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Additionally, we measured DNA methylation levels using bisulfite amplicon sequencing in 345 mother-infant pairs for five candidate genes, including carbohydrate sulfotransferase 7 (CHST7), fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13), insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4), paired like homeobox 2Ap (PHOX2A), and plexin domain containing 1 (PLXDC1). We found that placental DNA methylation profiles related to PFOA mainly enriched in angiogenesis and neuronal signaling pathways. PFOA was associated with hypomethylation of IRS4 and PLXDC1, and PFNA was associated with PLXDC1 hypomethylation. There were positive associations of CHST7 methylation with PFTrDA and IRS4 methylation with PFDoA and PFTrDA. PLXDC1 hypomethylation mediated the association between PFOA and suspected developmental delay in infants. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xie
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of public health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Songlin Sun
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of public health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wanhong He
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiuxia Song
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wencheng Cao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Qihan Wu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Hong Liang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Wei Yuan
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
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7
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Abudayyak M, Karaman EF, Guler ZR, Ozden S. Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on endoplasmic reticulum stress and lipid metabolism-related genes in human pancreatic cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104083. [PMID: 36804611 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is environmentally persistent and has been classified by The International Cancer Research Agency (IARC) as a possible human pancreatic carcinogen. In this study, the epigenetic alteration, the changes in the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related and metabolism-related genes, as well as DNA methyltransferase expression were investigated using RT-PCR and ELISA assays. PFOA induced a significant increase in the methylation ratio (5-mC%), impacted DNA methylation maintenance gene expression and decreased lipid metabolism-related genes except for PPARγ (≥ 13-fold increase). While PFOA induced the expression of ATF4 (≥ 5.41-folds), CHOP (≥ 5.41-folds) genes, it inhibited the expression of ATF6 (≥ 67.2%), GRP78 (≥ 64.3%), Elf2α (≥ 95.8%), IRE1 (≥ 95.5%), and PERK (≥ 91.7%) genes. It is thought that epigenetic mechanisms together with disruption in the glucose-lipid metabolism and changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes may play a key role in PFOA-induced pancreatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abudayyak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ecem Fatma Karaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Rana Guler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Ozden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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8
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Zhao H, Xie J, Wu S, Sánchez OF, Zhang X, Freeman JL, Yuan C. Pre-differentiation exposure of PFOA induced persistent changes in DNA methylation and mitochondrial morphology in human dopaminergic-like neurons. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119684. [PMID: 35764183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is abundant in environment due to its historical uses in consumer products and industrial applications. Exposure to low doses of PFOA has been associated with various disease risks, including neurological disorders. The underlying mechanism, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of low dose PFOA exposure at 0.4 and 4 μg/L on the morphology, epigenome, mitochondrion, and neuronal markers of dopaminergic (DA)-like SH-SY5Y cells. We observed persistent decreases in H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and 5 mC markers in nucleus along with alterations in nuclear size and chromatin compaction percentage in DA-like neurons differentiated from SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 0.4 and 4 μg/L PFOA. Among the selected epigenetic features, DNA methylation pattern can be used to distinguish between PFOA-exposed and naïve populations, suggesting the involvement of epigenetic regulation. Moreover, DA-like neurons with pre-differentiation PFOA exposure exhibit altered network connectivity, mitochondrial volume, and TH expression, implying impairment in DA neuron functionality. Collectively, our results revealed the prolonged effects of developmental PFOA exposure on the fitness of DA-like neurons and identified epigenome and mitochondrion as potential targets for bearing long-lasting changes contributing to increased risks of neurological diseases later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Junkai Xie
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Shichen Wu
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Oscar F Sánchez
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xinle Zhang
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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9
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Liu W, Padhi A, Zhang X, Narendran J, Anastasio MA, Nain AS, Irudayaraj J. Dynamic Heterochromatin States in Anisotropic Nuclei of Cells on Aligned Nanofibers. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10754-10767. [PMID: 35803582 PMCID: PMC9332347 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cancer cell nucleus deforms as it invades the interstitial spaces in tissues and the tumor microenvironment. While alteration of the chromatin structure in a deformed nucleus is expected and documented, the chromatin structure in the nuclei of cells on aligned matrices has not been elucidated. In this work we elucidate the spatiotemporal organization of heterochromatin in the elongated nuclei of cells on aligned nanofibers with stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We show that the anisotropy of nuclei is sufficient to drive H3K9me3-heterochromatin alterations, with enhanced H3K9me3 nanocluster compaction and aggregation states that otherwise are indistinguishable from diffraction-limited microscopy. We interrogated the higher-order heterochromatin structures within major chromatin compartments in anisotropic nuclei and discovered a wider spatial dispersion of nanodomain clusters in the nucleoplasm and condensed larger nanoclusters near the periphery and pericentromeric heterochromatin. Upon examining the spatiotemporal dynamics of heterochromatin in anisotropic nuclei, we observed reduced mobility of the constitutive heterochromatin mark H3K9me3 and the associated heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1α) at the nucleoplasm and periphery regions, correlating with increased viscosity and changes in gene expression. Since heterochromatin remodeling is crucial to genome integrity, our results reveal an unconventional H3K9me3 heterochromatin distribution, providing cues to an altered chromatin state due to perturbations of the nuclei in aligned fiber configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liu
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, 1102 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Biomedical
Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Cancer Center at Illinois,
Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Beckman
Institute, Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Abinash Padhi
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, 1102 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jairaj Narendran
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, 1102 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Mark A. Anastasio
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, 1102 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Amrinder S. Nain
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Illinois
at Urbana−Champaign, 1102 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Biomedical
Research Center, Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Cancer Center at Illinois,
Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Beckman
Institute, Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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10
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Boyd RI, Ahmad S, Singh R, Fazal Z, Prins GS, Madak Erdogan Z, Irudayaraj J, Spinella MJ. Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Poly- and Perfluoroalkylated Substances and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2919. [PMID: 35740585 PMCID: PMC9220899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are chemicals that persist and bioaccumulate in the environment and are found in nearly all human populations through several routes of exposure. Human occupational and community exposure to PFAS has been associated with several cancers, including cancers of the kidney, testis, prostate, and liver. While evidence suggests that PFAS are not directly mutagenic, many diverse mechanisms of carcinogenicity have been proposed. In this mini-review, we organize these mechanisms into three major proposed pathways of PFAS action-metabolism, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic perturbation-and discuss how these distinct but interdependent pathways may explain many of the proposed pro-carcinogenic effects of the PFAS class of environmental contaminants. Notably, each of the pathways is predicted to be highly sensitive to the dose and window of exposure which may, in part, explain the variable epidemiologic and experimental evidence linking PFAS and cancer. We highlight testicular and prostate cancer as models to validate this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya I. Boyd
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.A.); (J.I.)
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Zeynep Madak Erdogan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.A.); (J.I.)
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael J. Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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11
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Jiang H, Liu H, Liu G, Yu J, Liu N, Jin Y, Bi Y, Wang H. Associations between Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure and Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060318. [PMID: 35736926 PMCID: PMC9227283 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent pollutants that may cause breast cancer. However, associations between exposure to PFASs and the risk of breast cancer are controversial. We retrieved studies on the association between PFASs—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)—and breast cancer risk in women from PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted or calculated from provided data. Moreover, subgroup and metaregression analyses were performed to distinguish the potential sources of heterogeneity between studies. Lastly, eight original studies were included in the meta-analysis. PFOA and PFHxS were positively correlated with breast cancer risk, and the pooled ORs (and 95% CIs) were 1.32 (1.19 and 1.46) and 1.79 (1.51 and 2.11), respectively. PFNA was negatively correlated with breast cancer risk and the pooled OR (and 95% CIs) was 0.76 (0.6 and 0.96), and PFOS was shown to have no correlation with breast cancer risk and the pooled OR (and 95% CIs) was 1.01 (0.87 and 1.17). All results were merged in a random-effects model with significant heterogeneities (I2 > 90%, p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that PFASs might be potential risk factors for breast cancer, and the compounds in low exposure levels could have a more harmful impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Wang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +027-6875-8591
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12
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Clark KL, George JW, Hua G, Davis JS. Perfluorooctanoic acid promotes proliferation of the human granulosa cell line HGrC1 and alters expression of cell cycle genes and Hippo pathway effector YAP1. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:49-59. [PMID: 35346789 PMCID: PMC10364788 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a common environmental contaminant that belongs to a group of manmade fluorinated chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to the pervasive nature of PFOA, the environmental health risks of PFOA contamination and exposure on reproductive health have increasing concern. In the present study, we exposed HGrC1 cells, an immortalized human granulosa cell line, to environmentally relevant (1-10 μM) concentrations of PFOA. Results indicated that HGrC1 cells treated with PFOA had increased proliferation and migration relative to vehicle treated controls. No differences in cell apoptosis were observed with 1-10 μM PFOA. Gene expression analysis revealed increases in mRNA transcripts for cell cycle regulators CCND1, CCNA2, and CCNB1. Upregulation of YAP1 protein and downstream target CTGF protein was also observed, suggesting that the Hippo pathway is involved in the proliferation and migratory effects of PFOA on HGrC1 cells. Further, the YAP1 inhibitor Verteporfin prevented the stimulatory effects of PFOA on HGrC1 cells. Together, these findings support a role for the Hippo pathway effector YAP1 in response to PFOA exposure in human granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA.
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13
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Epigenetic toxicity and cytotoxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid and its effects on gene expression in embryonic mouse hypothalamus cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 72:182-190. [PMID: 34587672 PMCID: PMC8576751 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Even though the endocrine-disrupting potential of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is well known, the mechanisms underlying its cellular and epigenetic toxicity at the critical stage of hypothalamic development are poorly understood. This is why we studied its effects on the embryonic mouse hypothalamic cell line N46 (mHypoE-N46) with a hope to shed more light on the mechanisms through which PFOA causes embryonic hypothalamic cell damage. To do that, we studied cell viability, global DNA methylation, and gene expression in cells exposed to PFOA. As the PFOA dose increased, cell viability decreased, while global DNA methylation increased. PFOA also significantly altered the expression of genes related to the apoptosis and cell cycle, neurotrophic genes, and the Tet, Dnmt, and Mecp2 genes. Our findings suggest that exposure to PFOA affects cell survival through the reprogramming of embryonic hypothalamic DNA methylation patterns and altering cell homeostasis genes. DNA methylation and changes in the Mecp2 gene expression induced by PFOA also imply wider ramifications, as they alter genes of other major mechanisms of the embryonic hypothalamus. Our study may therefore serve as a good starting point for further research into the mechanisms of PFOA effect of hypothalamic development.
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14
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Tarapore P, Ouyang B. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health: Do PFOA and PFOS Increase Risk for Male Infertility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073794. [PMID: 33916482 PMCID: PMC8038605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade synthetic chemicals which have been in existence for over 70 years. Though they are currently being phased out, their persistence in the environment is widespread. There is increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure to health effects, an issue of concern since PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) bioaccumulate in humans, with a half-life of years. Many epidemiological studies suggest that, worldwide, semen quality has decreased over the past several decades. One of the most worrying effects of PFOS and PFOA is their associations with lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men. This review thus focuses on PFOS/PFOA-associated effects on male reproductive health. The sources of PFAS in drinking water are listed. The current epidemiological studies linking increased exposure to PFAS with lowered testosterone and semen quality, and evidence from rodent studies supporting their function as endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system, exhibiting non-monotonic dose responses, are noted. Finally, their mechanisms of action and possible toxic effects on the Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells are discussed. Future research efforts must consider utilizing better human model systems for exposure, using more accurate PFAS exposure susceptibility windows, and improvements in statistical modeling of data to account for the endocrine disruptor properties of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-558-5148
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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15
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Jabeen M, Fayyaz M, Irudayaraj J. Epigenetic Modifications, and Alterations in Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Pathway in A549 Lung Carcinoma Cell Line upon Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040112. [PMID: 33238432 PMCID: PMC7711517 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made compounds with strong C-F bonds, and have been used in various manufacturing industries for decades. PFAS have been reported to deleterious effect on human health, which has led to studies identifying the possible toxicity and toxicity routes of these compounds. We report that these compounds have the potential to cause epigenetic modifications, and to induce dysregulation in the cell proliferation cycle as well as apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells when exposed to 10-, 200- and 400 μM concentrations of each compound. Our studies show that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) may cause hypomethylation in the epigenome, but changes in the epigenetic makeup are not evident upon exposure to GenX. We establish that exposure to lower doses of these compounds causes the cells' balance to shift to cell proliferation, whereas exposure to higher concentrations shifts the balance more towards apoptosis. Furthermore, the apoptosis pathway upon exposure to GenX, PFOA, and PFOS has also been identified. Our findings suggest that exposure to any of these compounds may have profound effects in patients with pre-existing lung conditions or could trigger lung cancinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musarrat Jabeen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (M.J.); (M.F.)
- Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Centre at Illinois (CCIL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Muhammad Fayyaz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (M.J.); (M.F.)
- Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Centre at Illinois (CCIL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (M.J.); (M.F.)
- Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Centre at Illinois (CCIL), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Nick Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +217-300-0525
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16
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Rashid F, Ahmad S, Irudayaraj JMK. Effect of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on the Epigenetic and Tight Junction Genes of the Mouse Intestine. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8030064. [PMID: 32872178 PMCID: PMC7560341 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8030064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been implicated in various toxicities including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, epigenetic toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and hepatotoxicity. However, information on the accumulation of PFOA in the intestine and its toxic effects on intestinal epigenetics and tight junction (TJ) genes is sparse. CD1 mice were dosed with PFOA (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day) for 10 days, and its accumulation and induced alterations in the expression of epigenetic and tight junction genes in the small intestine and colon were evaluated using LC-MS and qPCR techniques. PFOA reduced the expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b) primarily in the small intestine whereas, in the colon, a decrease was observed only at high concentrations. Moreover, ten-eleven translocation genes (Tet2 and Tet3) expression was dysregulated in the small intestine, whereas in the colon Tets remained unaffected. The tight junction genes Claudins (Cldn), Occludin (Ocln), and Tight Junction Protein (Tjp) were also heavily altered in the small intestine. TJs responded differently across the gut, in proportion to PFOA dosing. Our study reveals that PFOA triggers DNA methylation changes and alters the expression of genes essential for maintaining the physical barrier of intestine, with more profound effects in the small intestine compared to the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Rashid
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (F.R.); (S.A.)
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (F.R.); (S.A.)
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Maria Kumar Irudayaraj
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (F.R.); (S.A.)
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-765-404-0499
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