Thursday, 26 May 2016 11:57

DFG supports toxicity study on perfluorooctanoic Featured

Using human hepatocytes, scientists are going to investigate the toxicology of the industrial chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) for the next two years. Since it is questionable whether previous results from animal experiments with the chemical are transferable directly to humans, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) molecular mechanisms will examine in the liver cells, which may the German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) will study the moilecular mechanism in the liver cells which maybe induce toxic effects in these cells.

In previous studies with laboratory animals, high concentrations of PFOA have caused liver and testicular tumors in these animals. Additionally the substance is suspected of causing hormonal effects. For this reason the research project entitled "Molecular Mechanisms of toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) will be performed, supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with a total of 209,800 euros. Aim of the project is to examine the health effects of PFOA on a molecular level as well as to elucidate the mechanisms of action, particularly with regard to the hepatotoxic effects in human liver cell lines. Following, the results from these experiments should be compared with the published results of existing animal studies.

The findings will directly serve a contribution to the evaluation of the health risk of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) - an industrial chemical that is mainly applied as an adjuvant (emulsifier) during preparation of fluoropolymers.

Source:
http://www.bfr.bund.de/de/presseinformation/2016/17/schaedigt_perfluoroktansaeure_die_leber_beim_menschen_-197568.html