Work

Therapeutic intervention with anti-TNF alleviates colonic and hepatic toxicity induced by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a prevalent and chemically stable environmental contaminant. Our preliminary data suggest that chronic exposure to PFOA induces colonic damage in mice that resembles inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-TNF therapies are commonly used in the clinical management of IBD. Building upon our previous findings, we administered anti-TNF treatment to mice exposed to PFOA. Our results show that anti-TNF therapy significantly reduces the colonic inflammatory response, activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP) inflammasome, and apoptosis induced by PFOA. Additionally, anti-TNF treatment restores intestinal barrier integrity, which is disrupted by PFOA exposure, and enhances the regenerative capacity of the colon by promoting intestinal stem cell function. Furthermore, anti-TNF therapy effectively mitigates hepatic inflammation, liver dysfunction, lipid metabolism disturbances, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and apoptosis in the liver triggered by PFOA. In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence that anti-TNF therapy can alleviate both colonic and hepatic injuries induced by PFOA exposure. This research expands our understanding of environmental toxin-induced diseases and offers potential therapeutic strategies for managing PFOA-related disorders in the future. • Chronic PFOA exposure in mice induces colonic damage resembling IBD. • Anti-Tnf therapy alleviates inflammation in colons of mice exposed to PFOA. • Anti-TNF therapy decreases NLRP3 inflammasome activation & apoptosis. • Therapy enhances colon regenerative capacity & restores barrier integrity. • Anti-TNF therapy mitigates hepatic inflammation, and lipid metabolism disturbances.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118125

Authors: Wei Li, Yongjing Qian, Xiaojing Cai, Yu He, Xiannan Meng, Ling Zhang

Institutions: Xuzhou Medical College, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital)

Language: English

Topic: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,650