The Connection Between PFAS and Liver Disease

Recent studies have uncovered troubling evidence regarding a common synthetic chemical found in various consumer products, indicating a potential increase in liver cancer risk. The compound in question, perfluooctane sulfate (PFOS), is categorized as a "forever chemical" due to its slow degradation rate, leading to its accumulation in the environment, including soil, air, and water. More alarmingly, it tends to accumulate in the organs of individuals who consume contaminated food.

The prevalence of PFOS is staggering; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), it has been detected in the blood of 97% of Americans. Furthermore, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—a broad group encompassing over 9,000 chemicals, including PFOS—are increasingly incorporated into everyday items.

Jesse Goodrich, a lead researcher on the study, emphasizes that the hazards posed by PFAS have been known for some time, noting that laboratory animals exposed to these chemicals showed an increased risk of liver cancer. "This builds on existing research but takes it a step further," Goodrich stated. "Liver cancer represents one of the most severe outcomes of liver disease, and this study marks the first time a human link to PFAS has been established."

The research team from the Keck School of Medicine analyzed a cohort of over 200,000 individuals to observe patterns in cancer development and other chronic illnesses. They collected blood and tissue samples from 100 participants—50 diagnosed with liver cancer and 50 who were not. Veronica Wendy Setiawan, a senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of having access to appropriate samples, noting that timely collection is crucial since cancer development is a gradual process.

The findings revealed that individuals with the highest blood levels of PFOS were 4.5 times more likely to develop non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer, compared to those with lower PFOS levels. Further investigations into how PFOS influences cancer risk indicated that it may alter the liver's glucose metabolism, leading to fat accumulation in liver tissues. This condition, known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has seen a significant, largely unexplained rise globally. By 2030, it's projected that about one-third of U.S. adults will have NAFLD, a precursor to liver cancer.

Leda Chatzi, an expert in population and public health science involved in the research, underscores the significance of understanding how environmental chemicals affect health. "We believe our findings offer vital insights into the long-term health ramifications of these substances, particularly regarding their potential to impair normal liver function," Chatzi noted. "This study addresses a crucial gap in our comprehension of the true impacts of chemical exposure."

The research team plans to expand their investigation by validating the connections between PFOS and liver cancer in a larger study set to begin in late 2022.