To investigate the effects of low-dose exposure to PFAS on cellular metabolism using a long-term cell culture model.
Key Findings:
Limited intracellular accumulation of PFAS was observed, with PFOS stabilizing at around 0.40 ng/mg of cellular protein.
PFOA remained below the detection limit throughout the study.
Transcriptomic profiling indicated changes in oxidative stress pathways and lipid metabolism.
Lipidomic measurements showed shifts consistent with membrane remodeling and altered lipid composition.
Interpretation:
Chronic PFAS exposure can trigger adaptive cellular responses despite low intracellular concentrations, suggesting toxicity may arise from interactions with cellular membranes rather than accumulation.
Limitations:
The in vitro system may not fully represent the complex toxicokinetics and tissue-specific responses seen in vivo.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the potential for low-dose PFAS exposure to induce significant molecular changes in cellular metabolism, emphasizing the need for further research on PFAS toxicity mechanisms.
