| dc.description.abstract | Perfluoroalkyl substances are compounds commonly used in waterproofing products such as Teflon and Scotch Guard. These compounds are pervasive in the environment and persistent in organisms, leading to negative health effects over time. PFAS have been shown to act as endocrine disruptors, induce cancer, and disrupt lipid metabolism; however, their mechanism of toxicity is still poorly understood. In order to study the mechanisms of action of these chemicals, we used an in vitro model of Rainbow Trout liver (RTL-W1) and measured cytotoxicity, qPCR, and in the future lipid droplet assays. We calculated dose-response curves for PFOS and PFOA across a gradient of fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentrations. Interestingly, PFOS showed lysosomal stimulation that was not shown by PFOA. We also noted a protective effect at higher FBS levels when we compared exposure media with 1%, 5%, and 10% FBS levels. Finally, our qPCR analysis showed no change in PPARy expression at 50 nM PFOS and PFOA, though there was an inhibitory effect at 1 uM PFOS. This study would benefit from future explorations into additional exposure concentrations, lipid-regulating genes, chemicals, and the optimization/completion of the lipid droplet assays. It did serve as a foundation to begin comparing between exposure concentration, toxicity, and gene expression changes in the RTL-W1 cell line upon exposure to PFAS. | |
