Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in relation to the kidneys: A review of current available literature

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid is an artificial and non-degradable chemical. It is widely used due to its stable nature. It can enter the human body through food, drinking water, inhalation of household dust and contact with products containing perfluorooctanoic acid. It accumulates in the human body, causing potential harmful effects on human health. Based on the biodegradability and bioaccumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid in the human body, there are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure on kidneys. Research shows that kidney is the main accumulation organ of Perfluorooctanoic acid, and Perfluorooctanoic acid can cause nephrotoxicity and produce adverse effects on kidney function, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this review, we summarize the relationship between Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and kidney health, evaluate risks more clearly, and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research.

Effect of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on Kidney Function in Diabetic and Non-‎‎Diabetic Male Guinea Pigs

“…In vitro studies are recommended to well-known the impact of long-term PFOA exposure on the kidney including the toxicological information and mechanism of toxicity under stressed conditions (54,55) In conclusion, after 4 weeks, positive associations of PFOA with serum creatinine, have been observed in nondiabetic and diabetic guinea pigs exposed to PFOA. Furthermore, PFOA lead to disturbances in the kidney performance and nephrotoxicity in diabetic and nondiabetic animals.…”

“…increase in concern about the potential harmful effects of PFOA and its salts on both the environment and living organisms (9,10). Researchers revealed that PFOA accumulate mainly in the kidney and causes nephrotoxicity with impairment kidney functions (6). Moreover, diabetes (DM) is one of the health conditions which can be caused by Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (11).…”

“…Perfluorooctanoic acid is also used for the production of fluoropolymer, as surface treatment agents, and for the synthesis of other fluorinated polymers (5). Manufacturing and industrial sites that discharge PFOA into wastewater are considered as the major contamination source in environment (6). Despite phasing out of PFOA production in North America and Europe, the developing counties of Asia, Africa, and Latin America are still producing PFOA.…”

Ultrastructural Alterations of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier in Fish Experimentally Exposed to Perfluorooctanoic Acid

“…Irrespective of how albumin can transit across the endothelial (e.g., transcytosis) and basement membrane barriers, it can be internalized by podocytes, partially bypassing the filtration slit diaphragm through transcytosis [ 77 ], allowing PFOA to enter the cells that are critical for maintenance of the morphofunctional integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Moreover, in humans, PFOA is known to be filtered freely in the glomerulus, actively excreted in the proximal tubule, and then readsorbed by organic anion transport (OAT) peptides [ 78 , 79 ]. Interestingly, in the mouse, kidney OAT-like peptides have been described in blood vessels, parietal epithelial cells, podocytes, distal convoluted tubules, connecting tubules, and collecting tubules [ 80 ].…”

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Binding Properties and Impact on Human Health: Physiochemical Properties, Impact of Multiple PFAS Compounds, Variation among Species, and Fluoride Interaction

“…Kidneys are one organ in the body that has been shown to be impacted by the presence of PFOA. A review written by Liu et al, [34], states that kidneys are recognized as a target organ for PFOA due to their ability to bind to proteins and accumulates in organs. Glomerular filtration is an important function performed in the kidneys that help filter blood and play a role in the excretion of certain compounds in the body.…”