Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS).¹ It decreases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transactivation in a reporter assay and induces apoptosis in NRK-52E rat renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, effects that can be reversed by the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone , when used at a concentration of 50 nM. PFOS (20 mg/L) increases malondialdede (MDA) levels and decreases glutathione (GSH) levels in zebrafish larvae.² It decreases body weight and induces hepatomegaly, renal pertrop, neoplastic growth in the gonads, thickening of pulmonary epithelial walls, and focal perplasia of cerebral gliocytes in rats when administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg.³ Maternal serum exposure to PFOS is positively associated with gestational diabetes, and umbilical cord serum levels are negatively associated with infant birth weight and head circumference.^4,5 It has been found in lake trout (S. namaycush), marine mammals, and urban watersheds.^6,7,8