Mode of Action analysis of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) tumorigenicity and Human Relevance

Reprod Toxicol. 2012 Jul;33(4):410-418. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.10.014. Epub 2011 Nov 22.

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmentally persistent chemical used in the manufacturing of a wide array of industrial and commercial products. PFOA has been shown to induce tumors of the liver, testis and pancreas (tumor triad) in rats following chronic dietary administration. PFOA belongs to a group of compounds that are known to activate the PPARα receptor. The PPARα activation Mode of Action was initially addressed in 2003 [9] and further refined in subsequent reviews [92-94]. In the intervening time, additional information on PFOA effects as well as a further refinement of the Mode of Action framework warrants a re-examination of this compound for its cancer induction Mode of Action. This review will address the rodent (rat) cancer data and cancer Mode of Action of PFOA for tumors of the liver, testes and pancreas.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caprylates / toxicity*
  • Carcinogenicity Tests
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Fluorocarbons / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / chemically induced*
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Rats
  • Testicular Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Caprylates
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fluorocarbons
  • perfluorooctanoic acid