New research uncovers gene impacts of PFAS exposure in firefighters

Firefighters face more than just flames on the job. New research from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health has uncovered that exposure to industrial chemicals may alter gene activity linked to cancer and other diseases. Specifically, the study found that certain long-lasting chemicals that firefighters are exposed to can affect the activity of genes associated with various health conditions.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, focused on connecting common industrial chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to changes in microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are molecules that play a crucial role in controlling gene expression and maintaining cellular function. PFAS are commonly found in products like upholstery, insulation, electronics, cleaning products, nonstick cookware, and firefighting gear. Due to their occupational exposures, firefighters tend to have higher levels of PFAS in their systems, putting them at a higher risk for certain cancers and other health issues.

Lead author Melissa Furlong, Ph.D., an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the Zuckerman College of Public Health, explained that environmental changes can impact gene activity, leading to potential health consequences. By analyzing blood samples from 303 firefighters across the U.S., the researchers identified associations between PFAS levels and changes in specific miRNA activity. These changes were linked to pathways involved in various cancers, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.

One surprising finding was the broad impact of PFAS on biological pathways. For example, PFOS, a common PFAS, was associated with lower levels of a miRNA linked to cancer development. Other forms of PFOS were connected to changes in multiple miRNAs involved in regulating cancer development. The study also revealed connections between PFAS-related miRNA changes and pathways associated with leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid, and breast cancers, as well as neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and asthma.

While the study did not show direct disease outcomes, it highlighted potential biological changes that could precede the development of health conditions. Understanding these effects could lead to new strategies for preventing or reducing long-term health risks. Senior author Jeff Burgess, MD, MPH, emphasized the importance of epigenetic changes in assessing cancer risk and developing interventions to reduce health risks among firefighters.

The findings suggest that identifying early miRNA signatures could help predict the likelihood of certain health outcomes, including cancer. By focusing on epigenetic modifications, researchers hope to develop targeted treatments that address the underlying biological changes caused by PFAS exposure. Follow-up studies are underway to further investigate the relationship between PFAS exposure, gene activity, and disease risk among firefighters.

Overall, the study sheds light on the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure in firefighters and underscores the need for continued research and preventive measures. By understanding how industrial chemicals can alter gene activity, researchers aim to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of diseases among those in high-risk occupations.