Effects of PFOA on Endocrine-Related Systems

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an 8-carbon fully fluorinated chemical that has reported effects on endocrine-related systems in rodents, humans, and other species. Numerous endocrine organs may be targets for PFOA, including the brain, thyroid, pancreas, adipose tissue, ovary, uterus, testes, and breast. Developmental exposure effects have been reported on behavior, serum thyroid and gonadal steroid profiles, breast epithelial growth, and metabolic end points, such as serum insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels and weight gain. Many of these PFOA-induced effects have been reported in two or more species. The mechanisms for these numerous effects are poorly understood and deserve further investigation to define the pathways that should be avoided as PFOA-replacement products enter the market.