Eurofins Discovery helps researchers understand human toxicities related to PFAS
Sheryl P. Denker PhD, Senior Strategic Content Manager, sheryldenker@eurofinsus.com; Justin H. Lipner, PhD, Translational Biology Study Director; Antal Berenyi, Data Architect; Jennifer I. Drake PhD; Translational Biology Study Director
Environmental chemicals – in particular those that are abundant and stable – may pose greater health risks than initially expected as they accumulate in the water, air, and our bodies over a lifetime. Fortunately, Eurofins Discovery’s human phenotypic drug discovery screening and profiling platform can be used by toxicologists to predict potential chemical-induced toxicities.
Researchers and policy makers worldwide seek to understand human toxicities related to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a chemically stable, diverse set of 4,700+ molecules used in various consumer products, from carpets and raincoats to nonstick cookware and food wrappers¹. While initially deemed safe, some PFAS are now known to cause harm to human development and immune function when accumulated in the body as a result of their stability, degradation characteristics, and organ or tissue sensitivities. Unfortunately, minimal to no information is available on the biological mechanisms of toxicity for the majority of PFAS. As this class of chemicals is still used in consumer products, there is a need for testing of this large family of molecules in predictive models of human toxicity.
The BioMAP® Platform from Eurofins Discovery Translational Biology Center of Excellence has a proven track record in drug discovery2,3. Work over the past five years with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) demonstrates that the platform is equally powerful for the prediction of human adverse outcomes in toxicological sciences.
“Our team values the importance of toxicity testing for the US EPA,” says Diane Werth, Site Leader for Eurofins Discovery in St. Charles, MO. “Delivering studies that improve health through a safer environment, in addition to safer medicines, is a responsibility we embrace.”
Using BioMAP Toxicity Signature Analysis, the EPA was able to distinguish differential human toxicities of various PFAS molecules. In comparison with standard immunosuppressive drugs – such as cyclosporine A and methotrexate – immunosuppression, skin irritation, and organ toxicity were noted for a subset of tested PFAS. Results from the EPA study are published in Alternatives to Animal Experimentation⁴.
The ability to predict adverse human health effects for toxicity testing or drug discovery; to screen large numbers of molecules for their impact on human disease biology; and to reduce, refine, and replace the use of animals in agreement with 3Rs strategies make the BioMAP Platform an ideal new approach methodology for next-generation risk assessment. Visit: www.eurofinsdiscovery.com/resources to download the Case Study on Human Toxicity of PFAS.
¹ https://www.eurofins.com/scientific-impact/scientific-innovation/what-do-pizza-boxes-raincoats-and-frying-pans-have-in-common/;
² https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189247
³ https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz9906
⁴ https://www.altex.org/index.php/altex/article/view/2446