Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a synthetic, fully fluorinated organic acid belonging to the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It is not a therapeutic target but rather a persistent environmental pollutant and toxicant known for its extreme chemical stability and bioaccumulative properties [3, 15]. PFOS exerts its biological effects by interacting with various nuclear receptors, most notably acting as an agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) and the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) [1, 14]. These interactions lead to significant disruptions in lipid metabolism, endocrine function, and immune responses [4, 9]. Clinically, elevated PFOS levels are associated with hepatotoxicity, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid dysfunction, and impaired vaccine response [8, 11]. While not a drug target, its elimination from the body can be accelerated by bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine, which interrupt its enterohepatic circulation [8, 12]. Its persistence in the environment and human body has led to its classification as a 'forever chemical' and its inclusion in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants [15]. Research continues to investigate its role as a potential carcinogen, with the IARC classifying it as possibly carcinogenic to humans [18].

Other names

PerfluorooctanesulfonateHeptadecafluorooctane-1-sulfonic acid1-Octanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptadecafluoro-PFOS

Bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine bind to PFOS in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its reabsorption and interrupting its enterohepatic circulation, thereby increasing its fecal excretion [8, 12].