Megan Solan Presents at SETAC 45th Annual Meeting
Dr. Megan Solan, a fellow in Jin-Ah Park’s Lab, presented the poster entitled “Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) Induces Cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1 Expression and Enzymatic Activity in Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (HBEC) Cultured in Air-Liquid Interface (ALI)” at the SETAC North America 45th annual meeting on October 20-24, 2024.
“The research I presented at the SETAC annual meeting focused on Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFHxA is a type of PFAS, a group of chemicals often called ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down easily,” Dr. Solan explained. “PFHxA has recently been found in household dust, which inspired us to study the effects of exposure on airway epithelial cells that protect us from airborne contaminants. Our research showed that PFHxA exposure increases mRNA expression of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, which are crucial for metabolizing toxicants and drugs into a form which can be excreted by the body. This is significant because PFAS are known for their persistence in the body, raising questions on why PFHxA would affect CYP450 enzymes without being metabolized.”
Dr. Solan notes that PFAS are a hot topic at SETAC conferences, with attendees including consultants and EPA scientists who influence risk assessments and legislation.
