Researchers at the University of Southern California have found that a synthetic chemical widely present in the environment may increase the risk of liver cancer.
This chemical, called perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS), is part of a group of man-made substances known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they degrade very slowly and build up over time in the environment and in human tissues, including the liver.
The study is the first to confirm a direct link between PFAS exposure and non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer, using human samples. While earlier research suggested a connection, this study provides stronger evidence by analyzing real-world blood samples.
PFAS chemicals are used in many everyday products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging.
Over time, they accumulate in soil, water, and even the human body. Their presence in liver tissue has raised concerns, as the liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins and regulating metabolism.
The research team analyzed data from over 200,000 residents of Los Angeles and Hawaii who were monitored for cancer and other diseases.
They focused on 50 individuals who developed liver cancer and compared their blood samples, collected before their diagnosis, with those of 50 participants who did not develop cancer.
Their findings revealed that people with higher levels of PFOS in their blood were significantly more likely to develop liver cancer.
Those in the top 10% of PFOS exposure were 4.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer compared to individuals with the lowest PFOS levels.
The researchers also explored how PFOS might damage the liver. They found that the chemical disrupts critical metabolic processes, including glucose metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and the processing of branched-chain amino acids—important nutrients for liver health.
These disruptions can lead to the buildup of fat in the liver, a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a growing global health concern and is projected to affect 30% of adults in the U.S. by 2030. This condition increases the risk of developing liver cancer, making the study’s findings particularly alarming.
The rise in NAFLD cases has puzzled scientists, but environmental exposures like PFAS may be a contributing factor.
The research team plans to conduct larger studies to confirm the connection between PFOS and liver cancer. These findings underscore the importance of understanding how long-lasting chemicals in the environment affect human health.
If you’re concerned about liver health, other studies have highlighted ways to reduce liver fat and improve liver function, including certain medications and dietary changes.
Incorporating vegetables known to support liver health may also help reduce risks associated with conditions like NAFLD.
This groundbreaking study, led by Jesse Goodrich and published in JHEP Reports, sheds light on how environmental chemicals like PFAS could pose serious health risks. With further research, scientists hope to develop strategies to reduce exposure and protect liver health.
If you care about cancer risk, please read studies that exercise may stop cancer in its tracks, and vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that yogurt and high-fiber diet may cut lung cancer risk, and results showing that new cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system.
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