Firefighters face more than just flames on the job. New research from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health suggests that exposure to industrial chemicals may alter gene activity linked to cancer and other diseases. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, focuses on the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on firefighters’ gene expression.
PFAS are commonly found in products such as upholstery, electronics, cleaning products, and firefighting gear. Due to their occupational exposures, firefighters tend to have higher levels of PFAS in their bodies. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 303 firefighters across the U.S. and found that certain PFAS were associated with changes in specific microRNAs (miRNAs) activity. These changes in miRNAs can play a role in the development of various diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
One of the key findings of the study was the association between PFAS exposure and changes in miRNAs linked to cancer pathways. For example, PFOS, a common PFAS, was found to be associated with lower levels of miR-128-1-5p, a miRNA linked to cancer development. The researchers also identified connections between PFAS-related miRNA changes and biological pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid, and breast cancers, as well as neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and asthma.
The study didn’t show direct disease outcomes but pointed to biological changes that could precede diseases. Understanding the potential biological effects of PFAS exposure could help in developing new ways to prevent or reduce long-term health risks. The researchers are working on long-term follow-up studies with firefighters to identify interventions to reduce the risk of developing diseases.
Epigenetic changes, which affect gene activity without altering genes themselves, play a crucial role in understanding how PFAS exposure leads to an increased risk of diseases. By identifying early miRNA signatures associated with health outcomes, researchers can potentially intervene to prevent the development of diseases. Pharmaceutical companies are already working on treatments focused on epigenetic modifications, which could be a promising approach for mitigating the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
The study, part of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, sheds light on the complex relationship between PFAS exposure and gene activity in firefighters. By unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations, researchers aim to provide insights that could lead to effective preventive strategies for reducing the long-term health risks faced by firefighters.
