Chain length-dependent mitochondrial toxicity of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids: insights from Mito Tox Index evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that accumulate in living organisms, posing significant human health risks. The toxicity mechanisms of PFAS include mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic failure.

Methods

This study evaluates the structure-activity relationship of PFAS compounds with mitochondrial toxicity by comparing the Mito Tox Index (MTI) of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) varying carbon chain lengths. The MTI quantifies the extent to which substances disrupt mitochondrial function by distinguishing between mitochondrial inhibition and uncoupling. This was followed by an assessment of the effect of PFCAs on total cellular bioenergetics and impedance-based real time cell viability measurement.

SUBMITTER: Kam Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12303941 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature