Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2026

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Release Option

Open Access

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Worlanyo Eric Gato

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical substances used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products. Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is often used as a replacement for the more harmful (Perfluoroalkyl sulfonate) PFAS chemicals that have been around longer. It is believed that PFBS does not remain in the body as long as other PFAS compounds; however, there is a rising concern that it has the potential to cause damage to human health. This study focused on understanding how dietary PFBS exposure affects metabolism-related processes in adipose tissues in rats. To accomplish study objectives, Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to different amounts of PFBS (0 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm) for 11 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed, and adipose tissues, blood serum, and other organs were harvested for further analysis. Triglyceride levels in adipose tissue were dose-dependently elevated, while antioxidant capacity was reduced in PFBS-treated groups. Percent NF-κB was also reduced in treated groups. Glucose levels decreased relative to the 50 ppm group, though they remained slightly elevated compared to the control, and PFBS exposure may disrupt normal insulin signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression analysis revealed that PFBS exposure induces changes in genes associated with oxidative stress, DNA repair, inflammation, and cell cycle regulation. These findings suggest that PFBS disrupts adipose tissue metabolic homeostasis through multiple interconnected mechanisms.

Thesis Summary

This study examines how exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), a commonly used replacement for older PFAS chemicals, affects metabolic processes in adipose tissue. Using Sprague Dawley rats, animals were exposed to varying levels of PFBS over an 11-week period, after which adipose tissue and serum samples were analyzed. Results showed that PFBS exposure led to increased triglyceride accumulation and reduced antioxidant capacity, indicating potential disruptions in lipid metabolism and oxidative balance. Changes in glucose and insulin levels were also observed, suggesting possible effects on metabolic and endocrine regulation. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed alterations in pathways related to oxidative stress, DNA repair, inflammation, and cell cycle regulation. Despite being considered a safer alternative to long-chain PFAS, these findings suggest that PFBS may still have significant biological effects. Overall, this study provides evidence that PFBS exposure can disrupt adipose tissue metabolic homeostasis through multiple interconnected mechanisms.

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