Toxicology and Epidemiology
Investigating impacts of microcystin on liver health: microcystin congeners, mammalian models and liver disease in NC.
Investigating Liver Health Risks and Toxicity of Algae Toxin Mixtures
Globally, human and animal populations are increasingly affected by toxins released from harmful algal blooms, including microcystins. These toxins pose significant risks to human and environmental health, and may to liver diseases including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD; formally nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and liver cancer. This project explores how exposure to algae toxin mixtures alone or in combination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), affects liver health. By combining epidemiological studies, and advanced in vivo and in vitro toxicological testing, the research is eliminating critical data gaps to optimize protective policy, regulation and interventions that protect health of built and natural ecosystems.
The outcomes of these studies will inform state, federal and global policy makers and regulatory agencies, and also empower communities impacted by HABs to make healthier decisions about drinking water safety, protect the NC seafood industry, and improve coastal resource management.
Examining Human Exposure and Liver Disease Outcomes
The first aim of this project is to determine whether chronic exposure to microcystins impact liver health of people living in regions of North Carolina impacted by HABs. Using data from the Southern Liver Health Study, researchers will analyze biological samples, drinking water, and environmental conditions to define the links between toxin exposure and human liver cancer. This research will clarify environmental, geographic, community, and economic factors that interact with toxin exposure, providing vital insights to guide health interventions and public policies.
Decoding the Risks of Microcystin Exposures
The second aim focuses on understanding the chronic toxicity and liver cancer potential of different microcystin mixtures and how those impacts are modified by the “forever chemicals” perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These studies will determine how real-world mixtures and doses of microcystins affect the liver, metabolic pathways, and cancer risk in regulatory relevant mouse models. Additional studies will use liver organoids to define mechanisms of toxicity. These studies will identify key ways to predict adverse health outcomes, and more accurately define risks from HAB exposures.
Exploring Dangerous Impacts of Forever Chemicals
The third aim of the project explores in more detail how the “forever chemicals” most commonly found in organisms (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid or PFOS), can increase liver toxicity of microcystins and estimate the relative impacts PFAS have on liver and metabolic health. These studies will again leverage regulatory relevant mouse models to determine whether these mixtures make people more vulnerable to metabolic dysfunction, liver disease, and liver cancer.
