Research Progress on the Role of Environmental PFAS Exposure in Regulating Mitochondrial Stability

Yuhua Chen^1,#, Xianyi Tan^1,#, Yansong Hu¹, Ye Tang¹, Zhengbao Zhang^1,*, Shengkui Tan^2,3,4,*, Xiaonian Zhu^1,*
1 Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Health, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
2 Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
3 Guangxi Higher Education Research Center for Gastrointestinal Microecology and Health Engineering, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
4 Baise City Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microecology and Health, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
* Corresponding Author: Zhengbao Zhang. Email: email ; Shengkui Tan. Email: email ; Xiaonian Zhu. Email: email
# These authors contributed equally to this work

BIOCELL https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2026.084419

Received 22 April 2026; Accepted 26 June 2026; Published online 06 July 2026

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industrial processes because of their unique physicochemical properties. Mitochondria—double-membrane organelles present in most eukaryotic cells—govern cellular fate by maintaining structural integrity and bioenergetic homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that PFAS can impair mitochondrial ultrastructure, disrupt energy metabolism, elicit oxidative stress, and trigger mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling, potentially contributing to reproductive and developmental disorders, hepatic dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and cardiovascular injury. Therefore, mitochondrial damage may represent one mechanistic pathway contributing to PFAS-associated adverse health outcomes. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the effects of PFAS exposure on mitochondrial architecture and function and delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific foundation for improving risk assessment and health protection.