In a promising breakthrough, scientists at Cambridge University have found that certain strains of healthy bowel bacteria can help relieve the body of toxic “eternally chemicals”, compound associated with cancer, infertility and hormonal disorders. These harmful chemicals, officially known as PFAS (first and polyphloic substances), is almost impossible to destroy and it has been found that they accumulate in human tissues for decades. According to a study published in the nature of microbiology, the researchers identified nine strains of the human intestinal bacteria capable of absorbing and washing PFA, potentially reducing their concentration in the body by as much as 74 percent. The data obtained cause a new hope for a microbial detox strategy against one of the most persistent health threats in today’s conditions.
The risk of cancer from Forever chemicals In the human body
PFAS is a man-made chemicals that are commonly used in non-stick vessels, fast food wrap, waterproof clothing and foam. Due to their durability, they are not destroyed naturally in the environment and the human body. Over time, these chemicals accumulate in vital organs and have been associated with serious health conditions, including liver damage, congenital defects, hormones and various rivers.The International Cancer Research Agency (IARC) classifies the perfooric acid (PFOA), the usual PFAS, as a carcinogen group 1, which means that it has sufficient evidence that causes cancer in humans. Another PFAS, Perfloronononone Acid (PFNA), is entered in the group 2, indicating the possible risk of cancer in animals.
Bowel bacteria offer possible protection
To find out how the gut microbiam can affect PFAS detoxification, researchers introduced 38 strains of healthy bowel bacteria in laboratory mice. In a matter of minutes, the PFAS mouse, which tolerate bacteria, found up to 74 percent more PFA, is excreted in a chair compared to those that do not have bacteria.“We have found that certain types of intestinal bacteria have extremely high power to strengthen PFAS from its environment as a whole,” said Dr. Kiran Patil, senior author and a toxicologist at the University of Cambridge, Daily Mail reports. “Of the PFAS aggregation in lumps in their cells, the bacteria themselves seem protected from toxic effects.”
Which bacteria work best?
Among the Bacteria studied Odoribacter Splanchnicus showed the strongest potential to reduce PFAS. This microbe produces butitrate, short -term fatty acid, which supports both metabolism and immune function.During the 24-hour period, nine bacteria strains were observed to significantly reduce PFAS levels:
- PFNA levels decreased by 25 to 74 percent
- PFOA level decreased by 23 to 58 percent
The study suggests that Pfas lures bacterial cells during digestion and is expelled through the chair, the route of elimination is often ignored in toxicology.
Next step: Probiotics supplements
Cambridge team is currently developing probiotics aimed at raising the level of these bacteria associated with PFAS in the human gut.“The reality is that PFAS is already in the environment and in our body, and we need to try to mitigate their health,” said Dr. Indra Ru, co-author from the Cambridge University’s MRC toxicology. “We have not found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the opportunity to develop them out of our body, where they cause the most harm.”
Bowel health as weapons against toxic chemicals
Unlike traditional methods that focus on PFAS filtering or impact restrictions, this study introduces the possibility of biological detoxification. It also relies on previous studies that indicate that, rich fiber diet can help reduce PFAS levels, contributing to the excretion of bile acids, another PFAS substance usually binds in the digestive tract.This study is one of the first to show that PFAS can be actively removed from the body naturally rather than passively accumulated over time.
A new approach to the old problem
Although the study was conducted on mice, researchers plan to move to human testing and commercial probiotics. In case of success, this approach can transform the way we succeed to the toxic impact of chemical impact, especially for vulnerable populations.This discovery means an exciting step forward in combating environmental pollution, with intestinal bacteria offer a new powerful ally in protecting human health.
