New UofL study shows how alcohol affects people's livers differently

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New University of Louisville research may explain why some people who drink alcohol develop serious liver problems while others don't.

In a news release Monday, UofL said new research shows the answer might be hidden in everyday sources like food packaging, water-resistant clothing and even nonstick cookware. The chemicals are so widespread they can be found in about 95% of Americans.

Excessive alcohol use is also on the rise.

"Given the increasing prevalence of alcohol consumption and the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment, many individuals who drink alcohol may be inevitably exposed to these persistent pollutants," Matthew Cave, a UofL professor of medicine and publication co-author, said in a news release. "This makes it critically important to study how combined exposures to alcohol and environmental chemicals like PFOS might influence liver health."

The researchers said exposure to both the chemicals and alcohol in simulated tests increased liver damage, disrupted metabolism and activated genes associated with cancer development.

"This work helps explain why two people with similar alcohol consumption may experience very different liver outcomes," Frederick Ekuban, assistant professor of medicine at UofL and first author of the study, said in a news release. "Environmental exposures like PFOS may be the missing link."

UofL said more studies are needed, but people can take these steps now to limit their exposure to PFAS:

Choose stainless steel or cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick pans
Use water filters, especially in areas near industrial zones
Avoid stain-resistant treatments on furniture and carpets
Reduce consumption of packaged fast foods and microwave popcorn.
Select household products with PFAS-free labels

"While the liver typically has a remarkable capacity to recover from alcohol-induced stress, PFOS appears to push that resilience beyond its limits, resulting in compounded and more severe damage," Jennifer Schlezinger, professor of environmental health at Boston University and co-author of the publication, said in a news release.

To read the full study, click here.

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