F-53B stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch and vascular remodeling via ferroptosis-related pathway

The compound 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B), - 53B), an alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), has been widely utilized in China. Although the connection between the exposure and toxicity of F-53B - 53B is established, the role and mechanisms of the compound in promoting vascular remodeling are yet to be elucidated. Thus, the present study investigated the impact of F-53B - 53B on the function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular remodeling. The data exhibited that F-53B - 53B stimulates vascular morphological alterations in vivo, , and exposure to the compound caused excessive VSMCs ferroptosis and phenotype switching, as determined using phenotype and molecular assays. Moreover, Fer-1 reversed F-53B-induced VSMC dysfunction and vascular remodeling. Furthermore, F-53B - 53B activated the ferroptosis-related pathway, encompassing ATR expression and LOC101929922/miR-542-3p/ACSL4 pathway. Thus, the current results elaborated on the multifaceted toxicities of F-53B - 53B that induce vascular remodeling, thereby necessitating the assessment of vasotoxicity risks associated with the compound.