USC researchers present their findings at Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting

Last week, a group of researchers from the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC attended the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. The conference held from March 16-20, 2025, brought together toxicologists, epidemiologists, and practitioners from across the country to share the latest in toxicology research. Doctoral and postdoctoral trainees from the Center for Translational Exposomics Research and Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center presented their findings on exposure to PFAS—also known as forever chemicals—which are linked to several adverse health outcomes ranging from disruptions of the nervous system to compromising liver health.

Read about our researchers below.

Carmen Jiawen Chen

Carmen Jiawen Chen is a fifth-year doctoral student in epidemiology program who presented her work at the conference. “I thoroughly enjoyed attending the 2025 SOT Annual Conference!” says Chen. “Connecting with diverse talents in related fields was a highlight—their knowledge of- and enthusiasm for environmental health inspired me. The career development symposium gave me valuable insights into different options of career paths and how to prepare for success after graduation. I am excited to apply these fresh ideas to my career later.”

Title of poster presentation: Mediating Role of Proteomics in the Association Between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Blood Pressure in Hispanic Youth

Description: Chen’s research evaluated associations between PAFS exposure and blood pressure in children and young adults—possibly through certain proteins in the body. Through a cross-sectional study she found that higher PFAS levels were associated with elevated diastolic blood pressure, and identified a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic protein called galectin-3 (LGALS3) as possibly an important link. These results suggest that reducing PFAS exposure or targeting the galectin-3’s inflammatory pathway could help lower the risk of high blood pressure in youth.

Roselyn B. Tanghal

Roselyn B. Tanghal, is a second-year doctoral student in the epidemiology program who presented her research at the conference. “The Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting was a great opportunity to learn about toxicology and how ongoing toxicology research provides a foundation in examining the health impacts of PFAS exposure,” says Tanghal.

Title of poster presentation: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure and Risk of Liver Cancer: A Systematic Review

Description: The global incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer are rising, highlighting the need to better understand emerging risk factors contributing to its development. Tanghal’s research explored the relationship between PFAS exposure and liver cancer risk. She conducted a systematic review on animal and epidemiological studies to evaluate links between PFAS exposure and liver cancer risk. Her review found that some studies in animals and humans suggested a possible connection between PFAS exposure and liver cancer, but more research is needed to confirm the relationship.

Shiwen “Sherlock” Li

Shiwen “Sherlock” Li, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences.

Title of poster presentation: Developmental exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), altered gene expression in nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex and cognitive function in rats: a transcriptomic analysis

Description: Differential gene expression is a process where various genes are activated in a cell, giving it a specific purpose that defines its function. Li’s research looked at the differential gene expression in three key brain regions of rat’s offspring exposed to PFOS during pregnancy. PFOS is a chemical within the PFAS family which recent studies have revealed is linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Li found that PFOS exposure was linked to disruption in two regions of the brain he examined, the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. These regions are responsible for important brain functions such as decision making and reward system. The genes involved were related to important biological pathways associated with neurodegeneration.