Abstract
Background/Objectives: Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is a prevalent environmental contaminant with demonstrated metabolic and immunological toxicity. This study aimed to investigate whether VDAC1 (Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1) mediates BPAF-induced succinate dysmetabolism and inflammatory responses in macrophages, and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of VDAC1 silencing. Methods: RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to BPAF (0-2500 nM, 24 h) with or without VDAC1 siRNA transfection. Succinate levels, SDH activity, mitochondrial function (complexes I-V, ATP, membrane potential), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, ROS, MDA) were quantified. A 90-day oral toxicity study in C57BL/6J mice (0-32 mg kg(-1)) assessed systemic inflammation and hepatic ultrastructure. p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling was evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: BPAF elevated succinate 2.3-fold and decreased SDH activity by 48%, coinciding with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP synthesis (p < 0.01). Inflammatory cytokines and ROS were markedly increased. VDAC1 siRNA reversed these perturbations, restored complex II activity, and blunted p38 MAPK/NF-κB activation. In vivo, BPAF dose-dependently increased serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, promoted NF-κB nuclear translocation and mitochondrial swelling, without altering body or liver weight; VDAC1 knockdown mitigated these effects. Conclusions: VDAC1 orchestrates BPAF-elicited succinate accumulation and macrophage inflammation via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling. Targeted VDAC1 silencing alleviates metabolic and inflammatory injury, offering a promising therapeutic strategy against BPAF-related diseases.