For instance, studies have shown that PFOA can induce the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human bronchial epithelial cells, which triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin- 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, contributing to airway inflammation and asthma exacerbation​ [30, 31]. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is asthma.