601
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Marchetto F, Roverso M, Righetti D, Bogialli S, Filippini F, Bergantino E, Sforza E. Bioremediation of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: A Chassis for a Synthetic Biology Approach. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1300. [PMID: 34947832 PMCID: PMC8707875 DOI: 10.3390/life11121300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main concerns in industrialized countries is represented by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent contaminants hardly to be dealt with by conventional wastewater treatment processes. Phyco-remediation was proposed as a green alternative method to treat wastewater. Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 is a unicellular photosynthetic organism candidate for bioremediation approaches based on synthetic biology, as it is able to survive in a wide range of polluted waters. In this work, we assessed the possibility of applying Synechocystis in PFAS-enriched waters, which was never reported in the previous literature. Respirometry was applied to evaluate short-term toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which did not affect growth up to 0.5 and 4 mg L-1, respectively. Continuous and batch systems were used to assess the long-term effects, and no toxicity was highlighted for both compounds at quite high concentration (1 mg L-1). A partial removal was observed for PFOS and PFOA, (88% and 37%, with removal rates of about 0.15 and 0.36 mg L-1 d-1, respectively). Measurements in fractionated biomass suggested a role for Synechocystis in the sequestration of PFAS: PFOS is mainly internalized in the cell, while PFOA is somehow transformed by still unknown pathways. A preliminary bioinformatic search gave hints on transporters and enzymes possibly involved in such sequestration/transformation processes, opening the route to metabolic engineering in the perspective application of this cyanobacterium as a new phyco-remediation tool, based on synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marchetto
- Department of Industrial Engineering DII, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (D.R.)
| | - Marco Roverso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Davide Righetti
- Department of Industrial Engineering DII, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (D.R.)
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (E.B.)
| | - Sara Bogialli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Francesco Filippini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.F.); (E.B.)
| | | | - Eleonora Sforza
- Department of Industrial Engineering DII, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (D.R.)
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602
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Chambers WS, Hopkins JG, Richards SM. A Review of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Impairment of Reproduction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:732436. [PMID: 35295153 PMCID: PMC8915888 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.732436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we compiled peer-reviewed literature describing PFAS exposure and reproductive effects in animals and humans. The aim was to compare environmental occurrence and effects of the most prominent long-chain PFAS compounds and their short-chain replacements. Long-chain PFAS compounds are known to persist in the environment due to their chemical stability, and also known to bioaccumulate; hence, these compounds are being replaced globally. Indeed, PFOA and PFOS are considered long-chain "forever pollutants," and thus the potential reproductive risk may continue for decades. Much less is known about their short-chain replacements despite the fact that they becoming more widespread in the environment. Short-chain PFAS are generally less bioaccumulative than long-chain, but they are more mobile and persistent in aquatic ecosystems. The three most prominent of these are commonly referred to as GenX, ADONA and F53B. The short-chain PFAS have similar physical and chemical properties as their predecessors; however, because they are relatively new, much less is known about the potential to disrupt reproduction. Indeed, high-quality epidemiological studies are needed to determine associations between short-chain PFAS exposure and effects on reproductive health. However, epidemiological evidence is mounting that long-chain PFAS exposure is associated with reproductive effects (i.e., decrease in fertility, reduced fetal growth and birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, thyroid hormone disruption during pregnancy, and preterm birth). Evidence from animal models and human cell lines indicates that short-chain PFAS similarly affect reproductive endpoints; however, epidemiological studies are scarce and inconsistent. Although short-chain PFAS have been quantified in drinking water and sediment worldwide, most of these studies did not focus on quantitation of GenX, ADONA, and F53B. There are also many other short-chain PFAS byproducts of manufacturing that have yet to be identified and studied. When sum total concentration of long- and short-chain PFAS are considered, the concentration rises by an order or magnitude or greater, as will the risk of exposure and subsequent reproductive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weston S. Chambers
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Jaida G. Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN, United States
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603
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Cheng W, Ng CA. Bayesian Refinement of the Permeability-Limited Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Male Rats. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:2298-2308. [PMID: 34705448 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling is a powerful technique to inform risk assessment of xenobiotic substances such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). In our previous study, a permeability-limited PBPK model was developed to simulate the toxicokinetics and tissue distribution of PFOA in male rats. However, due to limited information on some key model parameters (e.g., protein binding and active transport rates), the uncertainty of the permeability-limited PBPK model was quite high. To address this issue, a hierarchical Bayesian analysis with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) was applied to reduce the uncertainty of parameters and improve the performance of the PBPK model. With the optimized posterior parameters, the PBPK model was evaluated by comparing its prediction with experimental data from three different studies. The results show that the uncertainties of the posterior model parameters were reduced substantially. In addition, most of the PBPK model predictions were improved: with the posterior parameters, most of the predicted plasma toxicokinetics (e.g., half-life) and tissue distribution fell well within a factor of 2.0 of the experimental data. Finally, the Bayesian framework could provide insights into the molecular mechanisms driving PFOA toxicokinetics: PFOA-protein binding, membrane permeability, and active transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiao Cheng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Carla A Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.,Secondary Appointment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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604
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Mann MM, Tang JD, Berger BW. Engineering human liver fatty acid binding protein for detection of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 119:513-522. [PMID: 34723386 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals with surface active and water-repellent properties. The combination of wide-spread use in numerous consumer and industrial products and extended biological half-lives arising from strong carbon-fluorine bonds has led to significant accumulation of PFAS in humans. As most human interaction with PFAS comes from ingestion, it is important to be able to detect PFAS in drinking water as well as in agricultural water. Here we present an approach to designing a fluorescence-based biosensor for the rapid detection of PFAS based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). Introduction of solvatochromic fluorophores within the ligand binding pocket (L50) allowed for intrinsic detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) via blue-shifts in fluorescence emission spectra. Initially, a single tryptophan mutation (L50W) was found to be able to detect PFOA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.8 ppm. We improved the sensitivity of the biosensor by exchanging tryptophan for the thiol reactive fluorophore, acrylodan. The acrylodan conjugated C69S/F50C hLFABP variant is capable of detecting PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in PBS with LODs of 112 ppb, 345 ppb, and 1.09 ppm, respectively. The protein-based sensor is also capable of detecting these contaminants at similar ranges in spiked environmental water samples, including samples containing an interfering anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. Overall, this study demonstrates engineered hLFABP is a useful platform for detection of PFAS in environmental water samples and highlights its ease of use and versatility in field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - James D Tang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
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605
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Moon J. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure and kidney damage: Causal interpretation using the US 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117707. [PMID: 34252714 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to validate the hypothesis that increased serum concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) cause kidney damage. A causal interpretative study was designed using the US 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets. METHODS Three statistical models, including multivariable linear regression, generalized additive model, and regression discontinuity model (RDM), were applied to the US 2003-2018 NHANES datasets to evaluate the causal relationship between the four PFAS agents and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Directed acyclic graphs were plotted for a more valid causal inference. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In the RDM, when the natural logarithm of each PFAS agent increases by 1 ng/mL after each cut-off value, eGFR decreased 4.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 for perfluorooctanoic acid, 3.42 mL/min/1.73 m2 for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, 2.37 mL/min/1.73 m2 for perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and 2.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 for perfluorononanoic acid. The possibility of reverse causation that increased serum PFAS concentration is the consequence of reduced eGFR, not the cause, was low, and an additional adjustment of potential confounders was not needed. CONCLUSION This study contributes to the understanding of PFAS-induced kidney damage. Further longitudinal epidemiological and toxicological studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyoung Moon
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital, Banpo-daero 222, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
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606
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Cope HA, Blake BE, Love C, McCord J, Elmore SA, Harvey JB, Chappell VA, Fenton SE. Latent, sex-specific metabolic health effects in CD-1 mouse offspring exposed to PFOA or HFPO-DA (GenX) during gestation. EMERGING CONTAMINANTS 2021; 7:219-235. [PMID: 35097227 PMCID: PMC8794304 DOI: 10.1016/j.emcon.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmental contaminant associated with adverse metabolic outcomes in developmentally exposed human populations and mouse models. Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly called GenX) has replaced PFOA in many industrial applications in the U.S. and Europe and has been measured in global water systems from <1 to 9350 ng/L HFPO-DA. Health effects data for GenX are lacking. OBJECTIVE Determine the effects of gestational exposure to GenX on offspring weight gain trajectory, adult metabolic health, liver pathology and key adipose gene pathways in male and female CD-1 mice. METHODS Daily oral doses of GenX (0.2, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg), PFOA (0.1, 1.0 mg/kg), or vehicle control were administered to pregnant mice (gestation days 1.5-17.5). Offspring were fed a high- or low-fat diet (HFD or LFD) at weaning until necropsy at 6 or 18 weeks, and metabolic endpoints were measured over time. PFOA and GenX serum and urine concentrations, weight gain, serum lipid parameters, body mass composition, glucose tolerance, white adipose tissue gene expression, and liver histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS Prenatal exposure to GenX led to its accumulation in the serum and urine of 5-day old pups (P = 0.007, P < 0.001), which was undetectable by weaning. By 18 weeks of age, male mice fed LFD in the 2.0 mg/kg GenX group displayed increased weight gain (P < 0.05), fat mass (P = 0.016), hepatocellular microvesicular fatty change (P = 0.015), and insulin sensitivity (P = 0.014) in comparison to control males fed LFD. Female mice fed HFD had a significant increase in hepatocyte single cell necrosis in 1.0 mg/kg GenX group (P = 0.022) and 1.0 mg/kg PFOA group (P = 0.003) compared to control HFD females. Both sexes were affected by gestational GenX exposure; however, the observed phenotype varied between sex with males displaying more characteristics of metabolic disease and females exhibiting liver damage in response to the gestational exposure. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to 1 mg/kg GenX and 1 mg/kg PFOA induces adverse metabolic outcomes in adult mice that are diet- and sex-dependent. GenX also accumulated in pup serum, suggesting that placental and potentially lactational transfer are important exposure routes for GenX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlie A. Cope
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Bevin E. Blake
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Charlotte Love
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - James McCord
- Multimedia Methods Branch, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, NC, USA
| | - Susan A. Elmore
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, DNTP, NIEHS, NIH, RTP, NC, USA
| | - Janice B. Harvey
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch, DNTP, NIEHS, NIH, RTP, NC, USA
| | - Vesna A. Chappell
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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607
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Hyötyläinen T, Bodin J, Duberg D, Dirven H, Nygaard UC, Orešič M. Lipidomic Analyses Reveal Modulation of Lipid Metabolism by the PFAS Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnDA) in Non-Obese Diabetic Mice. Front Genet 2021; 12:721507. [PMID: 34646301 PMCID: PMC8502800 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.721507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to multiple undesirable health outcomes across a full lifespan, both in animal models as well as in human epidemiological studies. Immunosuppressive effects of PFAS have been reported, including increased risk of infections and suppressed vaccination responses in early childhood, as well as association with immunotoxicity and diabetes. On a mechanistic level, PFAS exposure has been linked with metabolic disturbances, particularly in lipid metabolism, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. Herein we explore lipidomic signatures of prenatal and early-life exposure to perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice; an experimental model of autoimmune diabetes. Female NOD mice were exposed to four levels of PFUnDA in drinking water at mating, during gestation and lactation, and during the first weeks of life of female offspring. At offspring age of 11–12 weeks, insulitis and immunological endpoints were assessed, and serum samples were collected for comprehensive lipidomic analyses. We investigated the associations between exposure, lipidomic profile, insulitis grade, number of macrophages and apoptotic, active-caspase-3-positive cells in pancreatic islets. Dose-dependent changes in lipidomic profiles in mice exposed to PFUnDA were observed, with most profound changes seen at the highest exposure levels. Overall, PFUnDA exposure caused downregulation of phospholipids and triacylglycerols containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results show that PFUnDA exposure in NOD mice alters lipid metabolism and is associated with pancreatic insulitis grade. Moreover, the results are in line with those reported in human studies, thus suggesting NOD mice as a suitable model to study the impacts of environmental chemicals on T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna Bodin
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Duberg
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Unni C Nygaard
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
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608
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Chen B, Yang Z, Qu X, Zheng S, Yin D, Fu H. Screening and Discrimination of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous Solution Using a Luminescent Metal-Organic Framework Sensor Array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:47706-47716. [PMID: 34605622 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c15528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The extensive production and large-scale use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have raised their presence in aquatic environments worldwide. Thus, the facile and reliable screening of PFASs in aqueous systems is of great significance. Herein, we designed a novel fluorescent sensor array for the rapid screening and discrimination of multiple PFASs in water. The sensor array comprised three highly stable zirconium porphyrinic luminescent metal-organic frameworks (i.e., PCNs) with different topological structures. The sensing mechanism was based on the static fluorescence quenching of PCNs by PFASs upon their adsorptive interactions. The fluorescence response patterns were characteristic for each PFAS because of their different adsorption affinities toward different PCNs. Through the interpretation of response patterns by statistical methods, the proposed PCN array successfully discriminated six different kinds of PFASs, each PFAS at different concentrations and PFAS mixtures at different molar ratios. The practicability of this array was further verified by effectively discriminating PFASs in two real water samples. Remarkably, the PCN sensors exhibited a very short response time toward PFASs (within 10 s) due to the ordered pore structure allowing fast PFAS diffusion. This study not only provides a facile method for rapid PFAS screening in waters but also broadens the application of luminescent metal-organic frameworks and array techniques in sensing fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beining Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Zhengshuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Xiaolei Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Shourong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210046, China
| | - Daqiang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Heyun Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu 210046, China
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609
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Ng C, Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lohmann R, Miller M, Patton S, Scheringer M, Trier X, Wang Z. Addressing Urgent Questions for PFAS in the 21st Century. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:12755-12765. [PMID: 34519210 PMCID: PMC8590733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), fundamental obstacles remain to addressing worldwide contamination by these chemicals and their associated impacts on environmental quality and health. Here, we propose six urgent questions relevant to science, technology, and policy that must be tackled to address the "PFAS problem": (1) What are the global production volumes of PFAS, and where are PFAS used? (2) Where are the unknown PFAS hotspots in the environment? (3) How can we make measuring PFAS globally accessible? (4) How can we safely manage PFAS-containing waste? (5) How do we understand and describe the health effects of PFAS exposure? (6) Who pays the costs of PFAS contamination? The importance of each question and barriers to progress are briefly described, and several potential paths forward are proposed. Given the diversity of PFAS and their uses, the extreme persistence of most PFAS, the striking ongoing lack of fundamental information, and the inequity of the health and environmental impacts from PFAS contamination, there is a need for scientific and regulatory communities to work together, with cooperation from PFAS-related industries, to fill in critical data gaps and protect human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ng
- Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway, and Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 TromsH, Norway
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Mark Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science and U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Health and Environment Program, Commonweal, Bolinas, California 94924, United States
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Kgs Nytorv 6, DK - 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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610
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Narizzano AM, Bohannon ME, East AG, McDonough C, Choyke S, Higgins CP, Quinn MJ. Patterns in Serum Toxicokinetics in Peromyscus Exposed to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2886-2898. [PMID: 34236102 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are compounds manufactured for use in paints, cleaning agents, fire suppressants, nonstick cookware, food containers, and water-resistant products. Concerns about PFAS stem from their ubiquitous presence in the environment, persistence, and variable/uncertain bioaccumulation and toxicity. In the present study, 5 perfluoroalkyl acids and one polyfluoroalkyl substance were administered to white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to elucidate the kinetics of each chemical over 28 d of exposure. Perfluorooctanoate, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonate were administered to male and female mice via drinking water. Perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorononanoate, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate, and PFHxS were administered to male and female mice via oral gavage. Blood samples collected after 14 or 21 and 28 d of exposure were analyzed for individual PFAS concentrations via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In general, a plateau in serum concentration in this toxicity test-relevant timeline depended on interactions between 1) the type of PFAS (i.e., perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids [PFSAs] vs perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids [PFCAs] vs polyfluorinated), 2) continuous versus bolus dosing, and 3) to a lesser extent, sex. Specifically, PFCAs were detected at higher concentration in females than males, whereas PFSAs were generally detected at similar levels across sex. An exception occurred when PFHxS yielded higher serum levels in males than females through bolus, but not continuous, dosing. Type of PFAS had the largest impact on serum concentrations, whereas sex had the lowest. As such, future work on the toxicokinetics of PFAS in common ecological receptors would be valuable to further explore these patterns. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2886-2898. © 2021 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
| | - Carrie McDonough
- Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
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611
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Margolis R, Sant KE. Associations between Exposures to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, or Insulin Resistance: A Scoping Review. J Xenobiot 2021; 11:115-129. [PMID: 34564296 PMCID: PMC8482218 DOI: 10.3390/jox11030008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental pollutants that are commonly found in the human body due to exposures via drinking water, surfactants used in consumer materials, and aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse health effects such as low infant birth weights, cancer, and endocrine disruption, though increasingly studies have demonstrated that they may perturb metabolic processes and contribute to dysfunction. This scoping review summarizes the chemistry of PFAS exposure and the epidemiologic evidence for associations between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the development of diabetes, hyperglycemia, and/or insulin resistance. We identified 11 studies on gestational diabetes mellitus, 3 studies on type 1 diabetes, 7 studies on type 2 diabetes, 6 studies on prediabetes or unspecified diabetes, and 15 studies on insulin resistance or glucose tolerance using the SCOPUS and PubMed databases. Approximately 24 reported positive associations, 9 negative associations, 2 non-linear associations, and 2 inverse associations, and 8 reported no associations found between PFAS and all diabetes search terms. Cumulatively, these data indicate the need for further studies to better assess these associations between PFAS exposure and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karilyn E. Sant
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
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612
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Zhang M, Pauls JP, Bartnikowski N, Haymet AB, Chan CHH, Suen JY, Schneider B, Ki KK, Whittaker AK, Dargusch MS, Fraser JF. Anti-thrombogenic Surface Coatings for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Narrative Review. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:4402-4419. [PMID: 34436868 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critical care to manage patients with severe respiratory and cardiac failure. ECMO brings blood from a critically ill patient into contact with a non-endothelialized circuit which can cause clotting and bleeding simultaneously in this population. Continuous systemic anticoagulation is needed during ECMO. The membrane oxygenator, which is a critical component of the extracorporeal circuit, is prone to significant thrombus formation due to its large surface area and areas of low, turbulent, and stagnant flow. Various surface coatings, including but not limited to heparin, albumin, poly(ethylene glycol), phosphorylcholine, and poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate), have been developed to reduce thrombus formation during ECMO. The present work provides an up-to-date overview of anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for ECMO, including both commercial coatings and those under development. The focus is placed on the coatings being developed for oxygenators. Overall, zwitterionic polymer coatings, nitric oxide (NO)-releasing coatings, and lubricant-infused coatings have attracted more attention than other coatings and showed some improvement in in vitro and in vivo anti-thrombogenic effects. However, most studies lacked standard hemocompatibility assessment and comparison studies with current clinically used coatings, either heparin coatings or nonheparin coatings. Moreover, this review identifies that further investigation on the thrombo-resistance, stability and durability of coatings under rated flow conditions and the effects of coatings on the function of oxygenators (pressure drop and gas transfer) are needed. Therefore, extensive further development is required before these new coatings can be used in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Zhang
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072,Australia
| | - Jo P Pauls
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Nicole Bartnikowski
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia
| | - Andrew B Haymet
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia
| | - Chris H H Chan
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Jacky Y Suen
- Scientific and Translational Research Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Bailey Schneider
- Scientific and Translational Research Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia
| | - Katrina K Ki
- Scientific and Translational Research Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and ARC Center of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew S Dargusch
- School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072,Australia
| | - John F Fraser
- Innovative Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,Scientific and Translational Research Laboratory, Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland 4032, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia
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613
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Hemida M, Ghiasvand A, Gupta V, Coates LJ, Gooley AA, Wirth HJ, Haddad PR, Paull B. Small-Footprint, Field-Deployable LC/MS System for On-Site Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Soil. Anal Chem 2021; 93:12032-12040. [PMID: 34436859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging environmental pollutants of global concern. For rapid field site evaluation, there are very few sensitive, field-deployable analytical techniques. In this work, a portable lightweight capillary liquid chromatography (capLC) system was coupled with a small footprint portable mass spectrometer and configured for field-based applications. Further, an at-site ultrasound-assisted extraction (pUAE) methodology was developed and applied with a portable capLC/mass spectrometry (MS) system for on-site analysis of PFASs in real soil samples. The influential variables on the integration of capLC with MS and on the resolution and signal intensity of the capLC/MS setup were investigated. The important parameters affecting the efficiency of the pUAE method were also studied and optimized using the response surface methodology based on a central composite design. The mean recovery for 11 PFASs ranged between 70 and 110%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 3 to 12%. In-field method sensitivity for 12 PFASs ranged from 0.6 to 0.1 ng/g, with wide dynamic ranges (1-600 ng/g) and excellent linearities (R2 > 0.991). The in-field portable system was benchmarked against a commercial lab-based LC-tandem MS (MS/MS) system for the analysis of PFASs in real soil samples, with the results showing good agreement. When deployed to a field site, 12 PFASs were detected and identified in real soil samples at concentrations ranging from 8.1 ng/g (for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) to 2935.0 ng/g (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hemida
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Alireza Ghiasvand
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Vipul Gupta
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Lewellwyn J Coates
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Trajan Scientific and Medical, 7 Argent Place, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | - Andrew A Gooley
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Trajan Scientific and Medical, 7 Argent Place, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wirth
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Trajan Scientific and Medical, 7 Argent Place, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | - Paul R Haddad
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Brett Paull
- ARC Training Centre for Portable Analytical Separation Technologies (ASTech), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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614
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Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances through human milk in preterm infants. Eur J Pediatr 2021; 180:3047-3051. [PMID: 33839913 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmental contaminants that have been shown to exert toxic effects, which are dependent upon concentration, in animals and humans. No specific data on the exposure of preterm infants to PFASs are available. We aimed to quantify the potential exposure of preterm infants to PFASs through human milk (HM), to be compared to the exposure data recently reported for infants by EFSA. The amount of PFASs in ten preterm (PHM) and ten donor HM (DHM) samples was evaluated, and the expected daily intake (EDI) at full enteral feeding was calculated. This EDI was compared to the mean and the 95th centile dietary exposure ranges at the lower bound for infants issued by EFSA. The calculated median EDI for total PFASs was 20.72 ng/kg/day (range 10.72-107.84) for PHM and 17.92 ng/kg/day (range 6.4-28.96) for DHM, which were both higher than mean exposure ranges reported for infants (2.4-12.2 ng/kg/day). The calculated EDI for DHM was far more similar to the 95th centile (4.5-27.9 ng/kg/day) dietary exposure ranges. For PHM samples, higher EDI values were obtained, with 4 out of 10 samples exceeding the upper limit of the 95th centile range.Conclusion: The exposure of preterm infants to PFASs through HM feeding might exceed reference values reported for older and healthier infants. Given the immunological and developmental vulnerability of preterm infants, the risks related to their exposure to PFASs should be further investigated, also focusing on how maternal exposure and subsequent transfer through HM feeding can be reduced. What is Known: • Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmental contaminants that have been shown to exert toxic effects, which are dependent upon concentration, in animals and humans. The EFSA has recently issued reference values for PFASs exposure for different age groups. • Infants might be exposed to PFASs prenatally, as these substances can cross the placenta, and postnatally, through breastfeeding. No specific data about exposure of preterm infants through human milk (HM) feeding are currently available. What is New: • The exposure of preterm infants to PFASs through HM feeding might exceed reference values reported for older and healthier infants. • Given the immunological and developmental vulnerability of preterm infants, the risks related to their exposure to PFASs deserve further investigation. As HM represents the optimal feeding for preterm infants, it will be fundamental to focus on how maternal exposure and subsequent transfer through HM feeding can be reduced.
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615
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Salter DM, Wei W, Nahar PP, Marques E, Slitt AL. Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) Thwarts the Beneficial Effects of Calorie Restriction and Metformin. Toxicol Sci 2021; 182:82-95. [PMID: 33844015 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A combination of calorie restriction (CR), dietary modification, and exercise is the recommended therapy to reverse obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the liver, CR shifts hepatic metabolism from lipid storage to lipid utilization pathways, such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a fluorosurfactant previously used in stain repellents and anti-stick materials, can increase hepatic lipids in mice following relatively low-dose exposures. To test the hypothesis that PFOS administration interferes with CR, adult male C57BL/6N mice were fed ad libitum or a 25% reduced calorie diet concomitant with either vehicle (water) or 100 μg PFOS/kg/day via oral gavage for 6 weeks. CR alone improved hepatic lipids and glucose tolerance. PFOS did not significantly alter CR-induced weight loss, white adipose tissue mass, or liver weight over 6 weeks. However, PFOS increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation, in both mice fed ad libitum and subjected to CR. This was associated with decreased phosphorylated AMPK expression in liver. Glucagon (100 nM) treatment induced glucose production in hepatocytes, which was further upregulated with PFOS (2.5 μM) co-treatment. Next, to explore whether the observed changes were related to AMPK signaling, HepG2 cells were treated with metformin or AICAR alone or in combination with PFOS (25 μM). PFOS interfered with glucose-lowering effects of metformin, and AICAR treatment partially impaired PFOS-induced increase in glucose production. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, metformin was less effective with PFOS co-treatment. Overall, PFOS administration disrupted hepatic lipid and glucose homeostasis and interfered with beneficial glucose-lowering effects of CR and metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M Salter
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA
| | - Pragati P Nahar
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA
| | - Emily Marques
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA
| | - Angela L Slitt
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA
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616
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Placental Transfer and Composition of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): A Korean Birth Panel of Parent-Infant Triads. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9070168. [PMID: 34357911 PMCID: PMC8309930 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9070168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of public concern due to their persistent exposure and adverse health effects. Placental transfer of PFASs is an important excretion pathway of these chemicals in pregnant women and exposure route in fetuses. We measured PFAS concentrations in maternal, paternal, and umbilical cord serum collected from 62 pregnant Korean women and matched biological fathers of the fetuses. Placental transfer rates (cord to maternal serum ratio) of PFASs were also calculated. Demographics and pregnancy-related factors determining the placental transfer rates were identified using linear regression models. Maternal, paternal, and cord serum showed different PFASs compositions. Among the PFASs, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) showed the highest concentrations in maternal and paternal serum, while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) showed the highest concentration in cord serum. There was a higher proportion of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with 9–12 carbon chains than those with 13–14 carbon chains in maternal and paternal serum, but this proportion was in the opposite direction in cord serum. PFOA and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) had higher placental transfer rates (means of 0.32 and 0.36, respectively) than PFOS (mean of 0.12), which is in line with the results of previous studies. Gestational age and birth weight were positively associated with placental transfer rate of PFOA, PFHxS, and PFOS, while pre-pregnant BMI and weight were inversely associated with PFOS. This study showed that placental transfer of PFASs differs by compounds and is associated with pregnancy-related factors. Further studies on novel PFASs are warranted for Korean pregnant women.
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617
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Serrano L, Iribarne-Durán LM, Suárez B, Artacho-Cordón F, Vela-Soria F, Peña-Caballero M, Hurtado JA, Olea N, Fernández MF, Freire C. Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances in donor breast milk in Southern Spain and their potential determinants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 236:113796. [PMID: 34192647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast milk is considered to offer the best nutrition to infants; however, it may be a source of exposure to environmental chemicals such as perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) for breastfeeding infants. PFAS are a complex group of synthetic chemicals whose high stability has led to their ubiquitous contamination of the environment. OBJECTIVE To assess the concentrations and profiles of PFAS in breast milk from donors to a human milk bank and explore factors potentially related to this exposure. METHODS Pooled milk samples were collected from 82 donors to the Human Milk Bank of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital (Granada, Spain). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine milk concentrations of 11 PFAS, including long-chain and short-chain compounds. A questionnaire was used to collect information on donors' socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, diet, and use of personal care products (PCPs). Factors related to individual and total PFAS concentrations were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS PFAS were detected in 24-100% of breast milk samples. PFHpA was detected in 100% of samples, followed by PFOA (84%), PFNA (71%), PFHxA (66%), and PFTrDA (62%). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected in only 34% of donors. The median concentrations ranged from <0.66 ng/dL (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS]) to 19.39 ng/L (PFHpA). The median of the sum of PFAS concentrations was 87.67 ng/L and was higher for short-chain than long-chain PFAS. Factors most frequently associated with increased PFAS concentrations included intake of creatin animal food items and use of PCPs such as skin care and makeup products. CONCLUSIONS Several PFAS, including short-chain compounds, are detected in pooled donor milk samples. Breast milk may be an important pathway for the PFAS exposure of breastfed infants, including preterm infants in NICUs. Despite the reduced sample size, these data suggest that various lifestyle factors influence PFAS concentrations, highlighting the use of PCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serrano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Luz Mª Iribarne-Durán
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Francisco Artacho-Cordón
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Radiology and Physical Medicine Department, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Manuela Peña-Caballero
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18012, Granada, Spain; Human Milk Bank of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Jose A Hurtado
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Radiology and Physical Medicine Department, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain; Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Radiology and Physical Medicine Department, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Carmen Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
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618
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McDonough CA, Choyke S, Barton KE, Mass S, Starling AP, Adgate JL, Higgins CP. Unsaturated PFOS and Other PFASs in Human Serum and Drinking Water from an AFFF-Impacted Community. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8139-8148. [PMID: 34029073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how exposure to aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted drinking water translates to bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is essential to assess health risks. To investigate spatial variability of PFAS exposure in communities near an AFFF source zone, blood serum was collected in 2018 from 220 adult residents of El Paso County (Colorado), as were raw water samples from several wells. C6 and C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) were predominant in serum and water. PFASs were most elevated in the water district nearest the source zone (median ∑PFSA of 618 ng/L in water and 33 ng/mL in serum). A novel PFAS, unsaturated perfluorooctane sulfonate, was detected in >80% of water and serum samples at low concentrations (≤1.9 ng/mL in serum). Drinking water wells nearest the source zone displayed increased prevalence of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide precursors not detected in serum. Serum-to-water ratios were the greatest for long-chain PFASs and were elevated in the least impacted water district. Additional serum samples collected from a subset of study participants in June 2019 showed that PFAS concentrations in serum declined after exposure ceased, although declines for perfluoropentane sulfonate were minimal. Our findings demonstrate that AFFF-impacted communities are exposed to complex, spatially variable mixtures of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A McDonough
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Sarah Choyke
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Kelsey E Barton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Sarah Mass
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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619
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Erinc A, Davis MB, Padmanabhan V, Langen E, Goodrich JM. Considering environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as risk factors for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111113. [PMID: 33823190 PMCID: PMC8187287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, lead to significant maternal morbidity and in some cases, maternal mortality. Environmental toxicants, especially those that disrupt normal placental and endothelial function, are emerging as potential risk factors for HDP. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of ubiquitous chemicals found in consumer products, the environment, and increasingly in drinking water. PFAS have been associated with a multitude of adverse health effects, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and more recently, HDP. In this review, we present epidemiological and mechanistic evidence for the link between PFAS and HDP and recommend next steps for research and prevention efforts. To date, epidemiological studies have assessed associations between only ten of the thousands of PFAS and HDP. Positive associations between six PFAS (PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid; PFOS, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; PFHxS, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid; PFHpA, perfluoroheptanoic acid; PFBS, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid; and PFNA, perfluoronanoic acid) and risk for HDP have been reported in some, but not all, studies. PFAS disrupt placental and immune function, cause oxidative stress, and disrupt lipid metabolism. These physiological disruptions may be mechanisms through which PFAS can lead to HDP. Overall, limited epidemiological evidence and plausible mechanisms support PFAS as risk factors for HDP. More research is needed in diverse, well-powered cohorts that assess exposures to as many PFAS as possible. Such research should consider not only individual PFAS but also the totality of exposures to PFAS and other environmental chemicals. Pregnant women may be a group that is vulnerable to PFAS exposure, and as such HDP risk should be considered by policymakers setting PFAS exposure limits. In the interim, medical and public health professionals in regions with PFAS contamination could provide short-term solutions in the form of patient-level prevention, increased monitoring, and early intervention for HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Erinc
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Melinda B Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 1137 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Langen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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620
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Blazer VS, Gordon SE, Walsh HL, Smith CR. Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Plasma of Smallmouth Bass from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115881. [PMID: 34070836 PMCID: PMC8198932 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu is an economically important sportfish and within the Chesapeake Bay watershed has experienced a high prevalence of external lesions, infectious disease, mortality events, reproductive endocrine disruption and population declines. To date, no clear or consistent associations with contaminants measured in fish tissue or surface water have been found. Therefore, plasma samples from two sites in the Potomac River and two in the Susquehanna River drainage basins, differing in land-use characteristics, were utilized to determine if perfluoroalkyl substances were present. Four compounds, perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), were detected in every fish. Two additional compounds, perfluorooctane sulphonamide (PFOSA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), were less commonly detected at lower concentrations, depending on the site. Concentrations of PFOS (up to 574 ng/mL) were the highest detected and varied significantly among sites. No seasonal differences (spring versus fall) in plasma concentrations were observed. Concentrations of PFOS were not significantly different between the sexes. However, PFUnA and PFDoA concentrations were higher in males than females. Both agricultural and developed land-use appeared to be associated with exposure. Further research is needed to determine if these compounds could be affecting the health of smallmouth bass and identify sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki S. Blazer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center-Leetown Research Laboratory, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA; (S.E.G.); (H.L.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephanie E. Gordon
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center-Leetown Research Laboratory, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA; (S.E.G.); (H.L.W.)
| | - Heather L. Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center-Leetown Research Laboratory, 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA; (S.E.G.); (H.L.W.)
| | - Cheyenne R. Smith
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
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621
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Rericha Y, Cao D, Truong L, Simonich M, Field JA, Tanguay RL. Behavior Effects of Structurally Diverse Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Zebrafish. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:1409-1416. [PMID: 34018735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously detected in the environment, and some pose significant human and environmental health concerns globally. While some PFAS induce adverse health effects, relatively few toxicological studies adequately address the broad structural diversity of this chemical class. In the current study, we evaluated 58 individual PFAS spanning 14 structural subclasses and 2 mixtures at single concentrations for developmental toxicity in zebrafish using highly sensitive behavior endpoints. Following developmental exposure to PFAS, zebrafish were assessed for mortality and challenged with an embryonic photomotor response (EPR) assay at 24 h postfertilization (hpf) and with larval photomotor response (LPR) and larval startle response assays at 120 hpf. We found that none of the tested PFAS exposures elicited significant mortality or aberrant EPR; however, exposure to 21 individual PFAS from multiple structural subclasses and 1 mixture induced aberrant larval behavior. We then evaluated developmental toxicity across a concentration range of 0-100 μM for 10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs; 4-carbon perfluorobutanoic acid through the 13-carbon perfluorotridecanoic acid). Exposure to the PFCAs did not cause significant mortality or morphological effects, with the exception of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid, and did not induce aberrant EPR. All PFCAs, except for longer-chain perfluorododecanoic acid caused abnormal LPR following exposure to at least one concentration. In this study, we evaluated a broad set of PFAS not previously assessed for in vivo sublethal behavior endpoints and confirmed previous findings that exposure to some PFAS induces abnormal behavior in developing zebrafish. The data from this study will guide the selection of PFAS for which to investigate modes of toxic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States.,Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Dunping Cao
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States.,Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Michael Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States.,Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States.,Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
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622
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FluoroMatch 2.0-making automated and comprehensive non-targeted PFAS annotation a reality. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 414:1201-1215. [PMID: 34014358 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Because of the pervasiveness, persistence, and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is growing concern over PFAS contamination, exposures, and health effects. The diversity of potential PFAS is astounding, with nearly 10,000 PFAS catalogued in databases to date (and growing). The ability to detect the thousands of known PFAS, and discover previously uncatalogued PFAS, is necessary to understand the scope of PFAS contamination and to identify appropriate remediation and regulatory solutions. Current non-targeted methods for PFAS analysis require manual curation and are time-consuming, prone to error, and not comprehensive. FluoroMatch Flow 2.0 is the first software to cover all steps of data processing for PFAS discovery in liquid chromatography-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry samples. These steps include feature detection, feature blank filtering, exact mass matching to catalogued PFAS, mass defect filtering, homologous series detection, retention time pattern analysis, class-based MS/MS screening, fragment screening, and predicted MS/MS from SMILES structures. In addition, a comprehensive confidence level criterion is implemented to help users understand annotation certainty and integrate various layers of evidence to reduce overreporting. Applying the software to aqueous film forming foam analysis, we discovered over one thousand likely PFAS including previously unreported species. Furthermore, we were able to filter out 96% of features which were likely not PFAS. FluoroMatch Flow 2 increased coverage of likely PFAS by over tenfold compared to the previous release. This software will enable researchers to better characterize PFAS in the environment and in biological systems.
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623
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Singh N, Hsieh CYJ. Exploring Potential Carcinogenic Activity of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances Utilizing High-Throughput Toxicity Screening Data. Int J Toxicol 2021; 40:355-366. [PMID: 33944624 DOI: 10.1177/10915818211010490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous, persistent, and toxic chemicals that pose public health risks. Recent carcinogenicity concerns have arisen based on epidemiological studies, animal tumor findings, and mechanistic data. Thousands of PFAS exist; however, current understanding of their toxicity is informed by studies of a select few, namely, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Hence, the computational, high-throughput screening tool, the US EPA CompTox Chemical Dashboard's ToxCast, was utilized to explore the carcinogenicity potential of PFAS. Twenty-three major PFAS that had sufficient in vitro ToxCast data and covered a range of structural subclasses were analyzed with the visual analytics software ToxPi, yielding a qualitative and quantitative assessment of PFAS activity in realms closely linked with carcinogenicity. A comprehensive literature search was also conducted to check the consistency of analyses with other mechanistic data streams. The PFAS were found to induce a vast range of biological perturbations, in line with several of the International Agency for Research on Cancer-defined key carcinogen characteristics. Patterns observed varied by length of fluorine-bonded chains and/or functional group within and between each key characteristic, suggesting some structure-based variability in activity. In general, the major conclusions drawn from the analysis, that is, the most notable activities being modulation of receptor-mediated effects and induction of oxidative stress, were supported by literature findings. The study helps enhance understanding of the mechanistic pathways that underlie the potential carcinogenicity of various PFAS and hence could assist in hazard identification and risk assessment for this emerging and relevant class of environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalin Singh
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 7020California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA.,University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ching Yi Jennifer Hsieh
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 7020California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA, USA
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624
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Woodlief T, Vance S, Hu Q, DeWitt J. Immunotoxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Insights into Short-Chain PFAS Exposure. TOXICS 2021; 9:100. [PMID: 34062743 PMCID: PMC8147192 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9050100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were recently identified in drinking water sources throughout North Carolina. These include the perfluoroether acids (PFEAs) perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA), perfluoro-2-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMOPrA), and perfluoro-4-methoxybutanioc acid (PFMOBA). Little toxicological data exist for these PFEAs. Therefore, the present study described signs of toxicity and immunotoxicity following oral exposure. Adult male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed once/day for 30 days to PFMOAA (0, 0.00025, 0.025, or 2.5 mg/kg), PFMOPrA, or PFMOBA (0, 0.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg). A dose of 7.5 mg/kg of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was used as a positive control. Terminal body weights, and absolute liver, spleen, or thymus weights did not differ by dose for any compound; exposure to 50 mg/kg of PFMOBA increased relative liver weights in males. Changes in splenic cellularity were observed in males exposed to PFMOPrA and decreased numbers of B and natural killer (NK) cells were observed in males and females exposed to PFMOBA. Exposure did not alter NK cell cytotoxicity or T cell-dependent antibody responses at doses administered. Our results indicate that these "understudied" PFAS have toxicological potential but require additional investigation across endpoints and species, including humans, to understand health effects via drinking water exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Woodlief
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.V.); (Q.H.); (J.D.)
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625
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Konkel L. The P-Sufficient Approach: A Strategy for Regulating PFAS as a Class. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:54002. [PMID: 33989041 PMCID: PMC8121380 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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626
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News Feature: How "forever chemicals" might impair the immune system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105018118. [PMID: 33833063 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105018118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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627
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Potential Environmental and Human Health Risks Caused by Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB), Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Emerging Contaminants (ECs) from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040374. [PMID: 33915892 PMCID: PMC8065726 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) directly at landfills or open dump areas, without segregation and treatment, is a significant concern due to its hazardous contents of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and metal resistance genes (MGEs). The released leachate from landfills greatly effects the soil physicochemical, biological, and groundwater properties associated with agricultural activity and human health. The abundance of ARB, ARGs, and MGEs have been reported worldwide, including MSW landfill sites, animal husbandry, wastewater, groundwater, soil, and aerosol. This review elucidates the occurrence and abundance of ARB, ARGs, and MRGs, which are regarded as emerging contaminants (ECs). Recently, ECs have received global attention because of their prevalence in leachate as a substantial threat to environmental and public health, including an economic burden for developing nations. The present review exclusively discusses the demands to develop a novel eco-friendly management strategy to combat these global issues. This review also gives an intrinsic discussion about the insights of different aspects of environmental and public health concerns caused due to massive leachate generation, the abundance of antibiotics resistance (AR), and the effects of released leachate on the various environmental reservoirs and human health. Furthermore, the current review throws light on the source and fate of different ECs of landfill leachate and their possible impact on the nearby environments (groundwater, surface water, and soil) affecting human health. The present review strongly suggests the demand for future research focuses on the advancement of the removal efficiency of contaminants with the improvement of relevant landfill management to reduce the potential effects of disposable waste. We propose the necessity of the identification and monitoring of potential environmental and human health risks associated with landfill leachate contaminants.
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628
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Mikkonen AT, Martin J, Dourson ML, Hinwood A, Johnson MS. Suggestions for Improving the Characterization of Risk from Exposures to Per and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:871-886. [PMID: 33201555 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many state and federal environmental and health agencies have developed risk-based criteria for assessing the risk of adverse health effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) exposure to humans and the environment. However, the criteria that have been developed vary; drinking water criteria developed for perfluorooctanoic acid, for example, can vary by up to 750 fold. This is due to differences and variability in the data and information used, study/endpoint selection, assumptions and magnitude of uncertainty factors used in the absence and extrapolation of critical effect data, differences in underlying approaches to addressing exposure within criteria development, and/or policy decisions on levels of acceptable risk. We have critically evaluated the methods used to develop these criteria while focusing on derivation and application of drinking water criteria and discuss a range of improvements to risk-characterization practice recently presented at a Focused Topic Meeting on PFAS conducted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in Durham, North Carolina, USA, 12 to 15 August 2019. We propose methods that consider maximizing the use of disparate data streams, seeking patterns, and proposing biologically based approaches to evidence integration toward informed criteria development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:883-898. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti T Mikkonen
- University of South Australia Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrea Hinwood
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark S Johnson
- US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
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629
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Mattila T, Santonen T, Andersen HR, Katsonouri A, Szigeti T, Uhl M, Wąsowicz W, Lange R, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Kolossa-Gehring M, Sarigiannis DA, Tolonen H. Scoping Review-The Association between Asthma and Environmental Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031323. [PMID: 33535701 PMCID: PMC7908498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide affecting all age groups from children to the elderly. In addition to other factors such as smoking, air pollution and atopy, some environmental chemicals are shown or suspected to increase the risk of asthma, exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause other respiratory symptoms. In this scoping review, we report environmental chemicals, prioritized for investigation in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), which are associated or possibly associated with asthma. The substance groups considered to cause asthma through specific sensitization include: diisocyanates, hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and possibly p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA). In epidemiological studies, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organophosphate insecticides are associated with asthma, and phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pyrethroid insecticides, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead are only potentially associated with asthma. As a conclusion, exposure to PAHs and some pesticides are associated with increased risk of asthma. Diisocyanates and Cr(VI) cause asthma with specific sensitization. For many environmental chemicals, current studies have provided contradicting results in relation to increased risk of asthma. Therefore, more research about exposure to environmental chemicals and risk of asthma is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Mattila
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Meilahti Triangle Hospital, 6th Floor, PO Box 372, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, 00032 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Helle Raun Andersen
- Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | | | - Tamás Szigeti
- National Public Health Center, 1097 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | | | - Rosa Lange
- German Environment Agency, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (M.K.-G.)
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (F.R.)
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (F.R.)
| | | | - Denis A. Sarigiannis
- Technologies Division, Environmental Engineering Laboratory Department of Chemical Engineering and HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Hanna Tolonen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland;
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630
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Dalla Zuanna T, Savitz DA, Barbieri G, Pitter G, Zare Jeddi M, Daprà F, Fabricio ASC, Russo F, Fletcher T, Canova C. The association between perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid profile in exposed pregnant women in the Veneto region, Italy. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111805. [PMID: 33360787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents of a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed for decades to high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Serum PFAS levels have been consistently associated with elevated serum lipids, but few studies have been conducted among pregnant women, and none has stratified analyses by trimester of gestation. Elevated serum lipid levels during pregnancy can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on pregnant women and the developing fetus. We evaluated the association between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoro-hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) levels in relation to lipid profiles in highly-exposed pregnant women. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 319 pregnant women (age 14-48 years) enrolled in the Regional health surveillance program. Non-fasting blood samples were obtained in any trimester of pregnancy and analyzed for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated. The associations between ln-transformed PFAS (and categorized into quartiles) and lipids were assessed using generalized additive models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and stratified according to pregnancy trimester. RESULTS The geometric means of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 14.78 ng/mL, 2.67 ng/mL and 1.89 ng/mL, respectively. The plasma levels of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C increased steadily throughout the trimesters. In the 1st trimester, PFOS was positively associated with TC and PFHxS with HDL-C. In the 3rd trimester, instead, an inverse relationship was seen between PFOA and PFHxS and both TC and LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the associations between PFAS concentrations and lipid profiles in pregnant women might differ by trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, patterns are similar to those of non-pregnant women, while they differ late in pregnancy. Different independent behavior of PFAS and lipid levels throughout the pregnancy might explain our observations. These findings support the ubiquitous exposure to PFAS and possible influence on lipid metabolisms during pregnancy and suggest a careful evaluation of the timing of PFAS measurement, when examining effects of PFAS during pregnancy on gestational outcomes related to serum lipids amounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Dalla Zuanna
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gisella Pitter
- Screening and Health Impact Assessment Unit, Azienda Zero-Veneto Region, Passaggio L. Gaudenzio 1, 35100 Padova, Italy.
| | - Maryam Zare Jeddi
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Daprà
- Laboratory Department-Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection, Veneto Region, Verona, Italy.
| | - Aline S C Fabricio
- Regional Center for Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy.
| | - Francesca Russo
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health, Veneto Region, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo, 30123 Venice, Italy.
| | - Tony Fletcher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Zare Jeddi M, Dalla Zuanna T, Barbieri G, Fabricio ASC, Daprà F, Fletcher T, Russo F, Pitter G, Canova C. Associations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances with Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Highly Exposed Young Adult Community Residents-A Cross-Sectional Study in Veneto Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031194. [PMID: 33572770 PMCID: PMC7908308 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the association between perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are limited, and results are inconsistent. We aimed to examine the associations between PFAS serum levels and the prevalence of MetS among highly exposed young adults (ages 20-39) residents of a large area of the Veneto Region (North-Eastern Italy) primarily stemming from PFAS water contamination before September 2013. A total of 15,876 eligible young adult residents living in the investigated municipalities were enrolled in the study from January 2017 to July 2019. METHODS MetS was defined by using a modified harmonized definition requiring the presence of 3 of the following: obesity (body mass index ≥30), elevated triglyceride (TG), reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.1% or self-reported diabetes mellitus or drug treatment for hyperglycemia. Multivariable generalized additive models were performed to identify the associations between four serum PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and risk of MetS controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 1282 participants (8.1%) met the criteria of MetS with a higher prevalence among men. PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA were not associated with the risk of MetS, whereas PFOS showed a consistent protective effect against the risk of MetS (OR 0.76, (95% CI: 0.69, 0.85) per ln-PFOS). However, we found statistically significant positive associations between PFAS serum levels and individual components of MetS, mainly elevated blood pressure and elevated TG. CONCLUSION Our results did not support a consistent association between PFAS and MetS and conflicting findings were observed for individual components of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zare Jeddi
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.J.); (T.D.Z.); (G.B.)
| | - Teresa Dalla Zuanna
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.J.); (T.D.Z.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.J.); (T.D.Z.); (G.B.)
| | | | - Francesca Daprà
- Laboratory Department-Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection-Veneto Region, 37135 Verona, Italy;
| | - Tony Fletcher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK;
| | - Francesca Russo
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health-Veneto Region, 30123 Venice, Italy;
| | - Gisella Pitter
- Screening and Health Impact Assessment Unit, Azienda Zero-Veneto Region, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.J.); (T.D.Z.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Analytical Techniques, Environmental Fate, and Health Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030995. [PMID: 33498193 PMCID: PMC7863963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their unique chemical properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively as industrial surfactants and processing aids. While several types of PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by their manufacturers, these chemicals continue to be of ecological and public health concern due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in living organisms. Moreover, while the compounds referred to as “legacy” PFAS remain in the environment, alternative compounds have emerged as replacements for their legacy predecessors and are now detected in numerous matrices. In this review, we discuss the historical uses of PFAS, recent advances in analytical techniques for analysis of these compounds, and the fate of PFAS in the environment. In addition, we evaluate current biomonitoring studies of human exposure to legacy and emerging PFAS and examine the associations of PFAS exposure with human health impacts, including cancer- and non-cancer-related outcomes. Special focus is given to short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and ether-substituted, polyfluoroalkyl alternatives including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; tradename GenX), 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (DONA), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroethersulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA; tradename F-53B).
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Calvert L, Green MP, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Turner BD, Clarke BO, Eamens AL, Roman SD, Nixon B. Assessment of the Emerging Threat Posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Male Reproduction in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:799043. [PMID: 35356147 PMCID: PMC8959433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.799043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per-fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals used widely in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use and chemical stability, PFAS are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and as such, form an emerging risk factor for male reproductive health. The long half-lives of PFAS is of particular concern as the propensity to accumulate in biological systems prolong the time taken for excretion, taking years in many cases. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence supporting a negative association between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions. However, inconsistencies among epidemiological and experimental findings have hindered the ability to definitively link negative reproductive outcomes to specific PFAS exposure. This situation highlights the requirement for further investigation and the identification of reliable biological models that can inform health risks, allowing sensitive assessment of the spectrum of effects of PFAS exposure on humans. Here, we review the literature on the biological effects of PFAS exposure, with a specific focus on male reproduction, owing to its utility as a sentinel marker of general health. Indeed, male infertility has increasingly been shown to serve as an early indicator of a range of co-morbidities such as coronary, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. It follows that adverse associations have been established between PFAS exposure and the incidence of testicular dysfunction, including pathologies such as testicular cancer and a reduction in semen quality. We also give consideration to the mechanisms that render the male reproductive tract vulnerable to PFAS mediated damage, and discuss novel remediation strategies to mitigate the negative impact of PFAS contamination and/or to ameliorate the PFAS load of exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Calvert
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Mark P. Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett D. Turner
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Bradley O. Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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634
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Blake BE, Fenton SE. Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and latent health outcomes: A review including the placenta as a target tissue and possible driver of peri- and postnatal effects. Toxicology 2020; 443:152565. [PMID: 32861749 PMCID: PMC7530144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous drinking water contaminants of concern due to mounting evidence implicating adverse health outcomes associated with exposure, including reduced kidney function, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disruption, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. PFAS have been produced in the U.S. since the 1940s and now encompass a growing chemical family comprised of diverse chemical moieties, yet the toxicological effects have been studied for relatively few compounds. Critically, exposures to some PFAS in utero are associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and offspring, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, and low birth weight. Given the relationship between HDP, placental dysfunction, adverse health outcomes, and increased risk for chronic diseases in adulthood, the role of both developmental and lifelong exposure to PFAS likely contributes to disease risk in complex ways. Here, evidence for the role of some PFAS in disrupted thyroid function, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome is synthesized with an emphasis on the placenta as a critical yet understudied target of PFAS and programming agent of adult disease. Future research efforts must continue to fill the knowledge gap between placental susceptibility to environmental exposures like PFAS, subsequent perinatal health risks for both mother and child, and latent health effects in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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