1
|
Li Y, Lv Y, Jiang Z, Ma C, Li R, Zhao M, Guo Y, Guo H, Zhang X, Li A, Liu Y. Association of co-exposure to organophosphate esters and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and mixture with cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic biomarkers among Chinese adults. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116524. [PMID: 38838464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organophosphate esters (OPEs) and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with common exposure sources, leading to their widespread presence in human body. However, evidence on co-exposure to OPEs and PFAS and its impact on cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic biomarkers remains limited. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 467 adults were enrolled from January to May 2022 during physical visits in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. Eleven types of OPEs and twelves types of PFAS were detected, among which eight OPEs and six PFAS contaminants were detected in more than 60% of plasma samples. Seventeen biomarkers were assessed to comprehensively evaluate the cardiovascular-kidney-liver-metabolic function. Multiple linear regression, multipollutant models with sparse partial least squares, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to examine the associations of individual OPEs and PFAS and their mixtures with organ function and metabolism, respectively. RESULTS Of the over 400 exposure-outcome associations tested when modelling, we observed robust results across three models that perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxS) was significantly positively associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL). Perfluorononanoic acid was significantly associated with decreased AST/ALT and increased very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Besides, perfluorodecanoic acid was correlated with increased high lipoprotein cholesterol and perfluoroundecanoic acid was consistently associated with lower glucose level. BKMR analysis showed that OPEs and PFAS mixtures were positively associated with IBIL and TBIL, among which PFHxS was the main toxic chemicals. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that exposure to OPEs and PFAS, especially PFHxS and PFNA, may disrupt organ function and metabolism in the general population, providing insight into the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of OPEs and PFAS co-exposure and chronic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Zexuan Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Chaoying Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Mengwei Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core Facilities and Centers of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050017, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang SN, Hu YH, Xu TT, Luan YL, Zeng LX, Zhang ZF, Guo Y. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in lung cancer patients and their associations with clinical health indicators. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123995. [PMID: 38636840 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have potential carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. Research has been conducted on PFAS exposure in people to discuss their potential health effects, excluding lung cancer. In this study, we recruited participants (n = 282) with lung cancer from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China. The PFAS concentrations were measured in their serum to fill the data gap of exposure, and relationships were explored in levels between PFASs and clinical indicators of tumor, immune and liver function. Ten PFASs were found in over 80 % of samples and their total concentrations were 5.27-152 ng/mL, with the highest level for perfluorooctanesulfonate (median: 12.4 ng/mL). Long-chain PFASs were the main congeners and their median concentration (20.5 ng/mL) was nearly three times to that of short-chain PFASs (7.61 ng/mL). Significantly higher concentrations of perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid and perfluorohexanesulfonate were found in males than in females (p < 0.05). Serum levels of neuro-specific enolase were positively associated with perfluoropentanoic acid in all participants and were negatively associated with perfluorononanesulfonate in females (p < 0.05, multiple linear regression models). Exposure to PFAS mixture was significantly positively associated with the lymphocytic absolute value (difference: 0.224, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.470; p < 0.05, quantile g-computation models) and serum total bilirubin (difference: 2.177, 95% CI: 0.0335, 4.33; p < 0.05). Moreover, PFAS exposure can affect γ-glutamyl transpeptidase through several immune markers (p < 0.05, mediating test). Our results suggest that exposure to certain PFASs could interfere with clinical indicators in lung cancer patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect serum PFAS occurrence and check their associations with clinical indicators in lung cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Nan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Ying-Hua Hu
- International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances, Heilongjiang Institute of Labor Hygiene and Occupational Diseases, The Second Hospital of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 100028, China
| | - Ting-Ting Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yu-Ling Luan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Li-Xi Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zi-Feng Zhang
- International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ragnarsdóttir O, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M, Harrad S. Dermal bioavailability of perfluoroalkyl substances using in vitro 3D human skin equivalent models. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108772. [PMID: 38810496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been identified in various products that come in contact with human skin, ranging from school uniforms to personal care products. Despite this, knowledge on human dermal uptake of PFAS is lacking. Thus, the human dermal absorption of 17 PFAS was assessed, for the first time, using in vitro 3D-human skin equivalent models exposed to 500 ng/cm2 PFAS dissolved in methanol over 24-36 h. The distribution of target PFAS is presented, based on three fractions: absorbed, un-absorbed, and retained within skin tissue (absorbable dose). Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) had the highest absorbed fraction, 58.9 % and 48.7 % respectively, with the absorbed fraction decreasing with increasing carbon chain length of the studied perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) (r = 0.97, p = 0.001) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) (r = 0.97, p = 0.004). Interestingly, while longer chain PFAS (Cn ≥ 9) were not directly absorbed, a large fraction of the exposure dose was detected within the skin tissue at the end of the exposure. This was most apparent for perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS) for which 66.5 % and 68.3 % of the exposure dose was found within the skin tissue, while neither compound was detected in the absorbed fraction. For compounds with a carbon chain length > 11, the fraction found within the skin tissue, decreases with increasing chain length. Physicochemical properties played a role in dermal permeation of PFAS, with a clear inverse correlation between logKOW and absorbed fraction for both PFCAs (r = -0.97; p ≤ 0.001) and PFSAs (r = -0.99; p ≤ 0.001). Steady-state flux (JSS) and permeation coefficients (Papp) were determined for target compounds with significant permeation after 36 h exposure (C5-C8 PFCAs and C4-C7 PFSAs). In general, both the flux and permeation coefficient decreased with increasing chain length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaye E, Marques E, Agudelo Areiza J, Modaresi SMS, Slitt A. Exposure to a PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS Mixture during Gestation and Lactation Alters the Liver Proteome in Offspring of CD-1 Mice. TOXICS 2024; 12:348. [PMID: 38787127 PMCID: PMC11126053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Perfluroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent man-made chemicals considered to be emerging pollutants, with Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and Perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS) being linked to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS can undergo placental and lactational transfer, which results in PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS distribution to the neonatal liver. Moreover, in pregnant dams, exposure to a PFAS mixture, in combination with a high fat diet, increased hepatic steatosis in offspring at postnatal day 21, but the mechanisms have not been elucidated. It was hypothesized that gestational/lactational PFAS exposure would alter the pup liver proteome and biochemical/signaling pathways. Timed-pregnant CD-1 dams were fed a standard chow or 60% kcal high-fat diet. From GD1 until PND20, dams were dosed via oral gavage with vehicle (0.5% Tween 20), individual doses of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS at 1 mg/kg, or a mixture (1 mg/kg each, totaling 3 mg/kg). Livers were collected from PND21 offspring and SWATH-MS proteomics was performed. IPA analysis revealed PFAS exposure modified disease and biological function pathways involved in liver damage, xenobiotics, and lipid regulation in the PND21 liver. These pathways included lipid and fatty acid transport, storage, oxidation, and synthesis, as well as xenobiotic metabolism and transport, and liver damage and inflammation. This indicates the pup liver proteome is altered via maternal exposure and predisposes the pup to metabolic dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kaye
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (E.K.); (E.M.); (J.A.A.); (S.M.S.M.)
| | - Emily Marques
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (E.K.); (E.M.); (J.A.A.); (S.M.S.M.)
- Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, US EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Juliana Agudelo Areiza
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (E.K.); (E.M.); (J.A.A.); (S.M.S.M.)
| | - Seyed Mohamad Sadegh Modaresi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (E.K.); (E.M.); (J.A.A.); (S.M.S.M.)
| | - Angela Slitt
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, 7 Greenhouse Rd, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (E.K.); (E.M.); (J.A.A.); (S.M.S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dai C, Peng L, Li Y, Li Z, Chen D, Wang F, Lin N. Distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in blood, serum, and urine of patients with liver cancer and associations with liver function biomarkers. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 139:418-427. [PMID: 38105065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may be hepatotoxic in animals or humans. However, data on clinical epidemiology are very limited. In this study, 21 PFASs were determined in patients with liver diseases, with the highest median concentrations detected in the serum sample (26.7 ng/mL), followed by blood (10.7 ng/mL) and urine (5.02 ng/mL). Higher total PFAS concentrations were found in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients compared to non-HCC patients, with significant discrepancies in serum and blood samples. Besides, significant correlations were also found among PFAS concentrations and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and liver function biomarkers levels. For example, PFAS concentrations are significantly higher in males than in females; Several serum PFASs concentrations increase with age and BMI, while the serum perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) concentrations are negatively correlated with age. In addition, multiple regression models adjusted for age, gender and BMI found that increased serum perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) and perfluorohexylphosphonic acid (PFHxPA) conentrations are correlated with elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (p < 0.05). Our results provide epidemiological support for the future study on the potential clinical hepatotoxicity of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lin Peng
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yanjie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhendong Li
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sands M, Zhang X, Gal A, Laws M, Spinella M, Erdogan ZM, Irudayaraj J. Comparative hepatotoxicity of novel lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI, ie. HQ-115) and legacy Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in male mice: Insights into epigenetic mechanisms and pathway-specific responses. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108556. [PMID: 38461777 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI ie. HQ-115), a polymer electrolyte used in energy applications, has been detected in the environment, yet its health risks and environmental epigenetic effects remain unknown. This study aims to unravel the potential health risks associated with LiTFSI, investigate the role of DNA methylation-induced toxic mechanisms in its effects, and compare its hepatotoxic impact with the well-studied Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Using a murine model, six-week-old male CD1 mice were exposed to 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of each chemical for 14 days as 14-day exposure and 1 and 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days as 30-day exposure. Results indicate that PFOA exposure induced significant hepatotoxicity, characterized by liver enlargement, and elevated serum biomarkers. In contrast, LiTFSI exposure showed lower hepatotoxicity, accompanied by mild liver injuries. Despite higher bioaccumulation of PFOA in serum, LiTFSI exhibited a similar range of liver concentrations compared to PFOA. Reduced Representative Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) analysis revealed distinct DNA methylation patterns between 14-day and 30-day exposure for the two compounds. Both LiTFSI and PFOA implicated liver inflammatory pathways and lipid metabolism. Transcriptional results showed that differentially methylated regions in both exposures are enriched with cancer/disease-related motifs. Furthermore, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a regulator of lipid metabolism, was upregulated in both exposures, with downstream genes indicating potential oxidative damages. Overall, LiTFSI exhibits distinct hepatotoxicity profiles, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment of emerging PFAS compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Sands
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Laws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zeynep-Madak Erdogan
- Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Licul-Kucera V, Ragnarsdóttir O, Frömel T, van Wezel AP, Knepper TP, Harrad S, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M. Interspecies comparison of metabolism of two novel prototype PFAS. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141237. [PMID: 38242512 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
As a result of proposed global restrictions and regulations on current-use per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), research on possible alternatives is highly required. In this study, phase I in vitro metabolism of two novel prototype PFAS in human and rat was investigated. These prototype chemicals are intended to be safer-by-design and expected to mineralize completely, and thus be less persistent in the environment compared to the PFAS available on the market. Following incubation with rat liver S9 (RL-S9) fractions, two main metabolites per initial substance were produced, namely an alcohol and a short-chain carboxylic acid. While with human liver S9 (HL-S9) fractions, only the short-chain carboxylic acid was detected. Beyond these major metabolites, two and five additional metabolites were identified at very low levels by non-targeted screening for the ether- and thioether-linked prototype chemicals, respectively. Overall, complete mineralization during the in vitro hepatic metabolism of these novel PFAS by HL-S9 and RL-S9 fractions was not observed. The reaction kinetics of the surfactants was determined by using the metabolite formation, rather than the substrate depletion approach. With rat liver enzymes, the formation rates of primary metabolite alcohols were at least two orders of magnitude higher than those of secondary metabolite carboxylic acids. When incubating with human liver enzymes, the formation rates of single metabolite carboxylic acids, were similar or smaller than those experienced in rat. It also indicates that the overall metabolic rate and clearance of surfactants are significantly higher in rat liver than in human liver. The maximum formation rate of the thioether congener exceeded 10-fold that of the ether in humans but were similar in rats. Overall, the results suggest that metabolism of the prototype chemicals followed a similar trend to those reported in studies of fluorotelomer alcohols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Licul-Kucera
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Institute for Analytical Research, Hochschulen Fresenius Gem. Trägergesellschaft MbH, Idstein, Germany.
| | - Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tobias Frömel
- Institute for Analytical Research, Hochschulen Fresenius Gem. Trägergesellschaft MbH, Idstein, Germany
| | - Annemarie P van Wezel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas P Knepper
- Institute for Analytical Research, Hochschulen Fresenius Gem. Trägergesellschaft MbH, Idstein, Germany
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Willems DJ, Kumar A, Nguyen TV, Beale DJ, Nugegoda D. Environmentally relevant concentrations of chemically complex shale gas wastewater led to reduced fitness of water fleas (Daphnia carinata): Multiple lines of evidence approach. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132839. [PMID: 37926015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Shale gas hydraulic fracturing generates flowback waters that pose a threat to aquatic organisms if released into the environment. In order to prevent adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, multiple lines of evidence are needed to guide better decisions and management actions. This study employed a multi-disciplinary approach, combining direct toxicity assessment (DTA) on the water flea Daphnia carinata and LC-MS metabolomics analysis to determine the impact of a major ion salinity control (SC) and a cumulative flowback shale gas wastewater (SGW) from a well in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia. The exposures included a culture water control, simply further referred to as 'control', SC at 1% and 2% (v/v) and SGW at 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1% and 2% (v/v). The results showed that reproduction was significantly increased at SGW 0.5%, and significantly decreased when exposed to SC 2%. SGW 2% was found to be acutely toxic for the D. carinata (< 48-h). Second generation (F1) of D. carinata exposed to 0.125-1% SGW generally saw reduced activity in four oxidative biomarkers: glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, and superoxide dismutase. At the metabolomics level, we observed significant changes in 103 metabolites in Daphnia exposed to both SGW and elevated salinity, in comparison to the control group. These changes indicate a range of metabolic disturbances induced by SGW and salinity, such as lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, energy production, and the biosynthesis of crucial molecules like hormones and pigments. These multiple lines of evidence approach not only highlights the complexities of SGW's impact on aquatic ecosystems but also underscores the importance of informed decision-making and management practices to safeguard the environment and its inhabitants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Willems
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Urrbrae 5064, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Urrbrae 5064, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thao V Nguyen
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park 4102, Queensland, Australia; NTT Institute of High Technology, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Ho Chi Minh 700000, VietNam
| | - David J Beale
- Environment Business Unit, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park 4102, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- Ecotoxicology Research Group, School of Science, Bundoora West Campus, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sun X, Yang X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Xiao F, Guo H, Liu X. Correlation analysis between per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances exposure and depressive symptoms in adults: NHANES 2005-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167639. [PMID: 37813256 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive exposure to per and poly-fluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) can lead to various negative health effects. However, there's a lack of research studying the link between PFAS exposure and depression in adults, and the existing findings are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES Utilizing data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning 2005 to 2018, this study aimed to examine the potential connection between PFAS exposure and depressive symptoms in adults. METHODS The correlation between individual PFAS exposure and depressive symptoms was examined through the establishment of weighted logistic regression models (crude model, model 1, model 2) and restricted cubic spline models. To verify the stability of the model, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the logistic regression model were generated, and a ten-fold cross-validation model was employed. Additionally, the relationship between adult depressive symptoms and mixed PFAS exposure was tested through the utilization of quantile g-computation (qgcomp). RESULTS The findings revealed that heightened exposure levels to PFOA, PFHxS, and PFUnDA, were connected with a diminished risk of depressive symptoms in adults (ORPFOA: 0.67, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.47, 0.95; ORPFHxS: 0.66, 95 %CI: 0.49, 0.89; ORPFUnDA: 0.65, 95 %CI: 0.45, 0.96). PFOS, PFHxS, and PFDA demonstrated a dose-response relationship with the risk of depressive symptoms. The ROC curve indicated model stability, with recognition accuracy exceeding 90 % in the cross-validation model. The outcomes of qgcomp demonstrated that an increase in serum PFAS concentration was linked to a decreased risk of depressive symptoms in adults (OR: 0.85, 95 %CI: 0.75, 0.96). DISCUSSION Due to the cross-sectional design of this study, it's important to acknowledge the potential for reverse causality between PFAS exposure and depressive symptoms. As a result, the outcomes should not be oversimplified to interpret PFAS exposure as a protective factor against adult depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xupu Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yizhe Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Fang Xiao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen Y, Wu Y, Lv J, Zhou S, Lin S, Huang S, Zheng L, Deng G, Feng Y, Zhang G, Feng W. Overall and individual associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and liver function indices and the metabolic mechanism. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108405. [PMID: 38163401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can disrupt liver homeostasis. Studies have shown that a single exposure to PFAS may provoke abnormal liver function; however, few studies have investigated the overall effect of PFAS mixtures. We aimed to investigate associations between exposure to PFAS mixtures and liver function indices and explore the relevant mechanisms. This study included 278 adult males from Guangzhou, China. Serum metabolite profiles were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics. We applied weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression as well as Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the association of nine PFAS mixtures with 14 liver function indices. PFAS mixtures were positively associated with apolipoprotein B (APOB) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and negatively associated with direct bilirubin (DBIL) and total bilirubin (TBIL) in both the WQS and BKMR analyses. In addition, Spearman's correlation test showed individual PFAS correlated with APOB, GGT, TBIL, and DBIL, while there's little correlation between individual PFAS and other liver function indices. In linear regression analysis, PFHxS, PFOS, PFHpS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUdA were associated with APOB; PFOA, PFDA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFUdA were associated with GGT. Subsequently, a metabolome-wide association study and mediation analysis were combined to explore metabolites that mediate these associations. The mechanisms linking PFAS to APOB and GGT are mainly related with amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. High-dimensional mediation analysis showed that glycerophospholipids are the main markers of the association between PFAS and APOB, and that (R)-dihydromaleimide, Ile Leu, (R)-(+)-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, and L-glutamate are the main markers of the association between PFAS and GGT. In summary, overall associations between PFAS and specific indices of liver function were found using two statistical methods; the metabolic pathways and markers identified here may serve to prompt more detailed study in animal-based systems, as well as a similar detailed analysis in other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Chen
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Jiayun Lv
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Si Zhou
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Shaobin Lin
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Suli Huang
- School of Public Health, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linjie Zheng
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanhua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Yuchao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Guoxia Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenru Feng
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ragnarsdóttir O, Abdallah MAE, Harrad S. Dermal bioaccessibility of perfluoroalkyl substances from household dust; influence of topically applied cosmetics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117093. [PMID: 37683793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
PFAS are known contaminants of indoor dust. Despite the adherence of such dust to skin, the dermal penetration potential of PFAS is not well understood. By applying in vitro physiologically based extraction tests, the bioaccessibility of 17 PFAS from indoor dust to synthetic human sweat sebum mixtures (SSSM) was assessed. The composition of the SSSM substantially impacted the bioaccessibility of all target compounds. PFAS bioaccessibility in a 1:1 sweat:sebum mixture ranged from 54 to 92% for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 61-77% for perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). Commonly applied cosmetics (foundation, sunscreen, moisturiser, and deodorant) significantly impacted the dermal bioaccessibility of target PFAS, e.g., the presence of moisturiser significantly decreased the total bioaccessibility of both PFCAs and PFSAs. Preliminary human exposure estimates revealed dermal contact with indoor dust could contribute as much as pathways such as drinking water and dust ingestion to an adult's daily intake of PFAS. While further research is needed to assess the percutaneous penetration of PFAS in humans, the current study highlights the potential substantial contribution of dermal exposure to human body burdens of PFAS and the need for further consideration of this pathway in PFAS risk assessment studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kuo KY, Chen Y, Chuang Y, Lin P, Lin YJ. Worldwide serum concentration-based probabilistic mixture risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances among pregnant women, infants, and children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115712. [PMID: 38000299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), yet little is known about related health risks. Here, we aimed to study the four main PFASs: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and assess the mixture risks of co-exposure to PFASs for pregnant women and children as well as for infants associated with maternal PFAS exposure at national and global scales, based on biomonitoring data on serum. We conducted a literature search and aggregated 69 data sources across 22 countries/regions from 2010 to 2020 to profile the serum concentrations of these four PFASs in pregnant women and children. Based on toxicity assessments by regulatory authorities, we determined conservative reference levels (RfLs) in the serum for the primary adverse effects of PFASs, including hepatic, developmental, and immune effects. The cumulative hazard quotient (HQ) was combined with probabilistic analysis to compare serum levels with RfLs and to quantify mixture risks. Our analysis revealed that PFOS was the dominant PFAS in maternal and child serum worldwide, with median levels 2.5-10 times higher than those of PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS. The estimated global median serum levels of PFOS were 6.17 ng/mL for pregnant women and 4.85 ng/mL for children, and their immune effects in pregnant women and children are concerning as their cumulative HQs could exceed 1. For infants, the cumulative HQs for both developmental and immune effects could also be > 1, suggesting that maternal exposure to PFASs during pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose concerns for infant development and immunity. Our national and global serum database and risk assessment offer additional insights into PFAS exposures and mixture risks in susceptible populations, serving as a reference for evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing regulatory mitigation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Yu Kuo
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chen
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yi Chuang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Lin
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang JK, Chuang YS, Wu PH, Tai CJ, Lin JR, Kuo MC, Chiu YW, Hsu PC, Wu MT, Salihovic S, Lin YT. Decreased levels of perfluoroalkyl substances in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165184. [PMID: 37391133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported to be harmful to multiple organs in the human body. Based on a previous study suggesting that hemodialysis (HD) may be a means of eliminating PFAS from the human body, we aimed to compare the serum PFAS concentrations of patients undergoing regular HD, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and controls. Additionally, we also investigated the correlation between PFAS and biochemical data, as well as concurrent comorbidities. We recruited 301 participants who had been on maintenance dialysis for >90 days, 20 participants with stage 5 non-dialysis CKD, and 55 control participants who did not have a diagnosis of kidney disease, with a mean creatinine level of 0.77 mg/dl. Eight different PFAS, namely perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), total and linear perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Spearman correlation and multivariable linear regression with 5 % false discovery rate were used to evaluate the relationships between PFAS and clinical parameters in HD patients and controls. Circulating concentrations of seven PFAS, including total and linear PFOS (T-PFOS and L-PFOS) PFDA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFUnDA, were significantly lower in the HD group compared to the CKD and control group. For the interplay between biochemical data and PFAS, all of the studied PFAS were positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, ferritin, and vitamin D in the controls, while in HD patients, the PFAS were all positively correlated with albumin, uric acid, iron, and vitamin D. These findings may offer valuable insights for future studies seeking to eliminate PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jih-Kai Huang
- Department of General Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shiuan Chuang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung city, Taiwan; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsun Wu
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung city, Taiwan; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Tai
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung, Taiwan; Center for Long-Term Care Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jye-Ru Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chuan Kuo
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Chiu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chi Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsang Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Samira Salihovic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung city, Taiwan; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ma X, Fisher JA, VoPham T, Vasiliou V, Jones RR. Associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, liver function, and daily alcohol consumption in a sample of U.S. adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116651. [PMID: 37451576 PMCID: PMC10948014 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and in the serum of the U.S. POPULATION We sought to evaluate the association of PFAS independently and jointly with alcohol intake on liver function biomarkers in a sample of the U.S. general population. METHODS Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2016; N = 11,794), we examined the five most historically prevalent PFAS with >75% detection rates. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between PFAS (quartiles and log-transformed continuous, ng/mL) and high levels (>95th percentile) of liver injury biomarkers using logistic regression models adjusted for key confounders. We evaluated interactions between PFAS and alcohol consumption and sex via stratified analyses and conducted sub-analyses adjusting for daily alcohol intake among those with available drinking history (N = 10,316). RESULT Serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was positively associated with high levels of alanine transferase (ALT) without monotonic trend (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.45, CI: 0.99-2.12; p-trend = 0.18), and with increased aspartate transaminase when modeled continuously (OR = 1.15, CI: 1.02-1.30; p-trend = 0.03). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were both inversely associated with alkaline phosphatase while a trend was evident only for PFHxS (p = 0.02). A non-monotonic inverse association was observed with PFOA (p-trend = 0.10). The highest quartile of PFOS was associated with high total bilirubin (TB; ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.57, CI: 1.01-2.43, p-trend = 0.02). No significant associations were found between any PFAS and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. We found no associations for perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid. We observed some suggestive interactions with alcohol intake, particularly among heavy drinkers. CONCLUSION Consistent with other studies, serum levels of PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA were positively associated with high levels of ALT, and we also observed weak positive associations between some PFAS and TB. Associations observed among heavy drinkers warrant additional evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqi Ma
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Jared A Fisher
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Trang VoPham
- Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rena R Jones
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang M, Su W, Li H, Li L, An Z, Xiao F, Liu Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Guo H, Li A. Association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among patients with acute coronary syndrome. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115473. [PMID: 37722302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Etiology of hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear. Existing studies suggested the potential role of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in comorbidity of hepatic steatosis among ACS patients. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study based on the ACS inpatients to assess the associations of plasma PFAS congeners and mixtures with hepatic steatosis and MAFLD. This study included 546 newly diagnosed ACS patients. Twelve PFAS were quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Hepatic steatosis was defined by hepatic steatosis index (HSI). MAFLD was defined as the combination of hepatic steatosis based on the risk factor calculation with metabolic abnormalities. Generalized linear model was used to examine the associations of PFAS congeners with HSI and MAFLD. Adaptive elastic net (AENET) was further used for PFAS congeners selection. Mixture effects were also assessed with Bayesian kernel machine regression model (BKMR). Congeners analysis observed significant greater percent change of HSI for each doubling in PFOS (1.82%, 95% CI: 0.87%, 2.77%), PFHxS (1.17%, 95% CI: 0.46%, 1.89%) and total PFAS (1.84%, 95% CI: 0.56%, 3.14%). Moreover, each doubling in PFOS (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.81), PFHxS (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.59) and total PFAS (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.94) was associated with increased risk of MAFLD. In AENET regression, only PFOS presented significant positive associations with HSI. Mixture analysis indicated significant positive associations between PFAS mixtures and HSI. This is the first study to demonstrate associations of PFAS congeners and mixtures with hepatic steatosis and MAFLD among ACS patients, which provides hypothesis into the mechanisms behind comorbidity of hepatic steatosis among ACS patients, as well as tertiary prevention of ACS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Weitao Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, PR China
| | - Longfei Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Ziwen An
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Fang Xiao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core Facilities and Centers of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050017, PR China.
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ogunsuyi OM, Fasakin PT, Ajibiye OP, Ogunsuyi OI, Adekoya KO. Perfluoroundecanoic acid induces DNA damage, reproductive and pathophysiological dysfunctions via oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139491. [PMID: 37453524 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) is an eleven carbon-chain compound that belongs to the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid family. It has been detected in the human blood, effluents, and surface/ground waters, but its toxic effects to the DNA and reproductive system remain unclear. This study was aimed at exploring the toxicity of PFUnA on the hepatic DNA, organ-system and reproductive system in orally treated male Swiss mice. In this present study, administration of PFUnA for 28 days with five doses (0.1, 0.3, 05, 0.7 and 1.0 mg kg-1 b.w./d) in male Swiss mice induced significant hepatic DNA damage which was observed using the alkaline comet assay and equally altered hematological and clinical biochemical parameters. In addition to testicular atrophy, sperm count and sperm motility significantly decreased while sperm abnormalities increased after 35 days exposure. Serum LH and FSH levels were remarkably increased while serum testosterone levels were strikingly reduced. Histopathology revealed the liver, kidney, and testis as potential targets of PFUnA toxicity. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as levels of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH), with consistent reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and testis induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PFUnA exhibited both genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity via oxidative stress induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Opeoluwa M Ogunsuyi
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Peter T Fasakin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobi P Ajibiye
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun I Ogunsuyi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Khalid O Adekoya
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
David N, Antignac JP, Roux M, Marchand P, Michalak S, Oberti F, Fouchard I, Lannes A, Blanchet O, Cales P, Blanc EB, Boursier J, Canivet CM. Associations between perfluoroalkyl substances and the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108235. [PMID: 37776622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and the determinants driving its severity remain to be elucidated. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemical compounds. They are used in commonplace products and persistent in water, soil and the human body. In vitro and animal studies suggest a pathogenic role for PFAS in metabolic diseases such as NAFLD. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD severity and serum PFAS concentrations in humans. METHODS One hundred biopsy-proven NAFLD patients were included with a well-balanced distribution between the different stages of severity: 25 patients with simple steatosis, 25 with early non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH and F0-F1 fibrosis), 33 with fibrotic NASH (NASH and F2-F3 fibrosis), and 17 with cirrhotic NASH (NASH and F4 fibrosis). Liver histological features were evaluated according to the NASH Clinical Research Network classification. Seventeen PFAS were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry on serum samples stored at -80 °C. RESULTS The median age was 60 years, 61 % of patients were male, 46 % had diabetes and the median body mass index (BMI) was 32 kg/m2. Long-chain PFAS were associated with steatosis grade (p = 0.03). Among the nine PFAS detected in > 50 % of the patients, Perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid (PFHpA) showed significantly higher concentrations in grade 3 steatosis versus grade 1 (p = 0.02). Perfluoro-n-dodecanoic acid (PFDoA) concentrations were higher in patients with significant fibrosis (p = 0.04) and PFHpA in patients with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.02). The association between PFHpA and steatosis grade remained significant in multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, BMI, diabetes presence and dyslipidemia (p = 0.004). DISCUSSION Our study showed a significant association between PFHpA and liver steatosis in NAFLD. According to data available in the literature, PFHpA could be implicated in liver steatosis through β-oxidation and biosynthesis of fatty acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norma David
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Marine Roux
- Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Sophie Michalak
- Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France; Service d'Anatomopathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Fréderic Oberti
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Isabelle Fouchard
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Adrien Lannes
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Odile Blanchet
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques BB-0033-00038, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Paul Cales
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Etienne B Blanc
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, Inserm UMR, S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Boursier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Clémence M Canivet
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France; Laboratoire HIFIH, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hegedus C, Andronie L, Uiuiu P, Jurco E, Lazar EA, Popescu S. Pets, Genuine Tools of Environmental Pollutant Detection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2923. [PMID: 37760323 PMCID: PMC10525180 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human-pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today's society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Hegedus
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Luisa Andronie
- Department of Biophysics, Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Uiuiu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugen Jurco
- Department of Technological Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eva Andrea Lazar
- Association for the Welfare of Horses, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania;
| | - Silvana Popescu
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chang MC, Chung SM, Kwak SG. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and risk of stroke in adults: a meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2023-0021. [PMID: 37656598 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence of the adverse metabolic health effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasing. However, the impact of PFAS on cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of PFAS on the stroke risk. CONTENT Databases were searched for studies published up to November 1, 2022, which report the association between stroke and exposure to at least one of four main PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS]). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Four studies were included in this systematic review. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for incident stroke per 1-log unit increment in each serum PFAS were combined in the meta-analysis. The risk of development of stroke was not significantly associated with PFOA, PFOS, or PFNA exposure (PFOA: pooled odds ratio [OR]=1.001, 95 % confidence interval [CI]=0.975-1.028, p=0.934; PFOS: pooled OR=0.994, 95 % CI=0.972-1.017, p=0.601; PFNA: pooled OR=1.016, 95 % CI=0.920-1.123, p=0.752), whereas a moderately lower risk was associated with PFHxS exposure without statistical significance (pooled OR=0.953, 95 % CI=0.908-1.001, p=0.054). PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA exposure showed a neutral association, while PFHxS showed a possible inverse association with the risk of stroke. Therefore, this finding should be interpreted with caution. Further prospective observational studies with PFAS mixture analyses are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Min Chung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Gyu Kwak
- Department of Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang F, Liu L, Hu J, Fu H, Li H, Chen J, Yang C, Guo Q, Liang X, Wang L, Guo Y, Dai J, Sheng N, Wang J. Accumulation and glucocorticoid signaling suppression by four emerging perfluoroethercarboxylic acids based on animal exposure and cell testing. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108092. [PMID: 37463541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Various perfluoroethercarboxylic acids (PFECA) have emerged as next-generation replacements of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, there is a paucity of information regarding their bioaccumulation ability and hazard characterization. Here, we explored the accumulation and hepatotoxicity of four PFECA compounds (HFPO-DA, HFPO-TA, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoDA) in comparison to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) after chronic low-dose exposure in mice. Except for HFPO-DA, the levels of all tested PFAS in the liver exceeded that in serum. High molecular weight PFECA compounds (PFO5DoDA and HFPO-TA) showed stronger accumulation capacity and longer half-lives (t1/2) than low molecular weight PFECA compounds (HFPO-DA and PFO4DA) and even legacy PFOA. Although hepatomegaly is a common apical end point of PFAS exposure, the differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles in the liver suggested significant differences between PFOA and the four PFECA compounds. Gene enrichment analysis supported a considerable inhibitory effect of PFECA, but not PFOA, on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathway. Both HFPO-TA and PFO5DoDA demonstrated a more pronounced ability to perturb RNA expression profiles in vivo and to suppress GR signaling in vitro compared to HFPO-DA and PFO4DA. Calculated reference doses (RfDs) emphasized the potential hazard of PFECA to human health. Overall, our findings indicate that PFECA alternatives do not ease the concerns raised from legacy PFAS pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenghong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huayu Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiamiao Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunyu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Qingrong Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jianshe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fuoco RE, Kwiatkowski CF, Birnbaum LS, Blum A. Effective communications strategies to increase the impact of environmental health research. Environ Health 2023; 22:47. [PMID: 37460989 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are the subject of a growing body of research with the potential to positively impact public and ecological health. However, to effect positive change, findings must be communicated beyond the scientific community. OBJECTIVE We sought to (a) evaluate the relationships between communications strategy, media attention, and scholarly citations of PFAS research and (b) offer guidance for researchers and communications professionals who would like to publicize future work and increase its impact. METHODS We analyzed 273 peer-reviewed epidemiological studies on PFAS human health impacts with publication years 2018-2020, as collected by a pre-existing database. We investigated whether a press release was issued, open-access status, abstract and press release readability, timing of publication and press release distribution, journal impact factor, study type and sample size, statistical significance of finding(s), number of scholarly citations, and the Altmetric Attention Score (a measure of media attention). DISCUSSION Of papers reporting a statistically significant association with health harm, those with a press release received 20 times more media attention (as assessed by Altmetric scores) than those that did not. However, only 6.2% of all papers and 7.8% of significant papers issued one. Among papers with a press release, media attention was positively correlated with better abstract and press release readability and speed in issuing the press release. Scholarly citations were positively correlated with media attention, presence of a press release, and open-access status. CONCLUSION Most papers with significant findings on PFAS are published without a press release and receive little or no media attention. This reduces the likelihood that important research is reaching the public and decisionmakers who can translate science into action. Issuing a press release and receiving media attention also appear to increase scholarly citations. We provide recommendations for authors to increase the reach and impact of future papers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol F Kwiatkowski
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- Scientist Emeritus, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pálešová N, Maitre L, Stratakis N, Řiháčková K, Pindur A, Kohoutek J, Šenk P, Bartošková Polcrová A, Gregor P, Vrijheid M, Čupr P. Firefighters and the liver: Exposure to PFAS and PAHs in relation to liver function and serum lipids (CELSPAC-FIREexpo study). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 252:114215. [PMID: 37418783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Firefighting is one of the most hazardous occupations due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Such exposure is suspected to affect the cardiometabolic profile, e.g., liver function and serum lipids. However, only a few studies have investigated the impact of this specific exposure among firefighters. METHODS Men included in the CELSPAC-FIREexpo study were professional firefighters (n = 52), newly recruited firefighters in training (n = 58), and controls (n = 54). They completed exposure questionnaires and provided 1-3 samples of urine and blood during the 11-week study period to allow assessment of their exposure to PFAS (6 compounds) and PAHs (6 compounds), and to determine biomarkers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (BIL)) and levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG)). The associations between biomarkers were investigated both cross-sectionally using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression and prospectively using MLR. The models were adjusted for potential confounders and false discovery rate correction was applied to account for multiplicity. RESULTS A positive association between exposure to PFAS and PAH mixture and BIL (β = 28.6%, 95% CrI = 14.6-45.7%) was observed by the BWQS model. When the study population was stratified, in professional firefighters and controls the mixture showed a positive association with CHOL (β = 29.5%, CrI = 10.3-53.6%) and LDL (β = 26.7%, CrI = 8.3-48.5%). No statistically significant associations with individual compounds were detected using MLR. CONCLUSIONS This study investigated the associations between exposure to PFAS and PAHs and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in the Czech men, including firefighters. The results suggest that higher exposure to a mixture of these compounds is associated with an increase in BIL and the alteration of serum lipids, which can result in an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pálešová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Léa Maitre
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Katarína Řiháčková
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Pindur
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Czech Republic; Training Centre of Fire Rescue Service, Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Ministry of the Interior, Trnkova 85, 628 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kohoutek
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šenk
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petr Gregor
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pavel Čupr
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rock KD, Polera ME, Guillette TC, Starnes HM, Dean K, Watters M, Stevens-Stewart D, Belcher SM. Domestic Dogs and Horses as Sentinels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Associated Health Biomarkers in Gray's Creek North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:9567-9579. [PMID: 37340551 PMCID: PMC10802174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Central North Carolina (NC) is highly contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in part due to local fluorochemical production. Little is known about the exposure profiles and long-term health impacts for humans and animals that live in nearby communities. In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and diagnostic clinical chemistry endpoints were assessed for 31 dogs and 32 horses that reside in Gray's Creek NC at households with documented PFAS contamination in their drinking water. PFAS were detected in every sample, with 12 of the 20 PFAS detected in ≥50% of samples from each species. The average total PFAS concentrations in horses were lower compared to dogs who had higher concentrations of PFOS (dogs 2.9 ng/mL; horses 1.8 ng/mL), PFHxS (dogs 1.43 ng/mL, horses < LOD), and PFOA (dogs 0.37 ng/mL; horses 0.10 ng/mL). Regression analysis highlighted alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and globulin proteins in dogs and gamma glutamyl transferase in horses as potential biomarkers associated with PFAS exposure. Overall, the results of this study support the utility of companion animal and livestock species as sentinels of PFAS exposure differences inside and outside of the home. As in humans, renal and hepatic health in domestic animals may be sensitive to long-term PFAS exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Madison E Polera
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hannah M Starnes
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kentley Dean
- Southern Oaks Animal Hospital, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Mike Watters
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Debra Stevens-Stewart
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lazarevic N, Smurthwaite KS, D'Este C, Lucas RM, Armstrong B, Clements AC, Trevenar SM, Gad I, Hosking R, Law HD, Mueller J, Bräunig J, Nilsson S, Lane J, Lal A, Lidbury BA, Korda RJ, Kirk MD. Liver and cardiometabolic markers and conditions in a cross-sectional study of three Australian communities living with environmental per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115621. [PMID: 36898423 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with higher cholesterol and liver function markers in some studies, but the evidence for specific cardiometabolic conditions has been inconclusive. OBJECTIVES We quantified the associations of single and combined PFAS with cardiometabolic markers and conditions in a cross-sectional study of three Australian communities with PFAS-contaminated water from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam in firefighting activities, and three comparison communities. METHODS Participants gave blood samples for measurement of nine PFAS, four lipids, six liver function markers, and completed a survey on sociodemographic characteristics and eight cardiometabolic conditions. We estimated differences in mean biomarker concentrations per doubling in single PFAS concentrations (linear regression) and per interquartile range increase in the PFAS mixture (Bayesian kernel machine regression). We estimated prevalence ratios of biomarker concentrations outside reference limits and self-reported cardiometabolic conditions (Poisson regression). RESULTS We recruited 881 adults in exposed communities and 801 in comparison communities. We observed higher mean total cholesterol with higher single and mixture PFAS concentrations in blood serum (e.g., 0.18 mmol/L, 95% credible interval -0.06 to 0.42, higher total cholesterol concentrations with an interquartile range increase in all PFAS concentrations in Williamtown, New South Wales), with varying certainty across communities and PFAS. There was less consistency in direction of associations for liver function markers. Serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations were positively associated with the prevalence of self-reported hypercholesterolemia in one of three communities, but PFAS concentrations were not associated with self-reported type II diabetes, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease. DISCUSSION Our study is one of few that has simultaneously quantified the associations of blood PFAS concentrations with multiple biomarkers and cardiometabolic conditions in multiple communities. Our findings for total cholesterol were consistent with previous studies; however, substantial uncertainty in our estimates and the cross-sectional design limit causal inference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Lazarevic
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
| | - Kayla S Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Catherine D'Este
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Bruce Armstrong
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2206, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Archie Ca Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Susan M Trevenar
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Imogen Gad
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Rose Hosking
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Hsei Di Law
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Jochen Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, 4102, Australia
| | - Jo Lane
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Aparna Lal
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Brett A Lidbury
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Rosemary J Korda
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang Z, Liu R, Liu H, Wei J, Lin X, Zhang M, Chen Y, Zhang J, Sun M, Feng Z, Liu J, Liu X, Huo X, Men K, Yang Q, Chen X, Tang NJ. Sex-specific effect of perfluoroalkyl substances exposure on liver and thyroid function biomarkers: A mixture approach. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114189. [PMID: 37210847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although studies have investigated the effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on liver and thyroid function, little is known about its combined and sex-specific effect. A total of 688 participants were interviewed and serum PFASs concentration was measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Five biomarkers of liver and thyroid function (ALT, GGT, TSH, FT3 and FT4) were chosen as outcomes. A restriction cubic spline function was applied to capture the dose-response relationship between PFASs and liver enzymes and thyroid hormones. Multivariable regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were performed to assess the single and overall associations of PFASs with targeted biomarkers. Single-pollutant analyses indicated that increased PFASs concentrations were associated with elevated ALT and GGT levels. BKMR models suggested positive dose-response relationships between PFASs mixtures and ALT and GGT levels. Significant associations were only detected between several PFASs and thyroid hormones, and joint effect of PFASs mixtures on FT3 levels was found at higher concentrations. Meanwhile, sex differences were found in the associations of PFASs with ALT and GGT levels, with significant results only in males. Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for combined and sex-specific effects of PFASs on ALT and GGT levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jiemin Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiaohui Lin
- Sanitary Inspection Institute, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300171, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- Sanitary Inspection Institute, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300171, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Meiqing Sun
- Wuqing District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 301700, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Wuqing District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 301700, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Wuqing District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 301700, China
| | - Xiangyang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - Xiaoxu Huo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Kun Men
- Department of Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300202, China
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Nai-Jun Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition, and Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China; Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
McAdam J, Bell EM. Determinants of maternal and neonatal PFAS concentrations: a review. Environ Health 2023; 22:41. [PMID: 37161484 PMCID: PMC10170754 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used for their properties such as stain and water resistance. The substances have been associated with adverse health outcomes in both pregnant mothers and infants, including pre-eclampsia and low birthweight. A growing body of research suggests that PFAS are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta, leading to in utero exposure. A systematic review was performed using the PubMed database to search for studies evaluating determinants of PFAS concentrations in blood matrices of pregnant mothers and neonates shortly after birth. Studies were included in this review if an observational study design was utilized, exposure to at least one PFAS analyte was measured, PFAS were measured in maternal or neonatal matrices, at least one determinant of PFAS concentrations was assessed, and results such as beta estimates were provided. We identified 35 studies for inclusion in the review and evaluated the PFAS and determinant relationships among the factors collected in these studies. Parity, breastfeeding history, maternal race and country of origin, and household income had the strongest and most consistent evidence to support their roles as determinants of certain PFAS concentrations in pregnant mothers. Reported study findings on smoking status, alcohol consumption, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) suggest that these factors are not important determinants of PFAS concentrations in pregnant mothers or neonates. Further study into informative factors such as consumer product use, detailed dietary information, and consumed water sources as potential determinants of maternal or neonatal PFAS concentrations is needed. Research on determinants of maternal or neonatal PFAS concentrations is critical to estimate past PFAS exposure, build improved exposure models, and further our understanding on dose-response relationships, which can influence epidemiological studies and risk assessment evaluations. Given the potential for adverse outcomes in pregnant mothers and neonates exposed to PFAS, it is important to identify and understand determinants of maternal and neonatal PFAS concentrations to better implement public health interventions in these populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan McAdam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Erin M Bell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kim OJ, Kim S, Park EY, Oh JK, Jung SK, Park S, Hong S, Jeon HL, Kim HJ, Park B, Park B, Kim S, Kim B. Exposure to serum perfluoroalkyl substances and biomarkers of liver function: The Korean national environmental health survey 2015-2017. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 322:138208. [PMID: 36822523 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may increase the risk of liver disease by disrupting cholesterol and lipid synthesis/metabolism, leading to higher liver-enzyme concentrations. However, most studies assessing association between PFAS and liver enzymes focused on individual PFAS. Moreover, PFAS concentrations differ based on sex and obesity status, and it remains unclear whether these factors affect associations with liver function. Therefore, we examined the association between exposure to both individual and combined PFAS and liver-function biomarkers and assessed sex and obesity as effect modifiers in Korean adults. METHODS We measured serum concentrations of the five most abundant PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA, PFNA) and three liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], γ-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) in 1404 adults from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3, 2015-2017. We used linear regression to evaluate associations between individual PFAS and liver-function biomarkers, assessing sex and obesity as possible effect modifiers, and performed Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation to evaluate the overall effect of PFAS mixture on biomarkers of liver function. RESULTS Among 1404 Korean adults, all five PFAS were detected. Geometric mean concentration was highest for PFOS (16.11 μg/L), followed by PFOA (5.83 μg/L), PFHxS (2.21 μg/L), PFNA (2.03 μg/L), and PFDA (1.06 μg/L). In multivariable linear regression, all PFAS were positively associated with ALT, AST, and GGT; 2-fold increase in each PFAS was associated with 3.4-8.6% higher ALT, 2.4-4.6% higher AST, and 4.6-11.1% higher GGT (all p < 0.05). Positive associations for PFOA, PFDA, and PFNA with AST were stronger in men, and positive associations for PFOS with ALT and GGT were stronger in women. Compared to obese participants, nonobese participants had higher average percent changes in each enzyme, particularly GGT, when individual PFAS concentration doubled. Additionally, increased exposure to PFAS mixtures was associated with higher ALT, AST, and GGT. In quantile g-computations, simultaneous quartile increase in all PFAS was significantly associated with 6.9% (95%CI: 3.7, 10.2) higher ALT, 4.5% (95%CI: 2.4, 6.6) higher AST, and 8.3% (95%CI: 3.7, 13.1) higher GGT levels, on average. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to individual and combined PFAS is associated with higher liver enzymes in Korean adults, providing additional evidence for the association between PFAS exposure and risk of liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ok-Jin Kim
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoung Kim
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyoung Oh
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea; Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kyoung Jung
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Park
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeon Hong
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Li Jeon
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Kim
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea; Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohyun Park
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Bomi Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Suejin Kim
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byungmi Kim
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea; Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Liao Q, Tang P, Fan H, Song Y, Liang J, Huang H, Pan D, Mo M, Lin M, Chen J, Wei H, Long J, Shao Y, Zeng X, Liu S, Huang D, Qiu X. Association between maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and serum markers of liver function during pregnancy in China: A mixture-based approach. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121348. [PMID: 36842621 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may have hepatotoxic effects in animals. However, epidemiological evidence in humans, especially pregnant women, is limited. This study aimed to assess the association of single and multiple PFAS exposure with serum markers of liver function in pregnant women. A total of 420 pregnant women from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were enrolled from June 2015 to April 2019. Nine PFAS were measured in the maternal serum in early pregnancy. Data for liver function biomarkers, namely, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL), were obtained from medical records. In generalized linear model (GLM), there was a positive association of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with ALT, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) with GGT, and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) with TBIL and IBIL. In contrast, there was a negative association of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) with TBIL. There were inverse U-shaped relationships of PFUnA with ALT and AST and PFDA with ALT by restricted cubic spline. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model revealed the positive effects of the PFAS mixture on GGT, TBIL, DBIL, and IBIL. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analysis confirmed that the PFAS mixture was positively associated with GGT, and PFBS was the main contributor. In addition, the BKMR model showed a positive association of individual PFBS with GGT, individual PFHxS with TBIL and IBIL, and a negative association of individual PFHpA with TBIL. Our findings provide evidence of an association between individual PFAS, PFAS mixture and maternal serum markers of liver function during pregnancy. Additionally, these findings also enhance concerns over PFAS exposure on maternal liver function and PFAS monitoring in pregnancy, reducing the effect of maternal liver dysfunction on maternal and infant health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liao
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Haoran Fan
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanye Song
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530031, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Meile Mo
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Mengrui Lin
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huanni Wei
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghua Long
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yantao Shao
- Department of Medical and Health Management, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang C, Fu H, Yang J, Liu L, Zhang F, Yang C, Li H, Chen J, Li Q, Wang X, Ye Y, Sheng N, Guo Y, Dai J, Xu G, Liu X, Wang J. PFO5DoDA disrupts hepatic homeostasis primarily through glucocorticoid signaling inhibition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130831. [PMID: 36696776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a worldwide health concern due to their potential bioaccumulation and toxicity in humans. A variety of perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) have been developed as next-generation replacements of legacy PFASs. However, information regarding their possible environmental and human health risks is limited. In the present study, we explored the effects of PFECAs on mice based on long-term exposure to environmentally relevant doses of perfluoro-3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic acid (PFO5DoDA). Results showed that PFECAs exposure suppressed many cellular stress signals and resulted in hepatomegaly. PFO5DoDA acted as an agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in vitro and modulated PPAR-dependent gene expression in the liver. Importantly, PFECAs had an inhibitory effect on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which may contribute to the extensive suppression of stress signals. Of note, the GR suppression induced by PFECAs was not reported by legacy perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFO5DoDA-induced changes in both GR and PPAR signals remodeled hepatic metabolic profiles, including decreased fatty acids and amino acids and increased β-oxidation. Mechanistically, PFO5DoDA inhibited GR transactivation by degradation of GR proteins. Our results emphasize the potential risk of PFECAs to human health, which were introduced to ease concerns regarding legacy PFASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Huayu Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jun Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Fenghong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Chunyu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Hongyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiamiao Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qi Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yaorui Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guowang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Jianshe Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Casey JS, Jackson SR, Ryan J, Newton SR. The use of gas chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry for suspect screening and non-targeted analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1693:463884. [PMID: 36863195 PMCID: PMC10284305 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
This study is a workflow development for the analysis, identification, and categorization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS) with non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening techniques. The behavior of various PFAS in a GC-HRMS was studied with regards to retention indices, ionization susceptibility, fragmentation patterns, etc. A custom PFAS database was constructed from 141 diverse PFAS. The database contains mass spectra from electron ionization (EI) mode, as well as MS and MS/MS spectra from positive and negative chemical ionization (PCI and NCI, respectively) modes. Common fragments of PFAS were identified across a diverse set of 141 PFAS analyzed. A workflow for suspect screening of PFAS and partially fluorinated products of incomplete combustion/destruction (PICs/PIDs) was developed which utilized both the custom PFAS database and external databases. PFAS and other fluorinated compounds were identified in both a challenge sample (designed to test the identification workflow) and incineration samples suspected to contain PFAS and fluorinated PICs/PIDs. The challenge sample resulted in a 100% true positive rate (TPR) for PFAS which were present in the custom PFAS database. Several fluorinated species were tentatively identified in the incineration samples using the developed workflow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Casey
- ORISE, Office of Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Stephen R Jackson
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Jeff Ryan
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Seth R Newton
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
O'Hara L, Longstaffe JG. 1 H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Exposed to Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluoroctanesulfonic Acid. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:663-672. [PMID: 36541334 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are widely used in consumer products and fire suppression foams. The presence of PFAS in ground and surface water can create a route for PFAS to enter the soil, exposing ecosystems (including agroecosystems), where they will move through the food web via biomagnification. The toxicity of PFAS to plants, particularly in agricultural ecosystems, is of emerging concern due to the application of biosolids that are often contaminated with PFAS. Nevertheless, due to the low concentrations of PFAS in most agricultural soils, the direct impact of PFAS on plant health is not well understood. We used 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics to explore the effects of exposure of two key PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model organism. We found that Arabidopsis exhibited an accumulation of multiple metabolites, including soluble sugars (glucose and sucrose), multiple amino acids, and tri-carboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, suggesting that PFAS exposure impacts the metabolism of plants by causing an accumulation of stress-related amino acids and soluble sugars that drives increased activity of the TCA cycle. The present study shows that 1 H-NMR metabolomics is a viable tool for investigating changes in the metabolic profile of plants exposed to PFAS and can be used to illuminate the stress response of plants in a high-throughput, nonbiased manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:663-672. © 2022 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam O'Hara
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - James G Longstaffe
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen Y, Lv J, Fu L, Wu Y, Zhou S, Liu S, Zheng L, Feng W, Zhang L. Metabolome-wide association study of four groups of persistent organic pollutants and abnormal blood lipids. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107817. [PMID: 36822003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure increases the risk of dyslipidemia, which affects human health. Research has shown that persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and phthalate metabolites, are associated with a higher risk of abnormal blood lipid levels in humans. However, the key molecules involved in dyslipidemia and the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the biomarkers that mediate the relationships between blood lipids and four groups of POPs and revealed their potential mechanisms. Specifically, in 278 male blood samples, blood lipid and POPs levels were measured and metabolites were detected using untargeted metabolomics. Spearman's correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were employed to assess the relationship between POPs and lipid indexes. We observed that PFASs were associated with a higher risk of abnormal total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), while other POPs displayed little association with abnormal lipid indexes. Among all the PFASs, 6:2Cl-PFESA was associated with the fewest metabolites. A metabolome-wide association study combined with a meet-in-the-middle approach was used to identify potential biomarkers that mediate the association between POPs and abnormal blood lipids. The mediation analysis pointed to 105 significant mediators as potential biomarkers mediating the association between PFASs and TC, and 82 significant mediators were potential biomarkers that mediated the association between PFASs and LDL. 24-Hydroxycholesterol, 3alpha,7alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholestan-26-al, PC(18:0/0:0), PC(22:5/0:0), GPCho(18:1/18:1), LysoPC(22:2(13Z,16Z)), LysoPC(16:0), 9(S)-HODE, 9,10-DHOME, l-glutamate, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, cytosine, PC(14:1(9Z)/18:0), sphinganine, and (S)-beta-aminoisobutyrate were identified as important biomarkers. The mechanism may mainly involves glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism. PPARγ likely plays a role in the associations between PFASs and abnormal cholesterol metabolism. Overall, our study provides clues for the early detection of PFAS-induced dyslipidemia and brings forth a theoretical framework for further research into this mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Chen
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Jiayun Lv
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Si Zhou
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Linjie Zheng
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenru Feng
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University & Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhang X, Zhao L, Ducatman A, Deng C, von Stackelberg KE, Danford CJ, Zhang X. Association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure with fatty liver disease risk in US adults. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100694. [PMID: 36968216 PMCID: PMC10033989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread pollutants with demonstrated hepatotoxicity. Few studies have examined the association between PFAS and fatty liver disease (FLD) risk in an adult population. Methods In this cross-sectional study of participants from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, serum PFAS were measured, and FLD cases were ascertained by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between circulating PFAS levels and FLD risk. Analyses were stratified into non-alcoholic FLD and alcoholic FLD risk groups by alcohol intake status, as well as controlling for other risk factors, including personal demographics, lifestyle factors, and related health factors. Results Among 1,135 eligible participants, 446 had FLD. For FLD risk, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio per log-transformed SD increase (ORSD) in perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was 1.13 (95% CI 1.01–1.26). The association between PFHxS and FLD appeared stronger among individuals with obesity or high-fat diets (both pinteraction <0.05). When limiting the analysis to 212 heavy drinkers (≥2 drinks/day for women and ≥3 drinks/day for men), significantly higher risk of alcoholic FLD was found for higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (ORSD 1.79; 95% CI 1.07–2.99), PFHxS (ORSD 2.06; 95% CI 1.17–3.65), and perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (ORSD 1.44; 95% CI 1.00–2.07), and marginally significant higher risk for total PFAS (ORSD 2.12; 95% CI 0.99–4.54). In never or light drinkers, we did not observe any significant association between PFAS and non-alcoholic FLD. Significant positive associations were found for PFAS with aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transaminase, total bilirubin, and albumin (β ranged from 0.008 to 0.101, all p <0.05). Conclusions Higher serum PFAS was moderately associated with FLD risk and worse liver function in the general population, and among those with independent risk factors, including heavy alcohol intake, obesity, or high-fat diets, PFAS increased the risk. These results suggest synergistic effects on hepatic steatosis between PFAS exposures as measured through biomonitoring data and lifestyle risk factors in a nationally representative US population. Impact and Implications The per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may convey higher risk for chronic liver disease in humans. Among 1,135 US adults in the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we found that higher serum PFAS was associated with higher fatty liver disease risk and worse liver function, especially among those with liver disease risk factors, including heavy alcohol intake, obesity, or high-fat diets. Continuously monitoring PFAS in the population and examining how they potentiate risk to the liver are essential. PFAS may convey higher risk for chronic liver disease in humans. We found that higher serum PFAS was associated with higher fatty liver disease risk and worse liver function. This was especially evident in those with liver disease risk factors, including heavy alcohol intake, obesity, or high-fat diets. Continuously monitoring PFAS in the population and examining how they potentiate risk to the liver are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Longgang Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Alan Ducatman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Chuanjie Deng
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Xuehong Zhang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Corresponding author. Address: Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Room 453, 181 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel.: +1-617-525-0342; Fax: +1-617-525-2008.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Qi Q, Niture S, Gadi S, Arthur E, Moore J, Levine KE, Kumar D. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances activate UPR pathway, induce steatosis and fibrosis in liver cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:225-242. [PMID: 36251517 PMCID: PMC10092267 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA), and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA), are commonly occurring organic pollutants. Exposure to PFAS affects the immune system, thyroid and kidney function, lipid metabolism, and insulin signaling and is also involved in the development of fatty liver disease and cancer. The molecular mechanisms by which PFAS cause fatty liver disease are not understood in detail. In the current study, we investigated the effect of low physiologically relevant concentrations of PFOA, HFBA, and PFTA on cell survival, steatosis, and fibrogenic signaling in liver cell models. Exposure of PFOA and HFBA (10 to 1000 nM) specifically promoted cell survival in HepaRG and HepG2 cells. PFAS increased the expression of TNFα and IL6 inflammatory markers, increased endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and activated unfolded protein response (UPR). Furthermore, PFAS enhanced cell steatosis and fibrosis in HepaRG and HepG2 cells which were accompanied by upregulation of steatosis (SCD1, ACC, SRBP1, and FASN), and fibrosis (TIMP2, p21, TGFβ) biomarkers expression, respectively. RNA-seq data suggested that chronic exposures to PFOA modulated the expression of fatty acid/lipid metabolic genes that are involved in the development of NFALD and fatty liver disease. Collectively our data suggest that acute/chronic physiologically relevant concentrations of PFAS enhance liver cell steatosis and fibrosis by the activation of the UPR pathway and by modulation of NFALD-related gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qi
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Suryakant Niture
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- NCCU‐RTI Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES)RTI International, Research Triangle ParkDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sashi Gadi
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Elena Arthur
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - John Moore
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Keith E. Levine
- NCCU‐RTI Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES)RTI International, Research Triangle ParkDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research InstituteNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- NCCU‐RTI Center for Applied Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES)RTI International, Research Triangle ParkDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesNorth Carolina Central UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chen Y, Wang Y, Cui Z, Liu W, Liu B, Zeng Q, Zhao X, Dou J, Cao J. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: A promoter of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1154837. [PMID: 37033031 PMCID: PMC10075363 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1154837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disorder. With the improvement in human living standards, the prevalence of NAFLD has been increasing in recent years. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of exogenous chemicals that simulate the effects of hormones in the body. There has been growing evidence regarding the potential effects of EDCs on liver health, especially in NAFLD. This paper aims to summarize the major EDCs that contribute to the growing burden of NAFLD and to raise public awareness regarding the hazards posed by EDCs with the objective of reducing the incidence of NAFLD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang B, Wei Z, Gu C, Yao Y, Xue J, Zhu H, Kannan K, Sun H, Zhang T. First Evidence of Prenatal Exposure to Emerging Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances Associated with E-Waste Dismantling: Chemical Structure-Based Placental Transfer and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17108-17118. [PMID: 36399367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Limited information is available about prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites. In this study, we determined 21 emerging PFAS and 13 legacy PFAS in 94 paired maternal and cord serum samples collected from an e-waste dismantling site in Southern China. We found 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), and perfluorooctanephosphonate (PFOPA) as the major emerging PFAS, regardless of matrices, at median concentrations of 2.40, 1.78, and 0.69 ng/mL, respectively, in maternal serum samples, and 2.30, 0.73, and 0.72 ng/mL, respectively, in cord serum samples. Our results provide evidence that e-waste dismantling activities contribute to human exposure to 6:2 FTSA, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, and PFOPA. The trans-placental transfer efficiencies of emerging PFAS (0.42-0.94) were higher than that of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (0.37) and were structure-dependent. The substitution of fluorine with chlorine or hydrogen and/or hydrophilic functional groups may alter trans-placental transfer efficiencies. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated significant associations between maternal serum concentrations of emerging PFAS and maternal clinical parameters, especially liver function and erythrocyte-related biomarkers. This study provides new insights into prenatal exposure to multiple PFAS in e-waste dismantling areas and the prevalence of emerging PFAS in people living near the sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ziyang Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jingchuan Xue
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
McDermett K, Anderson T, Jackson WA, Guelfo J. Assessing Potential Perfluoroalkyl Substances Trophic Transfer to Crickets (Acheta domesticus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2981-2992. [PMID: 36102845 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although many studies have assessed the bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant tissues, to date there has been minimal research on the bioaccumulation of PFAS in soil invertebrates that results from consuming PFAS-contaminated media. The present study focused on two different consumption pathways in a population of crickets: individuals consuming PFAS-contaminated alfalfa and individuals consuming PFAS-spiked drinking water. Alfalfa was grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with PFAS-spiked water (∼1 ppm) containing seven unique PFAS. The alfalfa was then harvested and fed to crickets. Another population of crickets was supplied with PFAS-spiked drinking water at similar concentrations to irrigation water for direct consumption. Alfalfa accumulation of PFAS and subsequent consumption by the crickets resulted in overall similar tissue concentrations in the crickets who consumed PFAS-spiked water directly. This indicates that source concentration (water) may be an important factor in assessing the bioaccumulation of PFAS in organisms. To our knowledge, ours is the first study not only to assess the direct trophic transfer of PFAS from contaminated vegetation to invertebrates, but also to highlight the similarities in bioaccumulation regardless of ingestion pathway. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2981-2992. © 2022 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaylin McDermett
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Geosyntec Consultants, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Todd Anderson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - W Andrew Jackson
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nilsson S, Smurthwaite K, Aylward LL, Kay M, Toms LM, King L, Marrington S, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Bräunig J. Associations between serum perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations and health related biomarkers in firefighters. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114370. [PMID: 36174755 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters who used aqueous film forming foam in the past have experienced elevated exposures to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between clinical chemistry endpoints and serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in firefighters. Multiple linear regression was used to assess relationships between PFAA serum concentrations and biochemical markers for cardiovascular disease, kidney-, liver- and thyroid function, in a cross-sectional survey of 783 firefighters with elevated levels of PFHxS, PFHpS and PFOS in relation to the most recently reported levels in the general Australian population. Linear logistic regression was used to assess the odds ratios for selected self-reported health outcomes. Repeated measures linear mixed models were further used to assess relationships between PFAAs and biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and kidney function longitudinally in a subset of the firefighters (n = 130) where serum measurements were available from two timepoints, five years apart. In the cross-sectional analysis, higher levels of all PFAAs were significantly associated with higher levels of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (total-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol). For example, doubling in PFOS serum concentration were associated with increases in total cholesterol (β:0.111, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.026, 0.195 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (β: 0.104, 95%CI:0.03, 0.178 mmol/L). Doubling in PFOA concentration, despite not being elevated in the study population, were additionally positively associated with kidney function marker urate (e.g., β: 0.010, 95%CI; 0.004, 0.016 mmol/L) and thyroid function marker TSH (e.g., β: 0.087, 95%CI: 0.014, 0.161 mIU/L). PFAAs were not associated with any assessed self-reported health conditions. No significant relationships were observed in the longitudinal analysis. Findings support previous studies, particularly on the association between PFAAs and serum lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kayla Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton 2600, Australia
| | - Lesa L Aylward
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia; Summit Toxicology, LLP, La Quinta, 92253, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Kay
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Health Sciences Building, RBWH Complex, Herston, 4029, QLD, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, 4059, QLD, Australia
| | - Leisa King
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Shelby Marrington
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton 2600, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Menegatto M, Lezzi S, Musolino M, Zamperini A. The Psychological Impact of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Pollution in the Veneto Region, Italy: A Qualitative Study with Parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14761. [PMID: 36429487 PMCID: PMC9690247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the psychosocial impact on people who live in polluted areas, and its consequences for the parental role have been neglected. This study addresses this gap, proposing qualitative research referring to the case of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) water pollution in the Veneto Region of Italy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chronic exposure contamination (CEC) experience of parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 parents living in the so-called 'Red Area' considered to have had maximum exposure. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data. The three themes to emerge were three phases of a dynamic process: shock around the discovery (phase 1), lifestyle change (phase 2), and living with PFAS (phase 3). The two transitions (loss of innocence and environmental adaptation) linked the phases. Our findings show that PFAS CEC experience is a process whereby parents need to move from the shock of discovery to adapting to the new situation in order to incorporate a change into their daily life, especially in regard to children. Two emerging aspects that characterised the process as a constant were uncertainty and health concerns, while role strains could be a stress source in the context of CEC. We suggest introducing the notion of chronic role strain (CRS).
Collapse
|
40
|
Goodrich JA, Walker D, Lin X, Wang H, Lim T, McConnell R, Conti DV, Chatzi L, Setiawan VW. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a multiethnic cohort. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100550. [PMID: 36111068 PMCID: PMC9468464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of persistent organic pollutants, is ubiquitous. Animal studies suggest that PFAS may increase risk of fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via impacts on hepatic lipid, amino acid, and glucose metabolism, but human data is lacking. We examined associations between PFAS exposure, altered metabolic pathways, and risk of non-viral HCC. Methods In this nested case-control study, pre-diagnostic plasma PFAS and metabolomics were measured in 50 incident HCC cases and 50 individually matched controls from the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study. Cases/controls were matched by age, sex, race, and study area. PFAS exposure and risk of HCC were examined using conditional logistic regression. A metabolome-wide association study and pathway enrichment analysis was performed for PFAS exposure and HCC risk, and key metabolites/metabolic pathways were identified using a meet in the middle approach. Results High perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) levels (90th percentile from NHANES; >55 μg/L) were associated with 4.5-fold increased risk of HCC (odds ratio 4.5, 95% CI 1.2-16.0). Pathway enrichment analysis showed that PFOS exposure was associated with alterations in amino acid and glycan biosynthesis pathways, which were also associated with HCC risk. We identified 4 metabolites linking PFOS exposure with HCC, including glucose, butyric acid (a short-chain fatty acid), α-ketoisovaleric acid (a branched-chain α-keto acid), and 7α-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoate (a bile acid), each of which was positively associated with PFOS exposure and risk of HCC. Conclusion This proof-of-concept analysis shows that exposure to high PFOS levels was associated with increased risk of non-viral HCC, likely via alterations in glucose, amino acid, and bile acid metabolism. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Lay summary Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are difficult to break down and stay in the human body for years, are extremely common and can cause liver damage. In a first of its kind study, we found that exposure to high levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, one of the most common PFAS chemicals, was linked to increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans. Hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult to treat and is one of the most common forms of liver cancer, and these findings may provide new avenues for helping to prevent this disease. Associations of PFAS and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma were tested in humans. PFAS and untargeted metabolomics were assessed in pre-diagnostic samples. Exposure to high PFOS levels was linked to increased hepatocellular carcinoma risk. The likely mechanisms were via alterations in glucose, amino acid, and bile acid metabolism.
Collapse
Key Words
- Chemical exposure
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HILIC, hydrophilic interaction chromatography
- HRMS, high-resolution mass spectrometry
- LC, liquid chromatography
- MEC, Multiethnic Cohort
- MWAS, metabolome-wide association
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances
- PFDA, perfluorodecanoate
- PFHxS, perfluorohexane sulfonate
- PFNA, perfluorononanoate
- PFOA, perfluorooctanoate
- PFOS, perfluorooctane sulfonate
- PFUnDA, perfluoroundecanoic acid
- RP, reverse phase
- SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results
- bile acid
- exposome
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- metabolic pathway
- metabolome
- perfluorinated alkyl substance
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Goodrich
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiangping Lin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hongxu Wang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany Lim
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David V Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Wendy Setiawan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Choi J, Kim JY, Lee HJ. Human Evidence of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposure on Hepatic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811318. [PMID: 36141595 PMCID: PMC9517074 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used throughout different industries, including the food industry, because it is resistant to heat and prevents water or oil from easily permeating into or contaminating materials coated by PFOA. Although many studies have reported an association between PFOA exposure and the risk of developing hepatic diseases, it is still in debate because they have shown conflicting results. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between PFOA exposure and hepatic diseases. METHODS This study searched studies related to hepatic diseases due to PFOA exposure until 31 December 2021, using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. This study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis through research question development, literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias evaluation. This study found 8280 studies after excluding duplicate literature and selected 5 studies in the final stage. Among them, two studies were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS The results of the meta-analysis showed that the ALT of people exposed to PFOA was 117% higher than the ALT of those not exposed to PFOA, and it was significantly different (OR = 1.167; 95% CI, 1.086-1.254). CONCLUSION However, since the number of studies included in the analysis was not large enough to conclude that PFOA exposure was associated with the development of hepatic diseases, more observational studies are needed to confirm its long-term effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jong-Yeon Kim
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hae-Jeung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +82-31-750-5968; Fax: +82-31-724-4411
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ragnarsdóttir O, Abdallah MAE, Harrad S. Dermal uptake: An important pathway of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119478. [PMID: 35588958 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been produced and used in a broad range of products since the 1950s. This class, comprising of thousands of chemicals, have been used in many different products ranging from firefighting foam to personal care products and clothes. Even at relatively low levels of exposure, PFAS have been linked to various health effects in humans such as lower birth weight, increased serum cholesterol levels, and reduced antibody response to vaccination. Human biomonitoring data demonstrates ubiquitous exposure to PFAS across all age groups. This has been attributed to PFAS-contaminated water and dietary intake, as well as inadvertent ingestion of indoor dust for adults and toddlers. In utero exposure and breast milk have been indicated as important exposure pathways for foetuses and nursing infants. More recently, PFAS have been identified in a wide range of products, many of which come in contact with skin (e.g., cosmetics and fabrics). Despite this, few studies have evaluated dermal uptake as a possible route for human exposure and little is known about the dermal absorption potential of different PFAS. This article critically investigates the current state-of-knowledge on human exposure to PFAS, highlighting the lack of dermal exposure data. Additionally, the different approaches for dermal uptake assessment studies are discussed and the available literature on human dermal absorption of PFAS is critically reviewed and compared to other halogenated contaminants, e.g., brominated flame retardants and its implications for dermal exposure to PFAS. Finally, the urgent need for dermal permeation and uptake studies for a wide range of PFAS and their precursors is highlighted and recommendations for future research to advance the current understanding of human dermal exposure to PFAS are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Dunder L, Lind PM, Salihovic S, Stubleski J, Kärrman A, Lind L. Changes in plasma levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with changes in plasma lipids - A longitudinal study over 10 years. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:112903. [PMID: 35231461 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mainly PFOS and PFOA, and increased blood lipids have been reported primarily from cross-sectional studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between multiple PFAS and blood lipids in a longitudinal fashion. METHODS A total of 864 men and women aged 70 years and free from lipid medication were included from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study from Uppsala Sweden, 614 and 404 of those were reinvestigated at age 75 and 80. At all three occasions, eight PFAS were measured in plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also measured in plasma at all three occasions. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the changes in PFAS levels and changes in lipid levels. RESULTS Changes in plasma levels of six out of the eight investigated PFAS were positively associated with changes in plasma lipids after adjustment for sex, change in body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity, statin use (age was the same in all subjects), and correction for multiple testing. For example, changes in perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were positively associated with the changes in total cholesterol (β: 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14 to 0.32), triglycerides (β: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04-0.12) and HDL-cholesterol (β: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04-0.11). CONCLUSION In this longitudinal study with three measurements over 10 years of both plasma PFAS and lipids, changes in six out of the eight investigated PFAS were positively associated with changes in plasma lipids, giving further support for a role of PFAS exposure in human lipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dunder
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - P Monica Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Samira Salihovic
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Jordan Stubleski
- MTM, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. Wellington Laboratories Inc, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Anna Kärrman
- MTM, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
You D, Chang X, Guo L, Xie W, Huang S, Li X, Chai H, Wang Y. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the blood of police and Beagle dogs from Harbin, China: Concentrations and associations with hematological parameters. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134367. [PMID: 35358559 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been omnipresent in the environment and marine organisms. However, little is known about these compounds and their associations with hematological parameters in dogs. In this research, we investigated the concentrations and distributions of PFASs in the blood of dogs and explored the associations between PFASs concentrations in blood and hematological parameters. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) was found to be the dominant PFAS in the blood (54.23%), followed by perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) (16.05%) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (12.05%). On average, PFASs concentration in dogs was 3.553 ng/mL (SD: 2.146). Moreover, age is a key factor influencing the levels of PFBA, PFOA, and PFBS in males, as well as seven PFASs (6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFBA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA, and PFNA) in female dogs' blood. The results revealed that PFHxS in dietary food accounted for most of the total daily PFASs consumption. We also discovered that greater PFASs exposure (including PFOA and PFOS) could significantly increase amylase (AMY) and decrease cholesterol (CHOL) levels. Furthermore, there are linear relationships between PFDA, PFNA and many biochemical parameters (AMY, CHOL, albumin/globulin (A/G), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (CREA)). Thus, PFAS accumulation has a certain influence on dogs' health, and we must pay attention to the potential threat posed by these elements to dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan You
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Xiaochen Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Lijun Guo
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Wei Xie
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Shuping Huang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Hongliang Chai
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| | - Yajun Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Cakmak S, Lukina A, Karthikeyan S, Atlas E, Dales R. The association between blood PFAS concentrations and clinical biochemical measures of organ function and metabolism in participants of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:153900. [PMID: 35218824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous and may persist in human tissue for several years. Only a small proportion of PFAS have been studied for human health effects. We tested the association between human blood levels of six PFAS and several clinical measures of organ and metabolic function in a nationally representative sample of 6768 participants aged 3-79 years old who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Cross-sectional associations were assessed by generalized linear mixed models incorporating survey-specific sampling weights. An increase in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) equivalent to the magnitude of its geometric mean (GM) of 2.0 μg/L was associated with percentage (95% CI) increases in serum enzymes reflecting liver function: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 3.7 (1.1, 6.4), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) 11.8 (2.5, 21.8), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.2 (0.5, 5.9), and bilirubin 3.6 (2.7, 4.5). A GM increase in perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) of 0.2 μg/L was positively associated with percentage increases in GGT, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and calcium with respective increases of 15.5 (2.2, 30.4), 7.0 (1.0, 13.2), 10.7 (5.5, 16.1), 2.8 (0.2, 5.3), and 0.8 (0.3, 1.3). PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), PFDA and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were positively associated with GGT. All six congeners were positively associated with at least one biomarker of lipid metabolism, and 5 of 6, PFOA, PFOS, PFDA, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and PFNA were positively associated with serum calcium. Exposure to selected PFAS is associated with clinical blood tests reflecting metabolism and the function of several organ systems. These relatively small changes may possibly indicate early pathology that is clinically inapparent and may possibly be of significance in a general population or in individuals exposed to very high levels of PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabit Cakmak
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Lukina
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subramanian Karthikeyan
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ella Atlas
- Hazard Identification Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Dales
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lind PM, Lind L, Salihovic S, Ahlström H, Michaelsson K, Kullberg J, Strand R. Serum levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and body composition - A cross-sectional study in a middle-aged population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112677. [PMID: 35074350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disruptors with a potential to influence fat mass. OBJECTIVE The primary hypothesis tested was that we would find positive relationships for PFAS vs measures of adiposity. METHODS In 321 subjects all aged 50 years in the POEM study, five PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)) were measured in serum together with a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for determination of fat and lean mass. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed and the body was divided into >1 million voxels. Voxel-wise statistical analysis was carried out by a novel method denoted Imiomics. RESULTS PFOS and PFHxS, did not show any consistent associations with body composition. However, PFOA, and especially PFNA and PFDA, levels were inversely related to most traditional measures reflecting the amount of fat in women, but not in men. In the Imiomics analysis of tissue volume, PFDA and PFNA levels were inversely related to the volume of subcutaneous fat, mainly in the arm, trunk and hip regions in women, while no such clear relationship was seen in men. Also, the visceral fat content of the liver, the pericardium, and the gluteus muscle were inversely related to PFDA and PFNA in women. DISCUSSION Contrary to our hypothesis, some PFAS showed inverse relationships vs measurements of adiposity. CONCLUSION PFOS and PFHxS levels in plasma did not show any consistent associations with body composition, but PFOA, and especially PFNA and PFDA were inversely related to multiple measures reflecting the amount of fat, but in women only.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Monica Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Samira Salihovic
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Ahlström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Karl Michaelsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Joel Kullberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Robin Strand
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang P, Liu D, Yan S, Cui J, Liang Y, Ren S. Adverse Effects of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate on the Liver and Relevant Mechanisms. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050265. [PMID: 35622678 PMCID: PMC9144769 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a persistent, widely present organic pollutant. PFOS can enter the human body through drinking water, ingestion of food, contact with utensils containing PFOS, and occupational exposure to PFOS, and can have adverse effects on human health. Increasing research shows that the liver is the major target of PFOS, and that PFOS can damage liver tissue and disrupt its function; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we reviewed the adverse effects of PFOS on liver tissue and cells, as well as on liver function, to provide a reference for subsequent studies related to the toxicity of PFOS and liver injury caused by PFOS.
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu JJ, Cui XX, Tan YW, Dong PX, Ou YQ, Li QQ, Chu C, Wu LY, Liang LX, Qin SJ, Zeeshan M, Zhou Y, Hu LW, Liu RQ, Zeng XW, Dong GH, Zhao XM. Per- and perfluoroalkyl substances alternatives, mixtures and liver function in adults: A community-based population study in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107179. [PMID: 35325771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence has shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alternatives and mixtures may exert hepatotoxic effects in animals. However, epidemiological evidence is limited. This research aimed to explore associations of PFAS and the alternatives with liver function in a general adult population. The study participants consisted of 1,303 adults from a community-based cross-sectional investigation in Guangzhou, China, from November 2018 to August 2019. We selected 13 PFAS with detection rates > 85% in serum samples and focused on perfluorooctane-sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and their alternatives [6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), 8:2 Cl-PFESA, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)] as predictors of outcome. Six liver function biomarkers (ALB, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and DBIL) were chosen as outcomes. We applied regression models with restricted cubic spline function to explore correlations between single PFAS and liver function and inspected the combined effect of PFAS mixtures on liver by applying Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). We discovered positive associations among PFAS and liver function biomarkers except for ALP. For example, compared with the 25th percentile of PFAS concentration, the level of ALT increased by 12.36% (95% CI: 7.91%, 16.98%) for ln-6:2 Cl-PFESA, 5.59% (95% CI: 2.35%, 8.92%) for ln-8:2 Cl-PFESA, 3.56% (95% CI: -0.39%, 7.68%) for ln-PFHxA, 13.91% (95% CI: 8.93%, 19.13%) for ln-PFOA, and 14.25% (95% CI: 9.91%, 18.77%) for ln-PFOS at their 75th percentile. In addition, higher exposed serum PFAS was found to be correlated with greater odds of abnormal liver function. Analysis from BKMR models also showed an adverse association between PFAS mixtures and liver function. The combined effect of the PFAS mixture appeared to be non-interactive, in which PFOS was the main contributor to the overall effect. Our findings provide evidence of associations between PFAS alternatives, PFAS mixtures, and liver function in the general adult population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xin-Xin Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ya-Wen Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Peng-Xin Dong
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Ou
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lu-Yin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Xia Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Miao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Costello E, Rock S, Stratakis N, Eckel SP, Walker DI, Valvi D, Cserbik D, Jenkins T, Xanthakos SA, Kohli R, Sisley S, Vasiliou V, La Merrill MA, Rosen H, Conti DV, McConnell R, Chatzi L. Exposure to per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Markers of Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:46001. [PMID: 35475652 PMCID: PMC9044977 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental evidence indicates that exposure to certain pollutants is associated with liver damage. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products and bioaccumulate in food webs and human tissues, such as the liver. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis evaluating PFAS exposure and evidence of liver injury from rodent and epidemiological studies. METHODS PubMed and Embase were searched for all studies from earliest available indexing year through 1 December 2021 using keywords corresponding to PFAS exposure and liver injury. For data synthesis, results were limited to studies in humans and rodents assessing the following indicators of liver injury: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or steatosis. For human studies, at least three observational studies per PFAS were used to conduct a weighted z-score meta-analysis to determine the direction and significance of associations. For rodent studies, data were synthesized to qualitatively summarize the direction and significance of effect. RESULTS Our search yielded 85 rodent studies and 24 epidemiological studies, primarily of people from the United States. Studies focused primarily on legacy PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid. Meta-analyses of human studies revealed that higher ALT levels were associated with exposure to PFOA (z-score= 6.20, p<0.001), PFOS (z-score= 3.55, p<0.001), and PFNA (z-score= 2.27, p=0.023). PFOA exposure was also associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in humans. In rodents, PFAS exposures consistently resulted in higher ALT levels and steatosis. CONCLUSION There is consistent evidence for PFAS hepatotoxicity from rodent studies, supported by associations of PFAS and markers of liver function in observational human studies. This review identifies a need for additional research evaluating next-generation PFAS, mixtures, and early life exposures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10092.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Costello
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah Rock
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dora Cserbik
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Todd Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Sisley
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hugo Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020044. [PMID: 35202231 PMCID: PMC8878656 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 heterogeneous compounds with amphipathic properties and exceptional stability to chemical and thermal degradation. The unique properties of PFAS compounds has been exploited for almost 60 years and has largely contributed to their wide applicability over a vast range of industrial, professional and non-professional uses. However, increasing evidence indicate that these compounds represent also a serious concern for both wildlife and human health as a result of their ubiquitous distribution, their extreme persistence and their bioaccumulative potential. In light of the adverse effects that have been already documented in biota and human populations or that might occur in absence of prompt interventions, the competent authorities in matter of health and environment protection, the industries as well as scientists are cooperating to identify the most appropriate regulatory measures, substitution plans and remediation technologies to mitigate PFAS impacts. In this review, starting from PFAS chemistry, uses and environmental fate, we summarize the current knowledge on PFAS occurrence in different environmental media and their effects on living organisms, with a particular emphasis on humans. Also, we describe present and provisional legislative measures in the European Union framework strategy to regulate PFAS manufacture, import and use as well as some of the most promising treatment technologies designed to remediate PFAS contamination in different environmental compartments.
Collapse
|