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Phelps DW, Connors AM, Ferrero G, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances alter innate immune function: evidence and data gaps. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2343362. [PMID: 38712868 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2343362] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of compounds used in a variety of processes and consumer products. Their unique chemical properties make them ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants while also making them economically viable and socially convenient. To date, several reviews have been published to synthesize information regarding the immunotoxic effects of PFASs on the adaptive immune system. However, these reviews often do not include data on the impact of these compounds on innate immunity. Here, current literature is reviewed to identify and incorporate data regarding the effects of PFASs on innate immunity in humans, experimental models, and wildlife. Known mechanisms by which PFASs modulate innate immune function are also reviewed, including disruption of cell signaling, metabolism, and tissue-level effects. For PFASs where innate immune data are available, results are equivocal, raising additional questions about common mechanisms or pathways of toxicity, but highlighting that the innate immune system within several species can be perturbed by exposure to PFASs. Recommendations are provided for future research to inform hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk management practices for PFASs to protect the immune systems of exposed organisms as well as environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ashley M Connors
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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2
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Clark KL, Shukla M, George JW, Gustin S, Rowley MJ, Davis JS. An environmentally relevant mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts proliferation, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene transcription in primary human granulosa cells. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:57-69. [PMID: 38603627 PMCID: PMC11199914 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation and are environmentally persistent. PFAS are found in many consumer products and are a major source of water and soil contamination. This study investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS]) on the transcriptome and function of human granulosa cells (hGCs). Primary hGCs were harvested from follicular aspirates of healthy, reproductive-age women who were undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) was performed to identify PFAS compounds in pure follicular fluid. Cells were cultured with vehicle control or a PFAS mixture (2 nM PFHxS, 7 nM PFOA, 10 nM PFOS) for 96 h. Analyses of cell proliferation/apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and gene expression were measured via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays/immunofluorescence, ELISA/western blotting, and RNA sequencing/bioinformatics, respectively. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were detected in 100% of follicle fluid samples. Increased cell proliferation was observed in hGCs treated with the PFAS mixture with no impacts on cellular apoptosis. The PFAS mixture also altered steroid hormone synthesis, increasing both follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated and basal progesterone secretion and concomitant upregulation of STAR protein. RNA sequencing revealed inherent differences in transcriptomic profiles in hGCs after PFAS exposure. This study demonstrates functional and transcriptomic changes in hGCs after exposure to a PFAS mixture, improving our knowledge about the impacts of PFAS exposures and female reproductive health. These findings suggest that PFAS compounds can disrupt normal granulosa cell function with possible long-term consequences on overall reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105, USA
| | - Mamta Shukla
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105, USA
| | - Stephanie Gustin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
- Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska 68138, USA
| | - M Jordan Rowley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA
- Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105, USA
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3
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Yu G, Luo T, Liu Y, Huo X, Mo C, Huang B, Li Y, Feng L, Sun Y, Zhang J, Zhang Z. Multi-omics reveal disturbance of glucose homeostasis in pregnant rats exposed to short-chain perfluorobutanesulfonic acid. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116402. [PMID: 38728940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116402] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), a short-chain alternative to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), is widely used in various products and is increasingly present in environmental media and human bodies. Recent epidemiological findings have raised concerns about its potential adverse health effects, although the specific toxic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic toxicity of gestational PFBS exposure in maternal rats. Pregnant Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to three groups and administered either 3% starch gel (control), 5, or 50 mg/kg bw·d PFBS. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and lipid profiles were measured, and integrated omics analysis (transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics) was employed to identify changes in genes and metabolites and their relationships with metabolic phenotypes. The results revealed that rats exposed to 50 mg/kg bw·d PFBS exhibited a significant decrease in 1-h glucose levels and the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT compared with the starch group. Transcriptomics analysis indicated significant alterations in gene expression related to cytochrome P450 exogenous metabolism, glutathione metabolism, bile acid secretion, tumor pathways, and retinol metabolism. Differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were enriched in pathways such as pyruvate metabolism, the glucagon signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer, and the citric acid cycle. Co-enrichment analysis and pairwise correlation analysis among genes, metabolites, and outcomes identified several differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including Gstm1, Kit, Adcy1, Gck, Ppp1r3c, Ppp1r3d, and DEMs such as fumaric acid, L-lactic acid, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acetylvalerenolic acid. These DEGs and DEMs may play a role in the modulation of glucolipid metabolic pathways. In conclusion, our results suggest that gestational exposure to PFBS may induce molecular perturbations in glucose homeostasis. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms contributing to the heightened risk of abnormal glucose tolerance associated with PFBS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqi Yu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Global Centre for Asian Women's Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117549, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Tingyu Luo
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China
| | - Yongjie Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaona Huo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chunbao Mo
- School of Public Health and Emergency Management, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Bo Huang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China
| | - You Li
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China; The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposomics and Entire Lifecycle Heath, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, China.
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Zhang X, Sands M, Lin M, Guelfo J, Irudayaraj J. In vitro toxicity of Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) on Human Renal and Hepatoma Cells. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:280-288. [PMID: 38469334 PMCID: PMC10925923 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluate the cytotoxicity, intracellular redox conditions, apoptosis, and methylation of DNMTs/TETs upon exposure to LiTFSI, a novel Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) commonly found in lithium-ion batteries, on human renal carcinoma cells (A498) and hepatoma cells (HepG2). The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay showed both Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) had a dose-dependent effect on A498 and HepG2, with LiTFSI being less toxic. Intracellular redox conditions were assessed with a microplate reader and confocal, which showed a significant decrease in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels and an increase in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) content in both cells. Exposure to LiTFSI enhanced cell apoptosis, with HepG2 being more susceptible than A498. Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression levels of 19 genes associated with kidney injury, methylation, lipid metabolism and transportation was performed. LiTFSI exposure impacted kidney function by downregulating smooth muscle alpha-actin (Acta2) and upregulating transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1), B-cell lymphoma 2-like 1) Bcl2l1, hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1 (Harvcr1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nfe2l2), and hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) expression. LiTFSI exposure also affected the abundance of transcripts associated with DNA methylation by the expression of ten-eleven translocation (TET) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) genes. Furthermore, LiTFSI exposure induced an increase in lipid anabolism and alterations in lipid catabolism in HepG2. Our results provide new insight on the potential role of a new contaminant, LiTFSI in the regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and methylation in human renal carcinoma and hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Mia Sands
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Mindy Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jennifer Guelfo
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Cruz R, Ataka K, Heberle J, Kozuch J. Evaluating aliphatic CF, CF2, and CF3 groups as vibrational Stark effect reporters. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:204308. [PMID: 38814010 DOI: 10.1063/5.0198303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the extensive use of fluorination in molecular design, it is imperative to understand the solvation properties of fluorinated compounds and the impact of the C-F bond on electrostatic interactions. Vibrational spectroscopy can provide direct insights into these interactions by using the C-F bond stretching [v(C-F)] as an electric field probe through the vibrational Stark effect (VSE). In this work, we explore the VSE of the three basic patterns of aliphatic fluorination, i.e., mono-, di-, and trifluorination in CF, CF2, and CF3 groups, respectively, and compare their response to the well-studied aromatic v(C-F). Magnitudes (i.e., Stark tuning rates) and orientations of the difference dipole vectors of the v(C-F)-containing normal modes were determined using density functional theory and a molecular dynamics (MD)-assisted solvatochromic analysis of model compounds in solvents of varying polarity. We obtain Stark tuning rates of 0.2-0.8 cm-1/(MV/cm), with smallest and largest electric field sensitivities for CFaliphatic and CF3,aliphatic, respectively. While average electric fields of solvation were oriented along the main symmetry axis of the CFn, and thus along its static dipole, the Stark tuning rate vectors were tilted by up to 87° potentially enabling to map electrostatics in multiple dimensions. We discuss the influence of conformational heterogeneity on spectral shifts and point out the importance of multipolar and/or polarizable MD force fields to describe the electrostatics of fluorinated molecules. The implications of this work are of direct relevance for studies of fluorinated molecules as found in pharmaceuticals, fluorinated peptides, and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cruz
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - K Ataka
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - J Heberle
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Forschungsbau SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - J Kozuch
- Fachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Forschungsbau SupraFAB, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
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Zhang Y, Zhang M, Jiang S, Hu H, Wang X, Yu F, Huang Y, Liang Y. Associations of perfluoroalkyl substances with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: NHANES 2017-2018. Cancer Causes Control 2024:10.1007/s10552-024-01865-5. [PMID: 38764062 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-024-01865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the potential effects of perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in serum on MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis. METHODS Our sample included 696 participants (≥ 18 years) from the 2017-2018 NHANES study with available serum PFASs, covariates, and outcomes. Using the first quartile of PFAS as the reference group, we used weighted binary logistic regression and multiple ordered logistic regression used to analyze the relationship between PFAS and MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis and multiple ordinal logistic regression to investigate the relationship between PFAS and MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis and calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for each chemical. Finally, stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed according to gender, age, BMI, and serum cotinine concentration. RESULTS A total of 696 study subjects were included, including 212 NAFLD patients (weighted 27.03%) and 253 MAFLD patients (weighted 32.65%). The quartile 2 of serum PFOA was positively correlated with MAFLD and NAFLD (MAFLD, OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.05-4.98; NAFLD, OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.03-5.47). PFAS were not significantly associated with liver fibrosis after adjusting for potential confounders in MAFLD and NAFLD. Stratified analysis showed that PFOA was strongly associated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis in males and obese subjects. In women over 60 years old, PFHxS was also correlated with MAFLD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION The serum PFOA was positively associated with MAFLD and NAFLD in US adults. After stratified analysis, the serum PFHxS was correlated with MFALD, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Shanjiamei Jiang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Heng Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Yu
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Yue'e Huang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.
| | - Yali Liang
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China.
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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.
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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.)
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8
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Balogun M, Obeng-Gyasi E. Association of Combined PFOA, PFOS, Metals and Allostatic Load on Hepatic Disease Risk. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:516-536. [PMID: 38804284 PMCID: PMC11130830 DOI: 10.3390/jox14020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study utilizes the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 data to explore the relationship between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), allostatic load, and hepatic disease markers, including the fatty liver index a measure of the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. The paper identified significant associations and interaction effects by employing descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation analysis, linear regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Descriptive statistics highlight sex-specific differences in contaminant levels. Spearman's analysis underscores strong correlations among metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Linear regression reveals significant impacts of specific contaminants on AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels, adjusting for age and alcohol consumption. BKMR results further elucidate the complex, potentially synergistic relationships between these environmental exposures and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, offering nuanced insights into their combined effects on liver health. The findings emphasize the intricate dynamics of environmental exposures on hepatic function, advocating for targeted public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Balogun
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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9
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Hu M, Scott C. Toward the development of a molecular toolkit for the microbial remediation of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0015724. [PMID: 38477530 PMCID: PMC11022551 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00157-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly fluorinated synthetic organic compounds that have been used extensively in various industries owing to their unique properties. The PFAS family encompasses diverse classes, with only a fraction being commercially relevant. These substances are found in the environment, including in water sources, soil, and wildlife, leading to human exposure and fueling concerns about potential human health impacts. Although PFAS degradation is challenging, biodegradation offers a promising, eco-friendly solution. Biodegradation has been effective for a variety of organic contaminants but is yet to be successful for PFAS due to a paucity of identified microbial species capable of transforming these compounds. Recent studies have investigated PFAS biotransformation and fluoride release; however, the number of specific microorganisms and enzymes with demonstrable activity with PFAS remains limited. This review discusses enzymes that could be used in PFAS metabolism, including haloacid dehalogenases, reductive dehalogenases, cytochromes P450, alkane and butane monooxygenases, peroxidases, laccases, desulfonases, and the mechanisms of microbial resistance to intracellular fluoride. Finally, we emphasize the potential of enzyme and microbial engineering to advance PFAS degradation strategies and provide insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Hu
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Colin Scott
- CSIRO Environment, Black Mountain Science and Innovation Park, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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10
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Kirkwood-Donelson KI, Chappel J, Tobin E, Dodds JN, Reif DM, DeWitt JC, Baker ES. Investigating mouse hepatic lipidome dysregulation following exposure to emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141654. [PMID: 38462188 PMCID: PMC10995748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141654] [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] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental pollutants that have been associated with adverse health effects including liver damage, decreased vaccine responses, cancer, developmental toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol. The specific molecular mechanisms impacted by PFAS exposure to cause these health effects remain poorly understood, however there is some evidence of lipid dysregulation. Thus, lipidomic studies that go beyond clinical triglyceride and cholesterol tests are greatly needed to investigate these perturbations. Here, we have utilized a platform coupling liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) separations to simultaneously evaluate PFAS bioaccumulation and lipid metabolism disruptions. For the study, liver samples collected from C57BL/6 mice exposed to either of the emerging PFAS hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA or "GenX") or Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2) were assessed. Sex-specific differences in PFAS accumulation and liver size were observed for both PFAS, in addition to disturbed hepatic liver lipidomic profiles. Interestingly, GenX resulted in less hepatic bioaccumulation than NBP2 yet gave a higher number of significantly altered lipids when compared to the control group, implying that the accumulation of substances in the liver may not be a reliable measure of the substance's capacity to disrupt the liver's natural metabolic processes. Specifically, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylinositols, and various specific fatty acyls were greatly impacted, indicating alteration of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular signaling processes due to emerging PFAS exposure. Overall, these results provide valuable insight into the liver bioaccumulation and molecular mechanisms of GenX- and NBP2-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylie I Kirkwood-Donelson
- Department of Chemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jessie Chappel
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Emma Tobin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - James N Dodds
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - David M Reif
- Predictive Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Erin S Baker
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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11
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Li F, Gong X, Zhou Y, Geng Q, Jiang Y, Yao L, Qu M, Tan Z. Integrated evidence of transcriptional, metabolic, and intestinal microbiota changes in Ruditapes philippinarum due to perfluorooctanoic acid-induced immunotoxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170341. [PMID: 38272093 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170341] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates and is a significant public health concern due to its ubiquitous and persistent occurrence in global environments. Few studies have evaluated the adverse effects of PFOA on immune system, and this is particularly true for mollusks. Here, the PFOA-associated effects on immune system were evaluated in Ruditapes philippinarum using integrated analysis of metabolomes, microbiomes, and transcriptomes, providing evidence for possible mechanisms related to immunotoxicity. PFOA exposure caused clear variation in several important metabolites related to immune regulatory function within the haemolyph from R. philippinarum, while also altering key metabolic pathways, including those of lipids, unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and bile acids (BAs). After exposure to PFOAs, intestinal bacterial communities also clearly changed, with the predominant microflora becoming Mycoplasma and Bacteroidetes that are related to intestinal inflammation. Molecular analyses provided consistent results, wherein the expression of immune-related genes was significantly altered. Integration of the multi-'omics' analyses suggested that the TLR/MyD88/NF-kB pathway, along with PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, PPAR-mediated lipid metabolism and the autophagy signaling pathway, likely play important roles in initiating immunotoxic effects in R. philippinarum after PFOA exposure. These results provide further evidence that PFOA exposure can lead to immunologic dysfunction and also provide new insights into the mechanisms of PFAS alteration of bivalve immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Li
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuqiong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Geng
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yao
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Aquatic Product Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, People's Republic of China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Golosovskaia E, Örn S, Ahrens L, Chelcea I, Andersson PL. Studying mixture effects on uptake and tissue distribution of PFAS in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modelling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168738. [PMID: 38030006 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168738] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously distributed in the aquatic environment. They include persistent, mobile, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals and it is therefore critical to increase our understanding on their adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME). The current study focused on uptake of seven emerging PFAS in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and their potential maternal transfer. In addition, we aimed at increasing our understanding on mixture effects on ADME by developing a physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model capable of handling co-exposure scenarios of any number of chemicals. All studied chemicals were taken up in the fish to varying degrees, whereas only perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were quantified in all analysed tissues. Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) was measured at concerningly high concentrations in the brain (Cmax over 15 μg/g) but also in the liver and ovaries. All studied PFAS were maternally transferred to the eggs, with FOSA and 6:2 perfluorooctane sulfonate (6,2 FTSA) showing significant (p < 0.02) signs of elimination from the embryos during the first 6 days of development, while perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), PFNA, and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were not eliminated in embryos during this time-frame. The mixture PBK model resulted in >85 % of predictions within a 10-fold error and 60 % of predictions within a 3-fold error. At studied levels of PFAS exposure, competitive binding was not a critical factor for PFAS kinetics. Gill surface pH influenced uptake for some carboxylates but not the sulfonates. The developed PBK model provides an important tool in understanding kinetics under complex mixture scenarios and this use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is critical in future risk assessment of chemicals and early warning systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Örn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ioana Chelcea
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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13
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Zhang J, Hu L, Xu H. Dietary exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Potential health impacts on human liver. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167945. [PMID: 37871818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167945] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dubbed "forever chemicals", are widely present in the environment. Environmental contamination and food contact substances are the main sources of PFAS in food, increasing the risk of human dietary exposure. Numerous epidemiological studies have established the link between dietary exposure to PFAS and liver disease. Correspondingly, PFAS induced-hepatotoxicity (e.g., hepatomegaly, cell viability, inflammation, oxidative stress, bile acid metabolism dysregulation and glycolipid metabolism disorder) observed from in vitro models and in vivo rodent studies have been extensively reported. In this review, the pertinent literature of the last 5 years from the Web of Science database was researched. This study summarized the source and fate of PFAS, and reviewed the occurrence of PFAS in food system (natural and processed food). Subsequently, the characteristics of human dietary exposure PFAS (population characteristics, distribution trend, absorption and distribution) were mentioned. Additionally, epidemiologic evidence linking PFAS exposure and liver disease was alluded, and the PFAS-induced hepatotoxicity observed from in vitro models and in vivo rodent studies was comprehensively reviewed. Lastly, we highlighted several critical knowledge gaps and proposed future research directions. This review aims to raise public awareness about food PFAS contamination and its potential risks to human liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Liehai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China; International Institute of Food Innovation, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330299, China.
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14
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Wang Z, Zhou Y, Xiao X, Liu A, Wang S, Preston RJS, Zaytseva YY, He G, Xiao W, Hennig B, Deng P. Inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases induced by persistent organic pollutants and nutritional interventions: Effects of multi-organ interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 339:122756. [PMID: 37844865 PMCID: PMC10842216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The development and outcome of inflammatory diseases are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, which include chemical and nonchemical stressors. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are major groups of chemical stressors. For example, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are closely associated with the incidence of inflammatory diseases. The pathology of environmental chemical-mediated inflammatory diseases is complex and may involve disturbances in multiple organs, including the gut, liver, brain, vascular tissues, and immune systems. Recent studies suggested that diet-derived nutrients (e.g., phytochemicals, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers) could modulate environmental insults and affect disease development, progression, and outcome. In this article, mechanisms of environmental pollutant-induced inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases are reviewed, focusing on multi-organ interplays and highlighting recent advances in nutritional strategies to improve the outcome of cardiometabolic diseases associated with environmental exposures. In addition, advanced system biology approaches are discussed, which present unique opportunities to unveil the complex interactions among multiple organs and to fuel the development of precision intervention strategies in exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | - Yixuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aowen Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Roger J S Preston
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland
| | - Yekaterina Y Zaytseva
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Guangzhao He
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzhou Cancer Hospital, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjin Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bernhard Hennig
- Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Pan Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Cheng W, Li M, Zhang L, Zhou C, Zhang X, Zhu C, Tan L, Lin H, Zhang W, Zhang W. Close association of PFASs exposure with hepatic fibrosis than steatosis: evidences from NHANES 2017-2018. Ann Med 2023; 55:2216943. [PMID: 37323015 PMCID: PMC10281433 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2216943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple animals and in vitro studies have demonstrated that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure causes liver damage associated with fat metabolism. However, it is lack of population evidence for the correlation between PFAS exposure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A cross-sectional analysis was performed of 1150 participants aged over 20 from the US. Liver ultrasound transient elastography was to identify the participants with NAFLD and multiple biomarkers were the indicators for hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis. Logistics regression and restricted cubic splines models were used to estimate the association between PFASs and NAFLD. PFASs had not a significant association with NAFLD after adjustment. The hepatic steatosis indicators including fatty liver index, NAFLD liver fat score, and Framingham steatosis index were almost not significantly correlated with PFASs exposure respectively. But fibrosis indicators including fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), NAFLD fibrosis score, and Hepamet fibrosis score were positively correlated with each type of PFASs exposure. After adjustment by gender, age, race, education, and poverty income rate, there was also a significant correlation between PFOS and FIB-4 with 0.07 (0.01, 0.13). The mixed PFASs were associated with FIB-4, with PFOS contributing the most (PIP = 1.000) by the Bayesian kernel machine regression model. The results suggested PFASs exposure appeared to be more closely associated with hepatic fibrosis than steatosis, and PFOS might be the main cause of PFASs associated with hepatic fibrosis.Key messagesCurrent exposure doses of PFAS did not significantly change the risk of developing NAFLD.PFASs exposure appeared to be more closely associated with hepatic fibrosis than steatosis.PFOS might be the main cause of PFASs associated with hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Luyun Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Chenyu Zhu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Luyi Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Wenji Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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16
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Robarts DR, Dai J, Lau C, Apte U, Corton JC. Hepatic Transcriptome Comparative In Silico Analysis Reveals Similar Pathways and Targets Altered by Legacy and Alternative Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Mice. TOXICS 2023; 11:963. [PMID: 38133364 PMCID: PMC10748317 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of fluorinated carbon chains that include legacy PFAS, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS). These compounds induce adverse health effects, including hepatotoxicity. Potential alternatives to the legacy PFAS (HFPO-DA (GenX), HFPO4, HFPO-TA, F-53B, 6:2 FTSA, and 6:2 FTCA), as well as a byproduct of PFAS manufacturing (Nafion BP2), are increasingly being found in the environment. The potential hazards of these new alternatives are less well known. To better understand the diversity of molecular targets of the PFAS, we performed a comparative toxicogenomics analysis of the gene expression changes in the livers of mice exposed to these PFAS, and compared these to five activators of PPARα, a common target of many PFAS. Using hierarchical clustering, pathway analysis, and predictive biomarkers, we found that most of the alternative PFAS modulate molecular targets that overlap with legacy PFAS. Only three of the 11 PFAS tested did not appreciably activate PPARα (Nafion BP2, 6:2 FTSA, and 6:2 FTCA). Predictive biomarkers showed that most PFAS (PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-TA, F-53B, HFPO4, Nafion BP2) activated CAR. PFNA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, HFPO4, HFPO-TA, F-53B, Nafion BP2, and 6:2 FTSA suppressed STAT5b, activated NRF2, and activated SREBP. There was no apparent relationship between the length of the carbon chain, type of head group, or number of ether linkages and the transcriptomic changes. This work highlights the similarities in molecular targets between the legacy and alternative PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - 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
| | - Christopher Lau
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - J. Christopher Corton
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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Grandjean P, Shih YH, Jørgensen LH, Nielsen F, Weihe P, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Estimated exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances during infancy and serum-adipokine concentrations in later childhood. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1832-1837. [PMID: 37316707 PMCID: PMC10624607 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02665-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are transferred through human milk and may cause elevated exposure during infancy. Given the lack of early postnatal blood samples, PFAS concentrations can be estimated to serve as predictors of subsequent metabolic toxicity. METHODS A total of 298 children from a prospective birth cohort were followed up through to age 9 years. Serum-PFAS was measured at birth and 18 months of age, while exposures during infancy were estimated by structural equations. Adiponectin, resistin, leptin, and the leptin receptor were measured in serum at age 9. Adjusted regression coefficients for estimated serum-PFAS concentrations were calculated, with additional consideration of the duration of breastfeeding and potential effect modification by sex. RESULTS A doubling in estimated serum-PFAS concentrations, particularly at ages 6 and 12 months, was associated with a loss of about 10-15% in age 9 resistin concentrations, while other associations were much weaker. Sex dependence of the associations was not observed, and neither did the duration of breastfeeding affect outcomes at age 9. CONCLUSION Lowered serum-resistin concentrations at age 9 years were most strongly associated with early postnatal PFAS exposures. These findings suggest that infancy may represent a vulnerable time window for some aspects of metabolic programming that may be affected by PFAS exposure. IMPACT Serum-PFAS concentrations during infancy can be estimated in the absence of blood samples. Adipokine concentrations were measured at age 9 years as metabolic biomarkers. Resistin was significantly lower in children with elevated PFAS exposures in infancy. The findings suggest that early postnatal PFAS exposures may affect subsequent metabolic health. Assessment of infancy vulnerability to PFAS can be explored using estimated serum-PFAS concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Yu-Hsuan Shih
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Louise Helskov Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
- Center of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Esben Budtz-Jørgensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Benmore CJ, Wang Y, Darling SB, Chen J. Molecular interactions in short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and aqueous solutions. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20220333. [PMID: 37691465 PMCID: PMC10493550 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2022.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water poses a major health and environmental challenge. Here, we have performed high-energy small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements on CF3[CF2]nCOOH (where n = 1, 2, 3 represents the chain length) and their aqueous solutions at 10% mole concentrations to characterize their molecular interactions at the atomic and nanometer length scales. The experimental wide-angle structure factors have been modelled using Empirical Potential Structural Refinement. The oxygen-oxygen partial X-ray pair distribution functions show that the coordination number between the hydroxyl oxygen on the acid and surrounding oxygen water molecules increases significantly with acid chain length, rising from 3.2 for n = 1 to 4.1 for n = 3. The small-angle scattering is dominated by a sharp, high-intensity peak at Q1 ∼ 0.2 Å-1 and a smaller peak at Q2 = 1.2 Å-1 for n = 3, both of which decrease with decreasing chain length. The Q2 peak is attributed to groups of adjacent non-bonded acid molecules, and Q1 has contributions from both correlations between acid molecules and water-water interactions. In all cases, the models show nanoscale aggregation occurs in the form of denser channels of winding hydrogen-bonded chains, approximately 20 water molecules in length, surrounding clusters of acid molecules. This article is part of the theme issue 'Exploring the length scales, timescales and chemistry of challenging materials (Part 2)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J. Benmore
- X-Ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont,IL 60439, USA
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago,IL 60637, USA
| | - Yuqin Wang
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont,IL 60439, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago,IL 60637, USA
| | - Seth B. Darling
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont,IL 60439, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago,IL 60637, USA
| | - Junhong Chen
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Physical Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont,IL 60439, USA
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago,IL 60637, USA
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Carberry CK, Bangma J, Koval L, Keshava D, Hartwell HJ, Sokolsky M, Fry RC, Rager JE. Extracellular Vesicles altered by a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Mixture: In Vitro Dose-Dependent Release, Chemical Content, and MicroRNA Signatures involved in Liver Health. Toxicol Sci 2023; 197:kfad108. [PMID: 37851381 PMCID: PMC10823775 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as high priority contaminants due to their ubiquity and pervasiveness in the environment. Numerous PFAS co-occur across sources of drinking water, including areas of North Carolina (NC) with some detected concentrations above the Environmental Protection Agency's health advisory levels. While evidence demonstrates PFAS exposure induces harmful effects in the liver, the involvement of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential mediators of these effects has yet to be evaluated. This study set out to evaluate the hypothesis that PFAS mixtures induce dose-dependent release of EVs from liver cells, with exposures causing differential loading of microRNAs (miRNAs) and PFAS chemical signatures. To test this hypothesis, a defined PFAS mixture was prioritized utilizing data collected by the NC PFAS Testing Network. This mixture contained three substances, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxA, selected based upon co-occurrence patterns and the inclusion of both short-chain (PFHxA) and long-chain (PFOA and PFOS) substances. HepG2 liver cells were exposed to equimolar PFAS, and secreted EVs were isolated from conditioned media and characterized for count and molecular content. Exposures induced a dose-dependent release of EVs carrying miRNAs that were differentially loaded upon exposure. These altered miRNA signatures were predicted to target mRNA pathways involved in hepatic fibrosis and cancer. Chemical concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxA were also detected in both parent HepG2 cells and their released EVs, specifically within a 15-fold range after normalizing for protein content. This study therefore established EVs as novel biological responders and measurable endpoints for evaluating PFAS-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste K Carberry
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Lauren Koval
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deepak Keshava
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hadley J Hartwell
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marina Sokolsky
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Medicine, Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- The Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Medicine, Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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20
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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.
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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
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21
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Baumert BO, Fischer FC, Nielsen F, Grandjean P, Bartell S, Stratakis N, Walker DI, Valvi D, Kohli R, Inge T, Ryder J, Jenkins T, Sisley S, Xanthakos S, Rock S, La Merrill MA, Conti D, McConnell R, Chatzi L. Paired Liver:Plasma PFAS Concentration Ratios from Adolescents in the Teen-LABS Study and Derivation of Empirical and Mass Balance Models to Predict and Explain Liver PFAS Accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14817-14826. [PMID: 37756184 PMCID: PMC10591710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies have pointed at the liver as a hotspot for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulation and toxicity; however, these findings have not been replicated in human populations. We measured concentrations of seven PFAS in matched liver and plasma samples collected at the time of bariatric surgery from 64 adolescents in the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) study. Liver:plasma concentration ratios were perfectly explained (r2 > 0.99) in a multilinear regression (MLR) model based on toxicokinetic (TK) descriptors consisting of binding to tissue constituents and membrane permeabilities. Of the seven matched plasma and liver PFAS concentrations compared in this study, the liver:plasma concentration ratio of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) was considerably higher than the liver:plasma concentration ratio of other PFAS congeners. Comparing the MLR model with an equilibrium mass balance model (MBM) suggested that complex kinetic transport processes are driving the unexpectedly high liver:plasma concentration ratio of PFHpA. Intratissue MBM modeling pointed to membrane lipids as the tissue constituents that drive the liver accumulation of long-chain, hydrophobic PFAS, whereas albumin binding of hydrophobic PFAS dominated PFAS distribution in plasma. The liver:plasma concentration data set, empirical MLR model, and mechanistic MBM modeling allow the prediction of liver from plasma concentrations measured in human cohort studies. Our study demonstrates that combining biomonitoring data with mechanistic modeling can identify underlying mechanisms of internal distribution and specific target organ toxicity of PFAS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney O. Baumert
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90032
| | - Fabian C. Fischer
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02134
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5230
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5230
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA, 02881
| | - Scott Bartell
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA, 92697
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA, 10029
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA, 90027
| | - Thomas Inge
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Justin Ryder
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Todd Jenkins
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA, 45229
| | - Stephanie Sisley
- Department of Pediatrics, USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA, 77030
| | - Stavra Xanthakos
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA, 45229
| | - Sarah Rock
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90032
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA, 95616
| | - David Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90032
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90032
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90032
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22
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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.
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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.
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23
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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.
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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.
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24
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Schultz AA, Stanton N, Shelton B, Pomazal R, Lange MA, Irving R, Meiman J, Malecki KC. Biomonitoring of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) 2014-2016 and comparison with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:766-777. [PMID: 37580384 PMCID: PMC10804284 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00593-3] [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] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing class of manufactured chemical compounds found in a variety of consumer products. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and were found in many humans sampled in the United States (U.S.). Yet, significant gaps in understanding statewide levels of exposure to PFAS remain. OBJECTIVE The goals of this study are to establish a baseline of exposure at the state level by measuring PFAS serum levels among a representative sample of Wisconsin residents and compare to United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS The study sample included 605 adults (18+ years of age) selected from the 2014-2016 sample of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW). Thirty-eight PFAS serum concentrations were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS/MS) and geometric means were presented. Weighted geometric mean serum values of eight PFAS analytes from SHOW were compared to U.S. national levels from the NHANES 2015-2016 sample (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFDA, PFUnDA), and the 2017-2018 sample for Me-PFOSA, PFHPS using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFDA, PFNA, and PFOA were detected in over 96% of SHOW participants. In general, SHOW participants had lower serum levels across all PFAS when compared to NHANES. Serum levels increased with age and were higher among males and whites. Similar trends were seen in NHANES, except non-whites had higher PFAS levels at higher percentiles in NHANES. IMPACT STATEMENT The present study conducts biomonitoring of 38 PFAS among representative sample of residents in the state of Wisconsin. Results suggest that while the majority of Wisconsin residents tested have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood serum, they may have a lower body burden of some PFAS compared to a nationally representative sample. Older adults, males, and whites may have a higher body burden of PFAS relative to other groups, both in Wisconsin and the wider United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Schultz
- Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Noel Stanton
- Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH), Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Rachel Pomazal
- Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Roy Irving
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Kristen C Malecki
- Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
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25
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India-Aldana S, Yao M, Midya V, Colicino E, Chatzi L, Chu J, Gennings C, Jones DP, Loos RJF, Setiawan VW, Smith MR, Walker RW, Barupal D, Walker DI, Valvi D. PFAS Exposures and the Human Metabolome: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2023; 9:510-568. [PMID: 37753190 PMCID: PMC10520990 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-023-00269-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review There is a growing interest in understanding the health effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the study of the human metabolome. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify consistent findings between PFAS and metabolomic signatures. We conducted a search matching specific keywords that was independently reviewed by two authors on two databases (EMBASE and PubMed) from their inception through July 19, 2022 following PRISMA guidelines. Recent Findings We identified a total of 28 eligible observational studies that evaluated the associations between 31 different PFAS exposures and metabolomics in humans. The most common exposure evaluated was legacy long-chain PFAS. Population sample sizes ranged from 40 to 1,105 participants at different stages across the lifespan. A total of 19 studies used a non-targeted metabolomics approach, 7 used targeted approaches, and 2 included both. The majority of studies were cross-sectional (n = 25), including four with prospective analyses of PFAS measured prior to metabolomics. Summary Most frequently reported associations across studies were observed between PFAS and amino acids, fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, phosphosphingolipids, bile acids, ceramides, purines, and acylcarnitines. Corresponding metabolic pathways were also altered, including lipid, amino acid, carbohydrate, nucleotide, energy metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. We found consistent evidence across studies indicating PFAS-induced alterations in lipid and amino acid metabolites, which may be involved in energy and cell membrane disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra India-Aldana
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Meizhen Yao
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Vishal Midya
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dean P. Jones
- Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary,
Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ruth J. F. Loos
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
- Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk
Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen,
Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Veronica W. Setiawan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck
School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mathew Ryan Smith
- Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary,
Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Ryan W. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dinesh Barupal
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health,
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New
York, NY 10029, USA
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26
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González-Alvarez ME, Keating AF. Hepatic and ovarian effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure differ in lean and obese adult female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 474:116614. [PMID: 37422089 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116614] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and overweight cause poor oocyte quality, miscarriage, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and offspring birth defects and affects 40% and 20% of US women and girls, respectively. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is environmentally persistent and has negative female reproductive effects including endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, altered menstrual cyclicity, and decreased fertility in humans and animal models. PFAS exposure is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which affects ∼24-26% of the US population. This study investigated the hypothesis that PFOA exposure impacts hepatic and ovarian chemical biotransformation and alters the serum metabolome. At 7 weeks of age, female lean, wild type (KK.Cg-a/a) or obese (KK.Cg-Ay/J) mice received saline (C) or PFOA (2.5 mg/Kg) per os for 15 d. Hepatic weight was increased by PFOA exposure in both lean and obese mice (P < 0.05) and obesity also increased liver weight (P < 0.05) compared to lean mice. The serum metabolome was also altered (P < 0.05) by PFOA exposure and differed between lean and obese mice. Exposure to PFOA altered (P < 0.05) the abundance of ovarian proteins with roles in xenobiotic biotransformation (lean - 6; obese - 17), metabolism of fatty acids (lean - 3; obese - 9), cholesterol (lean - 8; obese - 11), amino acids (lean - 18; obese - 19), glucose (lean - 7; obese - 10), apoptosis (lean - 18; obese - 13), and oxidative stress (lean - 3; obese - 2). Use of qRT-PCR determined that exposure to PFOA increased (P < 0.05) hepatic Ces1 and Chst1 in lean but Ephx1 and Gstm3 in obese mice. Also, obesity basally increased (P < 0.05) Nat2, Gpi and Hsd17b2 mRNA levels. These data identify molecular changes resultant from PFOA exposure that may cause liver injury and ovotoxicity in females. In addition, differences in toxicity induced by PFOA exposure occurs in lean and obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Estefanía González-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America.
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27
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Wahlang B. RISING STARS: Sex differences in toxicant-associated fatty liver disease. J Endocrinol 2023; 258:e220247. [PMID: 37074385 PMCID: PMC10330380 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Based on biological sex, the consequential health outcomes from exposures to environmental chemicals or toxicants can differ in disease pathophysiology, progression, and severity. Due to basal differences in cellular and molecular processes resulting from sexual dimorphism of organs including the liver and additional factors influencing 'gene-environment' interactions, males and females can exhibit different responses to toxicant exposures. Associations between environmental/occupational chemical exposures and fatty liver disease (FLD) have been well-acknowledged in human epidemiologic studies and their causal relationships demonstrated in experimental models. However, studies related to sex differences in liver toxicology are still limited to draw any inferences on sex-dependent chemical toxicity. The purpose of this review is to highlight the present state of knowledge on the existence of sex differences in toxicant-associated FLD (TAFLD), discuss potential underlying mechanisms driving these differences, implications of said differences on disease susceptibility, and emerging concepts. Chemicals of interest include various categories of pollutants that have been investigated in TAFLD, namely persistent organic pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and metals. Insight into research areas requiring further development is also discussed, with the objective of narrowing the knowledge gap on sex differences in environmental liver diseases. Major conclusions from this review exercise are that biological sex influences TAFLD risks, in part due to (i) toxicant disruption of growth hormone and estrogen receptor signaling, (ii) basal sex differences in energy mobilization and storage, and (iii) differences in chemical metabolism and subsequent body burden. Finally, further sex-dependent toxicological assessments are warranted for the development of sex-specific intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banrida Wahlang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- UofL Superfund Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- The Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
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28
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Wang Z, Zang L, Ren W, Guo H, Sheng N, Zhou X, Guo Y, Dai J. Bile acid metabolism disorder mediates hepatotoxicity of Nafion by-product 2 and perfluorooctane sulfonate in male PPARα-KO mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162579. [PMID: 36870486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162579] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Nafion by-product 2 (H-PFMO2OSA) induce hepatotoxicity in male mice via activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) pathway; however, accumulating evidence suggests that PPARα-independent pathways also play a vital role in hepatotoxicity after exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Thus, to assess the hepatotoxicity of PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA more comprehensively, adult male wild-type (WT) and PPARα knockout (PPARα-KO) mice were exposed to PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA (1 or 5 mg/kg/d) for 28 d via oral gavage. Results showed that although elevations in alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were alleviated in PPARα-KO mice, liver injury, including liver enlargement and necrosis, was still observed after PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA exposure. Liver transcriptome analysis identified fewer differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the PPARα-KO mice than in the WT mice, but more DEGs associated with the bile acid secretion pathway after PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA treatment. Total bile acid content in the liver was increased in the 1 and 5 mg/kg/d PFOS-exposed and 5 mg/kg/d H-PFMO2OSA-exposed PPARα-KO mice. Furthermore, in PPARα-KO mice, proteins showing changes in transcription and translation levels after PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA exposure were involved in the synthesis, transportation, reabsorption, and excretion of bile acids. Thus, exposure to PFOS and H-PFMO2OSA in male PPARα-KO mice may disturb bile acid metabolism, which is not under the control of PPARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lu Zang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wanlan Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hua Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Kim M, Kim SH, Choi JY, Park YJ. Investigating fatty liver disease-associated adverse outcome pathways of perfluorooctane sulfonate using a systems toxicology approach. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 176:113781. [PMID: 37059384 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) frameworks help elucidate toxic mechanisms and support chemical regulation. AOPs link a molecular initiating event (MIE), key events (KEs), and an adverse outcome by key event relationships (KERs), which assess the biological plausibility, essentiality, and empirical evidence involved. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a hazardous poly-fluoroalkyl substance, demonstrates hepatotoxicity in rodents. PFOS may induce fatty liver disease (FLD) in humans; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the toxic mechanisms of PFOS-associated FLD by developing an AOP using publicly available data. We identified MIE and KEs by performing GO enrichment analysis on PFOS- and FLD-associated target genes collected from public databases. The MIEs and KEs were then prioritized by PFOS-gene-phenotype-FLD networks, AOP-helpFinder, and KEGG pathway analyses. Following a comprehensive literature review, an AOP was then developed. Finally, six KEs for the AOP of FLD were identified. This AOP indicated that toxicological processes initiated by SIRT1 inhibition led to SREBP-1c activation, de novo fatty acid synthesis, and fatty acid and triglyceride accumulation, culminating in liver steatosis. Our study provides insights into the toxic mechanism of PFOS-induced FLD and suggests approaches to assessing the risk of toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moosoo Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Heon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Yeong Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Republic of Korea.
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Dunder L, Salihovic S, Lind PM, Elmståhl S, Lind L. Plasma levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107979. [PMID: 37285711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to immunotoxic and cardiometabolic effects in both experimental and epidemiological studies, but with conflicting results. AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate potential associations between plasma PFAS levels and plasma levels of preselected proteomic biomarkers previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. METHODS Three PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) were measured by non-targeted metabolomics and 249 proteomic biomarkers were measured by the proximity extension assay (PEA) in plasma from 2,342 individuals within the Epidemiology for Health (EpiHealth) study from Sweden (45-75 years old, 50.6 % men). RESULTS After adjustment for age and sex, 92% of the significant associations between PFOS concentrations and proteins were inverse (p < 0.0002, Bonferroni-adjusted). The results were not as clear for PFOA and PFHxS, but still with 80% and 64 % of the significant associations with proteins being inverse. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, education, exercise habits and alcohol consumption, levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and paraoxonase type 3 (PON3) remained positively associated with all three PFAS, while resistin (RETN) and urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (uPAR) showed inverse associations with all three PFAS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that PFAS exposure is cross-sectionally linked to altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged humans.
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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
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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31
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Ducatman A, Tan Y, Nadeau B, Steenland K. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposure and Abnormal Alanine Aminotransferase: Using Clinical Consensus Cutoffs Compared to Statistical Cutoffs for Abnormal Values. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050449. [PMID: 37235263 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Prior analysis in the large "C8 Health Project" population defined abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with statistically derived cutoffs (>45 IU/L in men, >34 IU/L in women). OBJECTIVE To explore the degree to which PFOA was associated with modern, clinically predictive ALT biomarker cutoffs in obese and nonobese participants, excluding those with diagnosed liver disease. METHODS We reevaluated the relationship of serum PFOA to abnormal ALT using predictive cutoff recommendations including those of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). Evaluations modeled lifetime cumulative exposure and measured internal PFOA exposure. RESULTS ACG cutoff values (≥34 IU/L for males, ≥25 IU/L for females) classified 30% of males (3815/12,672) and 21% of females (3359/15,788) above ALT cutoff values. Odds ratios (OR) for above cutoff values were consistently associated with modeled cumulative and measured serum PFOA. Linear trends were highly significant. ORs by quintile showed near monotonic increases. Trends were stronger for the overweight and obese. However, all weight classes were affected. CONCLUSION Predictive cutoffs increase the OR for abnormal ALT results. Obesity increases ORs, yet association with abnormal ALT pertains to all weight classes. The results are discussed in context of current knowledge about the health implications of PFOA hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Ducatman
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Brian Nadeau
- Department of Gastroenterology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48173, USA
| | - Kyle Steenland
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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32
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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.
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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.
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Pini L, Salvalaggio A, Wennberg AM, Dimakou A, Matteoli M, Corbetta M. The pollutome-connectome axis: a putative mechanism to explain pollution effects on neurodegeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 86:101867. [PMID: 36720351 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The study of pollutant effects is extremely important to address the epochal challenges we are facing, where world populations are increasingly moving from rural to urban centers, revolutionizing our world into an urban world. These transformations will exacerbate pollution, thus highlighting the necessity to unravel its effect on human health. Epidemiological studies have reported that pollution increases the risk of neurological diseases, with growing evidence on the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Air pollution and water pollutants are the main chemicals driving this risk. These chemicals can promote inflammation, acting in synergy with genotype vulnerability. However, the biological underpinnings of this association are unknown. In this review, we focus on the link between pollution and brain network connectivity at the macro-scale level. We provide an updated overview of epidemiological findings and studies investigating brain network changes associated with pollution exposure, and discuss the mechanistic insights of pollution-induced brain changes through neural networks. We explain, in detail, the pollutome-connectome axis that might provide the functional substrate for pollution-induced processes leading to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. We describe this model within the framework of two pollutants, air pollution, a widely recognized threat, and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large class of synthetic chemicals which are currently emerging as new neurotoxic source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pini
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy; Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Alexandra M Wennberg
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anastasia Dimakou
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Neuro Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milano, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Corbetta
- Department of Neuroscience and Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Italy; Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, VIMM, Padova, Italy
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34
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Hall AM, Braun JM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Outcomes Related to Metabolic Syndrome: A Review of the Literature and Current Recommendations for Clinicians. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/15598276231162802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of toxic, ubiquitous, anthropogenic chemicals known to bioaccumulate in humans. Substantial concern exists regarding the human health effects of PFAS, particularly metabolic syndrome (MetS), a precursor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. This narrative review provides an overview of the PFAS literature on 4 specific components of MetS: insulin resistance/glucose dysregulation, central adiposity, dyslipidemia, and blood pressure. We focus on prospective cohort studies as these provide the best body of evidence compared to other study designs. Available evidence suggests potential associations between some PFAS and type-2 diabetes in adults, dyslipidemia in children and adults, and blood pressure in adults. Additionally, some studies found that sex and physical activity may modify these relationships. Future studies should consider modification by sex and lifestyle factors (e.g., diet and physical activity), as well quantifying the impact of PFAS mixtures on MetS features and related clinical disease. Finally, clinicians can follow recently developed clinical guidance to screen for PFAS exposure in patients, measure PFAS levels, conduct additional clinical care based on PFAS levels, and advise on PFAS exposure reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M. Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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35
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Manojkumar Y, Pilli S, Rao PV, Tyagi RD. Sources, occurrence and toxic effects of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 97:107174. [PMID: 36907230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cause potential threats to biota and are persistent and never-ending substances in the environment. Regulations and ban on legacy PFAS by various global organizations and national level regulatory agencies had shifted the fluorochemical production to emerging PFAS and fluorinated alternatives. Emerging PFAS are mobile and more persistent in aquatic systems, posing potential greater threats to human and environmental health. Emerging PFAS have been found in aquatic animals, rivers, food products, aqueous film-forming foams, sediments, and a variety of other ecological media. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties, sources, occurrence in biota and the environment, and toxicity of the emerging PFAS. Fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternatives for several industrial applications and consumer goods as the replacement of historical PFAS are also discussed in the review. Fluorochemical production plants and wastewater treatment plants are the main sources of emerging PFAS to various environmental matrices. Information and research are scarcely available on the sources, existence, transport, fate, and toxic effects of emerging PFAS to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Manojkumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal 506004, Telangana, India
| | - Sridhar Pilli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal 506004, Telangana, India.
| | - P Venkateswara Rao
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal 506004, Telangana, India
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Zhang L, Louie A, Rigutto G, Guo H, Zhao Y, Ahn S, Dahlberg S, Sholinbeck M, Smith MT. A systematic evidence map of chronic inflammation and immunosuppression related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115188. [PMID: 36592815 PMCID: PMC10044447 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to induce chronic inflammation and immunosuppression are two key characteristics of carcinogens and important forms of immunotoxicity. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) evaluated the immunotoxicity of two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), in 2016. However, the potential pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of other PFASs remain largely uncharacterized. METHODS We developed an expanded set of search terms pertaining to the chronic inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of PFASs based on those of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and NTP. To confirm searching effectiveness and scope, we compared our search term results with those of IARC and NTP for both PFASs and two other known carcinogens, chromium (VI) and benzene. Systematic evidence maps (SEMs) were also produced using Tableau to visualize the distribution of study numbers and types reporting immunotoxic effects and specific biomarkers elicited by PFAS exposures. RESULTS In total, 1155 PFAS studies were retrieved, of which 321 qualified for inclusion in our dataset. Using our search terms, we identified a greater number of relevant studies than those obtained using IARC and NTP's search terms. From the SEM findings, increased cytokine production strengthened an association between PFAS exposure and chronic inflammation, and decreased B-cell activation and altered levels of T-cell subtypes and immunoglobulins confirmed PFAS-induced immunosuppression. CONCLUSION Our SEM findings confirm that several PFASs commonly found in both in the environment, including those that are lesser-known, may induce immunosuppression and chronic inflammation, two key characteristics of carcinogens. This approach, including development of search terms, study screening process, data coding, and evidence mapping visualizations, can be applied to other key characteristics of chemical carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoping Zhang
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Allen Louie
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gabrielle Rigutto
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Helen Guo
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Yun Zhao
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Stacy Ahn
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sarah Dahlberg
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Michael Sholinbeck
- Bioscience, Natural Resources & Public Health Library, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Khan EA, Grønnestad R, Krøkje Å, Bartosov Z, Johanson SM, Müller MHB, Arukwe A. Alteration of hepato-lipidomic homeostasis in A/J mice fed an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107838. [PMID: 36822005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated liver lipid homeostasis and corresponding changes in transcript and functional product levels in A/J mice exposed to environmental relevant concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture. Mice were fed environmentally relevant concentrations of a PFAS mixture during a period of 10 weeks. The concentrations of the 8 individual PFAS in the mixture were chosen based on measured concentrations in earthworms at a Norwegian skiing area. Our data show high liver accumulation of ∑PFAS in exposed mice, which paralleled significant elevation in body weight and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of male mice. UPC2 -MS/MS analysis in both positive and negative mode, respectively, indicated significant differences between control and exposure groups in the liver of exposed mice. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the features revealed separation of control and exposure groups in both sexes. From the significantly differential 207 lipids, only 72 were identified and shown to belong to eight different lipid classes. PCA of fatty acids (FAs) profile showed a clear separation between control and PFAS exposure groups in both female and male mice, with differential abundant levels of 5 and 4 hydrolyzed FAs, respectively. Transcript and protein analysis of genes associated with lipid homeostasis (ppar-α and β, lxr-α and β, rxr, fasn and srebp) showed that PFAS exposure produced sex- and individual response related alterations. Glutathione reductase (Gr) activity showed exposure-related changes in both female and male mice, compared with controls. Overall, the present study has demonstrated changes in lipid metabolism after PFAS exposure, showing that PFAS accumulation in the liver resulted to hepatotoxic effects, potential interference with membrane lipid profile and homeostasis, and oxidative stress. Given the structural similarity with FAs, interaction between PFAS and nuclear receptors such as PPARs may have severe consequences for general health and physiology in exposed animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essa A Khan
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Randi Grønnestad
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Åse Krøkje
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Zdenka Bartosov
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Silje Modahl Johanson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette H B Müller
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Augustine Arukwe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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Critical Overview on Endocrine Disruptors in Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054537. [PMID: 36901966 PMCID: PMC10003192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in all countries due to its high human and economic burden. Major metabolic alterations are associated with the chronic hyperglycemia that characterizes diabetes and causes devastating complications, including retinopathy, kidney failure, coronary disease and increased cardiovascular mortality. The most common form is type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for 90 to 95% of the cases. These chronic metabolic disorders are heterogeneous to which genetic factors contribute, but so do prenatal and postnatal life environmental factors including a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and obesity. However, these classical risk factors alone cannot explain the rapid evolution of the prevalence of T2D and the high prevalence of type 1 diabetes in particular areas. Among environmental factors, we are in fact exposed to a growing amount of chemical molecules produced by our industries or by our way of life. In this narrative review, we aim to give a critical overview of the role of these pollutants that can interfere with our endocrine system, the so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in the pathophysiology of diabetes and metabolic disorders.
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Marquínez-Marquínez AN, Loor-Molina NS, Quiroz-Fernández LS, Maddela NR, Luque R, Rodríguez-Díaz JM. Recent advances in the remediation of perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated contaminated sites. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115152. [PMID: 36572331 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115152] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are compounds used since 1940 in various formulations in the industrial and consumer sectors due to their high chemical and thermal stability. In recent years, PFASs have caused global concern due to their presence in different water and soil matrices, which threatens the environment and human health. These compounds have been reported to be linked to the development of serious human diseases, including but not limited to cancer. For this reason, PFASs have been considered as persistent organic compounds (COPs) and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Therefore, this work aims to present the advances in remediation of PFASs-contaminated soil and water by addressing the current literature. The performance and characteristics of each technique were addressed deeply in this work. The reviewed literature found that PFASs elimination studies in soil and water were carried out at a laboratory and pilot-scale in some cases. It was found that ball milling, chemical oxidation and thermal desorption are the most efficient techniques for the removal of PFASs in soils, however, phyto-microbial remediation is under study, which claims to be a promising technique. For the remediation of PFASs-contaminated water, the processes of electrocoagulation, membrane filtration, ozofractionation, catalysis, oxidation reactions - reduction, thermolysis and destructive treatments with plasma have presented the best results. It is noteworthy that hybrid treatments have also proved to be efficient techniques in the removal of these contaminants from soil and water matrices. Therefore, the improvisation and implication of existing techniques on a field-scale are greatly warranted to corroborate the yields obtained on a pilot- and laboratory-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Noe Marquínez-Marquínez
- Departamento de Procesos Químicos, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador; Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo, 130104, Ecuador.
| | - Nikolt Stephanie Loor-Molina
- Departamento de Procesos Químicos, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador; Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo, 130104, Ecuador.
| | | | - Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, 130105, Ecuador.
| | - Rafael Luque
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidad de Cordoba, Edificio Marie Curie (C-3), Ctra Nnal IV-A, Km 396, E14014, Cordoba, Spain; Universidad ECOTEC, Km. 13.5 Samborondón, Samborondón, EC092302, Ecuador
| | - Joan Manuel Rodríguez-Díaz
- Departamento de Procesos Químicos, Facultad de Ciencias Matemáticas, Físicas y Químicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador; Laboratorio de Análisis Químicos y Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, S/N, Avenida Urbina y Che Guevara, Portoviejo, 130104, Ecuador.
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Berhanu A, Mutanda I, Taolin J, Qaria MA, Yang B, Zhu D. A review of microbial degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Biotransformation routes and enzymes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 859:160010. [PMID: 36356780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1950s, copious amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (dubbed "forever chemicals") have been dumped into the environment, causing heavy contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater sources. Humans, animals, and the environment are frequently exposed to PFAS through food, water, consumer products, as well as waste streams from PFAS-manufacturing industries. PFAS are a large group of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with widely diverse chemical structures that are extremely resistant to microbial degradation. Their persistence, toxicity to life on earth, bioaccumulation tendencies, and adverse health and ecological effects have earned them a "top priority pollutant" designation by regulatory bodies. Despite that a number of physicochemical methods exist for PFAS treatment, they suffer from major drawbacks regarding high costs, use of high energy and incomplete mineralization (destruction of the CF bond). Consequently, microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS are highly sought after as they offer a complete, cheaper, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. In this critical review, we provide an overview of the classification, properties, and interaction of PFAS within the environment relevant to microbial degradation. We discuss latest developments in the biodegradation of PFAS by microbes, transformation routes, transformation products and degradative enzymes. Finally, we highlight the existing challenges, limitations, and prospects of bioremediation approaches in treating PFAS and proffer possible solutions and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Berhanu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Haramaya Institute of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Ishmael Mutanda
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ji Taolin
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Majjid A Qaria
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daochen Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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Liu H, Chen Y, Hu W, Luo Y, Zhu P, You S, Li Y, Jiang Z, Wu X, Li X. Impacts of PFOA C8, GenX C6, and their mixtures on zebrafish developmental toxicity and gene expression provide insight about tumor-related disease. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160085. [PMID: 36356740 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have grown in importance in the fields of ecotoxicology and public health. This study aims to compare the potential effects of long-chain (carbon atoms ≥ 7) and short-chain derivatives and their mixtures' exposure according to PFASs-exposed (1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L) zebrafish's (Danio rerio) toxic effects and their differential gene expression. Here, PFOAC8, GenXC6, and their mixtures (v/v, 1:1) could reduce embryo hatchability and increase teratogenicity and mortality. The toxicity of PFOAC8 was higher than that of GenXC6, and the toxicity of their mixtures was irregular. Their exposure (2 mg/L) caused zebrafish ventricular edema, malformation of the spine, blood accumulation, or developmental delay. In addition, all of them had significant differences in gene expression. PFOAC8 exposure causes overall genetic changes, and the pathways of this transformation were autophagy and apoptosis. More importantly, in order to protect cells from PFOAC8, GenXC6, and their mixtures' influences, zebrafish inhibited the expression of ATPase and Ca2+ transport gene (atp1b2b), mitochondrial function-related regulatory genes (mt-co2, mt-co3, and mt-cyb), and tumor or carcinogenic cell proliferation genes (laptm4b and ctsbb). Overall, PFOAC8, GenXC6, and their mixtures' exposures will affect the gene expression effects of zebrafish embryos, indicating that PFASs may pose a potential threat to aquatic biological safety. These results showed that the relevant genes in zebrafish that were inhibited by PFASs exposure were related to tumorigenesis. Therefore, the effect of PFASs on zebrafish can be further used to study the pathogenesis of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huinian Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, China
| | - Wenli Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Yuan Luo
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510100, China
| | - Shiqi You
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Yunxuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Zhaobiao Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Xiushan Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, China.
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Zhao X, Lin JY, Dong WW, Tang ML, Yan SG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and bone mineral density in the U.S. population from NHANES 2005-2014. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:69-75. [PMID: 35750749 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00452-7] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were considered potential risks for bone mineral density (BMD). OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between PFASs and BMD among the U.S. population. METHODS This study included a total of 6416 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005-2014). Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between serum PFASs and BMD and the coefficient β with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was calculated as the effect estimate. Covariates such as age, race, BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, milk intake, and physical activity were adjusted in these models. Additionally, gender and menopausal period were considered in further subgroup analyses. RESULTS Based on the combined data of NHANES 2005-2014, the effects from exposure to PFASs on BMD were found with gender and menopausal status differences. Positive associations were found in PFOA (β = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.016), PFHxS (β = 0.007; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.012), and PFNA (β = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.017) in total population. Negative associations for PFOA (β = -0.020; 95% CI: -0.029, -0.012), PFOS (β = -0.011; 95% CI: -0.028, -0.011), PFHxS (β = -0.019; 95% CI: -0.025, -0.013), PFDE (β = -0.010; 95% CI: -0.016, -0.005), and PFNA (β = -0.011; 95% CI: -0.021, -0.002) were found in women, while no significant association was found in men. In further subgroup analyses, women in pre-menopause status showed consistent negative associations. SIGNIFICANCE PFASs exposure may be associated with BMD and gender and menopausal status confound the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Yan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wen-Wei Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Meng-Ling Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at School of Public Health and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Shi-Gui Yan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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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.
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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
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Gao B, Tu P, Chi L, Shen W, Gao N. Perfluorooctanoic Acid-Disturbed Serum and Liver Lipidome in C57BL/6 Mice. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:2252-2259. [PMID: 36484463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid is a manufactured material extensively utilized in industrial and consumer products. As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctanoic acid has raised increasing public health concerns recently. Although perfluorooctanoic acid is known to induce lipid accumulation in the liver, the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid on different lipid classes has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we performed untargeted lipidomics analysis to investigate the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid on the lipid homeostasis in C57BL/6 male mice. Perfluorooctanoic acid disturbed the lipid profiles in serum and liver, with a variety of lipid classes significantly altered. Greater impacts were observed in the liver lipidome than the serum lipidome. In particular, some lipid clusters in the liver were altered by both high- and low-dose perfluorooctanoic acid exposure, including the increase of unsaturated triglycerides and the decrease of sphingomyelins, saturated phosphatidylcholines, saturated lysophosphatidylcholines, and phospholipid ethers. In parallel with an increase in the liver, a decrease of saturated phosphatidylcholines was found in the serum of high-dose perfluorooctanoic acid-treated mice. The findings from this study are helpful to improve the understanding of perfluorooctanoic acid-induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism and perfluorooctanoic acid-associated health effects in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Gao
- School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.,Key Laboratory of Hydrometeorological Disaster Mechanism and Warning of Ministry of Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - PengCheng Tu
- Department of Environmental Health, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Liang Chi
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immune Systems Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Weishou Shen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Collaborative In-novation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Nan Gao
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
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He X, Wu D, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Chang X, Zhu Y, Tang W. Perfluorooctanoic acid promotes pancreatic β cell dysfunction and apoptosis through ER stress and the ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3 pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:84532-84545. [PMID: 35788477 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21188-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a widely used chemical substance, causes an increased risk of human type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PFOA regulates the functions of pancreatic β cells, which are specialized for the biosynthesis and secretion of insulin. The treatment of the mouse pancreatic β cell line (MIN6 cells) with PFOA caused a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in CCK-8 assays. Annexin V/PI and TUNEL staining results confirmed that exposure to a high PFOA dose (500 μM) promoted apoptosis of β cells, while a low dose (300 μM) had no effects on β cell survival. PFOA treatment, even at a low dose, diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in both primary islet perfusion and MIN6 cell experiments. RNA-sequencing data showed significantly increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated genes, with tribbles homolog 3 (Trib3) ranking first among the altered genes. The activation of ER stress pathways was verified by qRT-PCR assays, and the ATF4/CHOP/TRIB3 pathway contributed to PFOA-induced β cell damage. The inhibition of TRIB3 expression significantly protected MIN6 cells from PFOA-induced GSIS defects and apoptosis by ameliorating ER stress. These findings reveal a link between ER stress and PFOA-induced β cell defects, opening up a new set of questions about the pathogenesis of T2D due to environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei He
- Department of Endocrinology, Islet Cell Senescence and Function Research Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Geriatric Hospital/Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, 30 Luojia Road, Nanjing, 210024, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Islet Cell Senescence and Function Research Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Geriatric Hospital/Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, 30 Luojia Road, Nanjing, 210024, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiangjia Yuan, Nanjing, 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoai Chang
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunxia Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, Islet Cell Senescence and Function Research Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Geriatric Hospital/Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, 30 Luojia Road, Nanjing, 210024, Jiangsu, China.
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Sinioja T, Bodin J, Duberg D, Dirven H, Berntsen HF, Zimmer K, Nygaard UC, Orešič M, Hyötyläinen T. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants alters the serum metabolome in non-obese diabetic mice. Metabolomics 2022; 18:87. [PMID: 36329300 PMCID: PMC9633531 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) are believed to be caused by the interplay between several genetic and environmental factors. Elucidation of the role of environmental factors in metabolic and immune dysfunction leading to autoimmune disease is not yet well characterized. OBJECTIVES Here we investigated the impact of exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on the metabolome in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, an experimental model of T1D. The mixture contained organochlorides, organobromides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). METHODS Analysis of molecular lipids (lipidomics) and bile acids in serum samples was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, while polar metabolites were analyzed by GC-Q-TOF/MS. RESULTS Experimental exposure to the POP mixture in these mice led to several metabolic changes, which were similar to those previously reported as associated with PFAS exposure, as well as risk of T1D in human studies. This included an increase in the levels of sugar derivatives, triacylglycerols and lithocholic acid, and a decrease in long chain fatty acids and several lipid classes, including phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study demonstrates that exposure to POPs results in an altered metabolic signature previously associated with autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sinioja
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johanna Bodin
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Duberg
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Friis Berntsen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432, Ås, Norway
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karin Zimmer
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Unni C Nygaard
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuulia Hyötyläinen
- School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 702 81, Örebro, Sweden.
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47
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Frazar EM, Smith A, Dziubla T, Hilt JZ. Thermoresponsive Cationic Polymers: PFAS Binding Performance under Variable pH, Temperature and Comonomer Composition. Gels 2022; 8:668. [PMID: 36286169 PMCID: PMC9602350 DOI: 10.3390/gels8100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The versatility and unique qualities of thermoresponsive polymeric systems have led to the application of these materials in a multitude of fields. One such field that can significantly benefit from the use of innovative, smart materials is environmental remediation. Of particular significance, multifunctional poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) systems based on PNIPAAm copolymerized with various cationic comonomers have the opportunity to target and attract negatively charged pollutants such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The thermoresponsive cationic PNIPAAm systems developed in this work were functionalized with cationic monomers N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]acrylamide (DMAPA) and (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride (DMAPAQ). The polymers were examined for swelling capacity behavior and PFOA binding potential when exposed to aqueous environments with varying pH and temperature. Comonomer loading percentages had the most significant effect on polymer swelling behavior and temperature responsiveness as compared to aqueous pH. PFOA removal efficiency was greatly improved with the addition of DMAPA and DMAPAQ monomers. Aqueous pH and buffer selection were important factors when examining binding potential of the polymers, as buffered aqueous environments altered polymer PFOA removal quite drastically. The role of temperature on binding potential was not as expected and had no discernible effect on the ability of DMAPAQ polymers to remove PFOA. Overall, the cationic systems show interesting swelling behavior and significant PFOA removal results that can be explored further for potential environmental remediation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J. Zach Hilt
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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48
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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.
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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
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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
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49
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Peterson AK, Eckel SP, Habre R, Yang T, Faham D, Amin M, Grubbs BH, Farzan SF, Kannan K, Robinson M, Lerner D, Al-Marayati LA, Walker DK, Grant EG, Breton CV, Bastain TM. Detected prenatal perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure is associated with decreased fetal head biometric parameters in participants experiencing higher perceived stress during pregnancy in the MADRES cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCES 2022; 9:100286. [PMID: 36507367 PMCID: PMC9731234 DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous synthetic chemicals with long half-lives and are known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. We examined the influence of maternal PFAS levels on in utero fetal growth trajectories and assessed whether maternal stress modified these associations. METHODS Blood serum concentrations of five PFAS (PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFDA) were measured in 335 prenatal specimens (mean gestational age (GA): 21±9 weeks) in the MADRES cohort. Fetal growth outcomes (head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), and estimated fetal weight (EFW)) were abstracted from ultrasound medical records and measured at the 3rd trimester study visit (N = 833 scans, GA range 10-42 weeks, mean 2.4 scans/participant). Adjusted linear mixed models with a GA quadratic growth curve were used for each PFAS exposure and growth outcome. PFOS and PFHxS were modeled continuously (100% sample detection), while PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA were modeled categorically (57-70% sample detection). Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measured in pregnancy were dichotomized at the median (<13 vs. ≥ 13) in stratified models. RESULTS Participants were on average 29±6 years old and predominately Hispanic (76%). Median serum concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA and PFDA were 1.34, 1.10, 0.07, 0.12, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. Participants with detected PFOA concentrations had fetuses with -2.5 mm (95% CI -4.2, -0.8) smaller HC and-0.7 mm (95% CI -1.3, -0.2) smaller BPD on average for a fixed GA than those without detected PFOA concentrations. In models stratified by PSS level, the effects of PFOA on fetal growth parameters were stronger and only significant in participants with higher stress levels (HC: β= -3.5, 95% CI -5.8, -1.4; BPD: β = -0.8, 95% CI -1.6, -1.1). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal PFOA exposure adversely impacted fetal head biometric parameters in participants experiencing higher stress during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K. Peterson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Tingyu Yang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Dema Faham
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Monica Amin
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Brendan H. Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 145 East 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 145 East 32 Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Deborah Lerner
- Eisner Health, 1530 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
| | - Laila A. Al-Marayati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Daphne K. Walker
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave # 2315, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Edward G. Grant
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave # 2315, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Theresa M. Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 North Soto Street Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
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50
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Borghese MM, Liang CL, Owen J, Fisher M. Individual and mixture associations of perfluoroalkyl substances on liver function biomarkers in the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Environ Health 2022; 21:85. [PMID: 36104725 PMCID: PMC9472375 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances can disrupt hepatic metabolism and may be associated with liver function biomarkers. We examined individual and mixture associations of PFAS on liver function biomarkers in a representative sample of Canadian adults. We explored the potential for effect modification by sex and body mass index, as well as by physical activity level which may attenuate the deleterious effect of PFAS on metabolic disorders. METHODS We analyzed data from participants aged 20-74 from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. We used linear regression to examine associations between plasma concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUDA on serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin. We used quantile g-computation to estimate associations with a PFAS mixture for each simultaneous, one-quartile change in PFAS concentrations. RESULTS Each doubling of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, or PFNA concentrations was associated with higher AST, GGT, and ALP concentrations. Each doubling of PFOA concentrations was associated with 16.5% (95%CI: 10.4, 23.0) higher GGT concentrations among adults not meeting Canada's physical activity guidelines vs. 6.6% (95%CI: -1.6, 15.5) among those meeting these guidelines. Sex and BMI also modified some associations, though to a lesser extent. We did not observe associations between ALT and PFOA (1.2% change; 95%CI: -2.5, 4.9), PFOS (2.2% change; 95%CI: -0.8, 5.3), or PFHxS (1.5% change; 95%CI: -0.4, 3.4). We also did not observe consistent associations for PFDA and PFUDA or with total bilirubin. In quantile g-computation models, each simultaneous one-quartile increase in the PFAS mixture was positively associated with AST (7.5% higher; 95%CI: 4.0, 10.4), GGT (9.7% higher; 95%CI: 1.7, 17.0), and ALP (2.8% higher; 95%CI: 0.5, 5.4). CONCLUSION Higher plasma concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA - both individually and as a mixture - were associated with higher serum concentrations of liver function biomarkers. These results contribute to emerging evidence suggesting that higher levels of physical activity appear to be protective against the hepatotoxic effects of PFOA. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the hepatotoxic effects of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 0M1, Canada.
| | - Chun Lei Liang
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 0M1, Canada
| | - James Owen
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 0M1, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 0M1, Canada
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