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Robarts DR, Paine-Cabrera D, Kotulkar M, Venneman KK, Gunewardena S, Foquet L, Bial G, Apte U. Identifying novel mechanisms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-induced hepatotoxicity using FRG humanized mice. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:3063-3075. [PMID: 38782768 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03789-0] [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] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX), the new replacement PFAS, are major environmental contaminants. In rodents, these PFAS induce several adverse effects on the liver, including increased proliferation, hepatomegaly, steatosis, hypercholesterolemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancers. Activation of peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha by PFAS is considered the primary mechanism of action in rodent hepatocyte-induced proliferation. However, the human relevance of this mechanism is uncertain. We investigated human-relevant mechanisms of PFAS-induced adverse hepatic effects using FRG liver-chimeric humanized mice with livers repopulated with functional human hepatocytes. Male FRG humanized mice were treated with 0.067 mg/L of PFOA, 0.145 mg/L of PFOS, or 1 mg/L of GenX in drinking water for 28 days. PFOS caused a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and LDL/VLDL, whereas GenX caused a significant elevation in LDL/VLDL with no change in total cholesterol and HDL. All three PFAS induced significant hepatocyte proliferation. RNA-sequencing with alignment to the human genome showed a total of 240, 162, and 619 differentially expressed genes after PFOA, PFOS, and GenX exposure, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed that all three PFAS induced activation of p53 and inhibition of androgen receptor and NR1D1, a transcriptional repressor important in circadian rhythm. Further biochemical studies confirmed NR1D1 inhibition and in silico modeling indicated potential interaction of all three PFAS with the DNA-binding domain of NR1D1. In conclusion, our studies using FRG humanized mice have revealed new human-relevant molecular mechanisms of PFAS including their previously unknown effect on circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kaitlyn K Venneman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Greg Bial
- Yecuris Corporation, Tualatin, OR, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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Roth K, Yang Z, Agarwal M, Birbeck J, Westrick J, Lydic T, Gurdziel K, Petriello MC. Exposure of Ldlr-/- Mice to a PFAS Mixture and Outcomes Related to Circulating Lipids, Bile Acid Excretion, and the Intestinal Transporter ASBT. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:87007. [PMID: 39177951 PMCID: PMC11343043 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiological studies have repeatedly found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure associated with higher circulating cholesterol, one of the greatest risk factors for development of coronary artery disease. The main route of cholesterol catabolism is through its conversion to bile acids, which circulate between the liver and ileum via enterohepatic circulation. Patients with coronary artery disease have decreased bile acid excretion, indicating that PFAS-induced impacts on enterohepatic circulation may play a critical role in cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES Using a mouse model with high levels of low-density and very low-density lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL, respectively) cholesterol and aortic lesion development similar to humans, the present study investigated mechanisms linking exposure to a PFAS mixture with increased cholesterol. METHODS Male and female L d l r - / - mice were fed an atherogenic diet (Clinton/Cybulsky low fat, 0.15% cholesterol) and exposed to a mixture of 5 PFAS representing legacy, replacement, and emerging subtypes (i.e., PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, GenX), each at a concentration of 2 mg / L , for 7 wk. Blood was collected longitudinally for cholesterol measurements, and mass spectrometry was used to measure circulating and fecal bile acids. Transcriptomic analysis of ileal samples was performed via RNA sequencing. RESULTS After 7 wk of PFAS exposure, average circulating PFAS levels were measured at 21.6, 20.1, 31.2, 23.5, and 1.5 μ g / mL in PFAS-exposed females and 12.9, 9.7, 23, 14.3, and 1.7 μ g / mL in PFAS-exposed males for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX, respectively. Total circulating cholesterol levels were higher in PFAS-exposed mice after 7 wk (352 mg / dL vs. 415 mg / dL in female mice and 392 mg / dL vs. 488 mg / dL in male mice exposed to vehicle or PFAS, respectively). Total circulating bile acid levels were higher in PFAS-exposed mice (2,978 pg / μ L vs. 8,496 pg / μ L in female mice and 1,960 pg / μ L vs. 4,452 pg / μ L in male mice exposed to vehicle or PFAS, respectively). In addition, total fecal bile acid levels were lower in PFAS-exposed mice (1,797 ng / mg vs. 682 ng / mg in females and 1,622 ng / mg vs. 670 ng / mg in males exposed to vehicle or PFAS, respectively). In the ileum, expression levels of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) were higher in PFAS-exposed mice. DISCUSSION Mice exposed to a PFAS mixture displayed higher circulating cholesterol and bile acids perhaps due to impacts on enterohepatic circulation. This study implicates PFAS-mediated effects at the site of the ileum as a possible critical mediator of increased cardiovascular risk following PFAS exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14339.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Manisha Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Johnna Birbeck
- Department of Chemistry, Lumigen Instrumentation Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Judy Westrick
- Department of Chemistry, Lumigen Instrumentation Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Todd Lydic
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Genome Sciences Core, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael C. Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Mao X, Liu Y, Wei Y, Li X, Liu Y, Su G, Wang X, Jia J, Yan B. Threats of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl pollutants to susceptible populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171188. [PMID: 38395163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised significant global health concerns due to potential hazards in healthy adults. However, the impact of PFAS on susceptible populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the older people, and those with underlying health conditions, has been overlooked. These susceptible groups often have physiological changes that make them less resilient to the same exposures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the health risks posed by PFAS exposure to these populations. In this review, we delve into the potential health risks of PFAS exposure in these susceptible populations. Equally important, we also examine and discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility. These mechanisms include the induction of oxidative stress, disruption of the immune system, impairment of cellular metabolism, and alterations in gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the enhanced toxicity of PFAS in susceptible populations. Finally, we address the primary research challenges and unresolved issues that require further investigation. This discussion aims to foster research for a better understanding of how PFAS affect susceptible populations and to pave the way for strategies to minimize their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yin Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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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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Ren W, Wang Z, Guo H, Gou Y, Dai J, Zhou X, Sheng N. GenX analogs exposure induced greater hepatotoxicity than GenX mainly via activation of PPARα pathway while caused hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα in female mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123314. [PMID: 38218542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Despite their use as substitutes for perfluorooctanoic acid, the potential toxicities of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commercial name: GenX) and its analogs (PFDMOHxA, PFDMO2HpA, and PFDMO2OA) remain poorly understood. To assess the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals on females, each chemical was orally administered to female C57BL/6 mice at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/d for 28 d. The contribution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and γ) and other nuclear receptors involving in these toxic effects of GenX and its analogs were identified by employing two PPAR knockout mice (PPARα-/- and PPARγΔHep) in this study. Results showed that the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals increased in the order of GenX < PFDMOHxA < PFDMO2HpA < PFDMO2OA. The increases of relative liver weight and liver injury markers were significantly much lower in PPARα-/- mice than in PPARα+/+ mice after GenX analog exposure, while no significant differences were observed between PPARγΔHep and its corresponding wildtype groups (PPARγF/F mice), indicating that GenX analog induce hepatotoxicity mainly via PPARα instead of PPARγ. The PPARα-dependent complement pathways were inhibited in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA exposed PPARα+/+ mice, which might be responsible for the observed liver inflammation. In PPARα-/- mice, hepatomegaly and increased liver lipid content were observed in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA treated groups. The activated pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive activated receptor (CAR) pathways in the liver of PPARα-/- mice, which were highlighted by bioinformatics analysis, provided a reasonable explanation for hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα. Our results indicate that GenX analogs could induce more serious hepatotoxicity than GenX whether there is a PPARα receptor or not. These chemicals, especially PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA, may not be appropriate PFOA alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiru Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hua Guo
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yong Gou
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, 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, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Zhu B, Sheng N, Dai J. Adverse effects of gestational exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) homologs on maternal, fetal, and placental health in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169151. [PMID: 38065497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In an effort to identify and develop potential alternatives for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA have been engineered by reducing the -CF2 content in the molecular structure of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA). Yet, despite their subsequent presence in environmental samples, there is a paucity of information regarding their toxicity, particularly on pregnancy. Here, pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed to PFDMO2HpA (0, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg/day) or PFDMO2OA (0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, or 2.5 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage from gestational days 2 (GD2) to 12 or 18 to evaluate the detrimental effects on dams and embryo-placenta units. Both two chemicals can transfer across the placenta, with a higher transfer ratio in late-pregnancy (GD18) than in mid-pregnancy (GD12), and PFDMO2OA being transferred at a higher rate than PFDMO2HpA. PFDMO2HpA/PFDMO2OA exposure caused maternal hepatotoxicity and fetal hepatomegaly, showing the lowest no-observed-adverse-effect level among all observed endpoints, which were used for calculating their reference dose (13.33 ng/kg/day). In the 2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA groups as well as 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA group at GD18, besides the abnormally high abortion rates exceeding 5 %, survival fetal weight was notably reduced (2.33 %, 6.44 %, and 5.59 % decrease relative to corresponding controls, respectively). Concurrently, placentas exhibited significant enlargement following PFDMO2HpA or PFDMO2OA exposure at doses of 0.63 mg/kg/day or higher, resulting in diminished placental efficiency. The deleterious effects of two chemicals on dams, fetuses, and placentas were stronger than that of PFOA or HFPO-DA, suggesting that neither PFDMO2HpA nor PFDMO2OA is suitable PFOA alternative. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in inflammation and immunity in the placenta upon exposure to 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA and 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA at GD18, potentially elucidating mechanism behind the observed decrease in placental efficiency and increase in abortion rates after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhu
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; 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; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Hu J, Dai J, Sheng N. Kynurenic Acid Plays a Protective Role in Hepatotoxicity Induced by HFPO-DA in Male Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1842-1853. [PMID: 38228288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Following its introduction as an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) has been extensively detected in various environmental matrices. Despite this prevalence, limited information is available regarding its hepatotoxicity biomarkers. In this study, toxicokinetic simulations indicated that under repeated treatment, HFPO-DA in mice serum reached a steady state by the 4th day. To assess its subacute hepatic effects and identify potential biomarkers, mice were administered HFPO-DA orally at doses of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, or 62.5 mg/kg/d for 7 d. Results revealed that the lowest observed adverse effect levels were 0.5 mg/kg/d for hepatomegaly and 2.5 mg/kg/d for hepatic injury. Serum metabolomics analysis identified 34, 58, and 118 differential metabolites in the 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg/d groups, respectively, compared to the control group. Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis, eight potential hepatotoxicity-related metabolites were identified; among them, kynurenic acid (KA) in mouse serum exhibited the highest correlation with liver injury. Furthermore, liver-targeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that HFPO-DA exposure induced metabolic migration of the kynurenine pathway from KA to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, resulting in the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway. Notably, pretreatment with KA significantly attenuated liver injury induced by HFPO-DA exposure in mice, highlighting the pivotal roles of KA in the hepatotoxicity of HFPO-DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglin Hu
- 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
| | - 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
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, 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
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Xu Y, Guo Y, Qian L, Su Z, Chen QY, Wang J, Jiang L. Fluoroether Double-Chain Phosphate Surfactants: An Exploration of Alternatives to Fluorotelomer Surfactants. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:1316-1326. [PMID: 38156971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
While legacy fluorosurfactants have already been categorized as persistent organic pollutants, there appeared to be many strategies to develop alternatives. In this work, fluoroether double-chain phosphate surfactants (C72 diPAP-Na and C72 diPAP-NH4) were designed and synthesized with the initial intention of exploring the creation of new fluorosurfactants containing oxygen heteroatoms in the fluorocarbon chain segments to provide an alternative to the legacy long-chain fluorosurfactants. Furthermore, it was expected that they would even exceed the existing 6:2 fluorotelomer surfactants (6:2 diPAP-Na and 6:2 diPAP-NH4). Compared with characterizations of surface activity, foam performance, and wettability, the results showed that each of them has its own distinctive performance. Although the C72 series as new fluoroether surfactants cannot fully replace the 6:2 series of fluorosurfactants in terms of performance, there is a possibility of substitution in some aspects, which is of positive significance for further exploration to improve alternatives to legacy fluorosurfactants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Libo Qian
- Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoben Su
- Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing-Yun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinmin Wang
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Lijun Jiang
- Sanming Hexafluo Chemicals Company, Ltd., Fluorinated New Material Industry Park, Mingxi, Sanming 365200, Fujian, China
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Shi W, Zhang Z, Li X, Chen J, Liang X, Li J. GenX Disturbs the Indicators of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Even at Environmental Concentration in Drinking Water via PPARα Signaling Pathways. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:98-108. [PMID: 38150050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; trade name GenX), as a substitute for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been attracting increasing attention. However, its impact and corresponding mechanism on hepatic lipid metabolism are less understood. To investigate the possible mechanisms of GenX for hepatotoxicity, a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted. In in vivo experiment, male mice were exposed to GenX in drinking water at environmental concentrations (0.1 and 10 μg/L) and high concentrations (1 and 100 mg/L) for 14 weeks. In in vitro experiments, human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were exposed to GenX at 10, 160, and 640 μM for 24 and 48 h. GenX exposure via drinking water resulted in liver damage and disruption of lipid metabolism even at environmental concentrations. The results of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in this study converged with the results of the population study, for which TG increased in the liver but unchanged in the serum, whereas TC increased in both liver and serum concentrations. KEGG and GO analyses revealed that the hepatotoxicity of GenX was associated with fatty acid transport, synthesis, and oxidation pathways and that Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPARα) contributed significantly to this process. PPARα inhibitors significantly reduced the expression of CD36, CPT1β, PPARα, SLC27A1, ACOX1, lipid droplets, and TC, suggesting that GenX exerts its toxic effects through PPARα signaling pathway. In general, GenX at environmental concentrations in drinking water causes abnormal lipid metabolism via PPARα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Kunshan, Kunshan 215301, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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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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11
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Chen L, Lin X, Shi S, Li M, Mortimer M, Fang W, Li F, Guo LH. Activation of estrogen-related receptor: An alternative mechanism of hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs estrogenic effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166257. [PMID: 37574057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) alternatives such as hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs (HFPOs) cause concern due to increased occurrence in the environment as well as potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. HFPOs have been demonstrated to activate the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway. The ER pathway is homologous and connected to the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) pathway, but HFPOs effects on the ERR pathway have not been studied. Hence, we assessed the potential estrogenic effects of HFPOs via ERRγ pathway. In vitro assays revealed that HFPO dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric acids (HFPO-DA, -TA, and -TeA, respectively), acted as ERRγ agonists, activating the transcription of both human and zebrafish ERRγ at low concentrations, but inhibiting zebrafish ERRγ at high concentrations. We also found that HFPO-TA promoted the human endometrial cancer cells (Ishikawa cells) proliferation via ERRγ/EGF, Cyclin D1 pathway. The HFPO-TA-induced proliferation of Ishikawa cells was inhibited by co-exposure with a specific antagonist of ERRγ, GSK5182. In vivo exposure of female zebrafish to HFPO-TA disturbed sex hormone levels, interfered with the gene expression involved in estrogen synthesis and follicle regulation, and caused histopathological lesions in the ovaries, which were similar to those induced by a known ERRγ agonist GSK4716. Taken together, this study revealed a new mechanism concerning the estrogenic effect of HFPOs via activation of the ERRγ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Xicha Lin
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Sha Shi
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Wendi Fang
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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12
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Guo S, Guo Y, Huang M, Qian L, Su Z, Chen QY, Wu C, Liu C. Synthesis, Surface Activity, and Foamability of Two Short-Chain Fluorinated Sulfonate Surfactants with Ether Bonds. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:14519-14527. [PMID: 37802506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorinated surfactants are widely used in many fields because of their excellent surface active properties, but their high stability has caused many environmental problems. With the ban and restriction of classical long-chain fluorinated surfactants such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) worldwide, the development and replacement of their alternatives is now a major challenge. How to reduce environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and biotoxicity while maintaining high surface activity has become an important issue in the development of fluorinated surfactants. Using short-chain fluorinated surfactants is one of the important solutions to resolve the pollution of organic fluorinated compounds. In this article, we synthesized two short-chain fluorinated surfactants with ether bonds. One of them 6:2 FTESNa (2) used the perfluoroalkyl chain (n-C6F13-) and the other C72 FEESNa (4) used the fluoroether segment with six fluorinated carbons and two oxygens (CF3OCF(CF3)CF2OCF(CF3)). The surface activity, foam performance, and wettability of the two molecules were measured. The surface tensions at critical micelle concentration (γcmc) and the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of 2 and 4 were 17.6 mN/m (2.2 g/L) and 20.2 mN/m (4.6 g/L), respectively. Both of them were significantly superior to the surface activity of 6:2 FTSNa (7) which is one of the current alternatives for PFOS. Additionally, the foamability and foam stability of both 2 and 4 were better than that of 7. In the aspect of wettability on PTFE, that of 4 was greater than those of 2 and 7. In summary, this work provided a new choice for alternatives of PFOS and PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanwei Guo
- School of Chemical and Environment Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meiwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Libo Qian
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoben Su
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qing-Yun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengying Wu
- Sanming Hexafluo Chemicals Company, Ltd., Fluorinated New Material Industry Park, Mingxi, Sanming, Fujian 365200, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Chemical and Environment Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
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13
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Chen L, Xie Y, Li M, Mortimer M, Li F, Guo LH. Toxicological Mechanisms of Emerging Per-/poly-fluoroalkyl Substances: Focusing on Transcriptional Activity and Gene Expression Disruption. Toxicology 2023:153566. [PMID: 37263573 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human monitoring studies have witnessed increasing occurrence of emerging per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (ePFASs) worldwide. Three classes of ePFASs, namely chlorinated polyfluoroalkylether sulfonic acids, hexafluoropropylene oxide homologues and short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids attracted the most attention. It is, therefore, the goal of this review to systematically and critically analyse the toxicity and toxicological mechanisms of these ePFASs based on the papers published between 2017 and 2022. The review summarized the main findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies, covering the hepatotoxicity of ePFASs and their interference with the endocrine system, including reproductive, developmental and thyroid toxicity. It also summarized the changes in gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis of the model organisms after ePFASs exposure. The changes in gene expression in vitro and in vivo provide a clearer understanding of the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs interference on hormonal levels (i.e., estradiol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones), developmental disturbance (e.g., swim bladder dysfunction) and lipid metabolism disruption (e.g., lipid droplet accumulation and hepatomegaly). In the end, future research directions on the toxicological mechanisms of ePFASs are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310018, China.
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14
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Sun W, Zhang X, Qiao Y, Griffin N, Zhang H, Wang L, Liu H. Exposure to PFOA and its novel analogs disrupts lipid metabolism in zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115020. [PMID: 37201426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a typical perfluoroalkyl group compound, has received worldwide attention due to its significant environmental toxicity. Following regulatory bans on the production and emission of PFOA, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks and the safety of novel perfluoroalkyl analogues. HFPO-DA (trade name Gen-X) and HFPO-TA are two perfluoroalkyl analogues known to be bioaccumulative, whose level of toxicity and whether they are safe alternatives to PFOA remain unclear. In the following study, the physiological and metabolic effects of exposure to PFOA and its novel analogues were explored in zebrafish using 1/3 LC50 (PFOA 100 μM, Gen-X 200 μM, HFPO-TA 30 μM). At the same LC50 toxicological effect, exposure to PFOA and HFPO-TA resulted in abnormal phenotypes such as spinal curvature, pericardial edema and aberrant body length, while Gen-X was little changed. Metabolically, PFOA, HFPO-TA and Gen-X all significantly increased total cholesterol in exposed zebrafish with PFOA and HFPO-TA also increasing total triglyceride levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that the number of differentially expressed genes in PFOA, Gen-X, and HFPO-TA treated conditions compared to control groups were 527, 572, and 3, 933, respectively. KEGG and GO analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed pathways and functions related to lipid metabolism as well as significant activation of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPARs) pathway. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis identified significant dysregulation in the downstream target genes of PPARα, which is responsible for lipid oxidative catabolism, and the SREBP pathway, which is responsible for lipid synthesis. In conclusion, both perfluoroalkyl analogues HFPO-TA and Gen-X exhibit significant physiological and metabolic toxicity to aquatic organisms and their environmental accumulation should be closely regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China
| | - Ying Qiao
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China
| | - Nathan Griffin
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China; Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, PR China.
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15
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Perfluorooctanoic acid induces tight junction injury of Sertoli cells by blocking autophagic flux. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 173:113649. [PMID: 36736878 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a man-made chemical widely used in consumers, could cause male reproductive toxicity by disrupting blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity. Autophagy in Sertoli cells is essential for regulation of spermatogenesis and BTB. However, it remains a mystery that whether PFOA-induced BTB injury is associated with autophagy in Sertoli cells. In this study, we found that PFOA dose-dependently disrupted tight junction (TJ) function in Sertoli cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the results from transmission electron microscopy, Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that PFOA induced the accumulation of autophagosome in testicular Sertoli cells as well as TM4 cells. Further study confirmed that autophagosome accumulation resulted from the blockage of autophagic degradation because of disruption of autophagosome and lysosome fusion via downregulation of the expression of α-SNAP. In parallel, the overexpressed MMP9 was also observed in vivo and in vitro. Conversely, overexpression of α-SNAP inhibited the expression of MMP9 in TM4 cells. In conclusion, PFOA blocks autophagic flux through downregulating the expression levels of α-SNAP in Sertoli cells, and then induces the accumulation of MMP9 leading to disruption of TJ function. This finding will provide clues for effective prevention and treatment of PFOA-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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16
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Robarts DR, Paine-Cabrera D, Kotulkar M, Venneman KK, Gunewardena S, Corton JC, Lau C, Foquet L, Bial G, Apte U. Identifying Human Specific Adverse Outcome Pathways of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Using Liver-Chimeric Humanized Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526711. [PMID: 36778348 PMCID: PMC9915685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants with myriad adverse effects. While perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are the most common contaminants, levels of replacement PFAS, such as perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX), are increasing. In rodents, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX have several adverse effects on the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Objective We aimed to determine human-relevant mechanisms of PFAS induced adverse hepatic effects using FRG liver-chimeric humanized mice with livers repopulated with functional human hepatocytes. Methods Male humanized mice were treated with 0.067 mg/L of PFOA, 0.145 mg/L of PFOS, or 1 mg/L of GenX in drinking water for 28 days. Liver and serum were collected for pathology and clinical chemistry, respectively. RNA-sequencing coupled with pathway analysis was used to determine molecular mechanisms. Results PFOS caused a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and LDL/VLDL, whereas GenX caused a significant elevation in LDL/VLDL with no change in total cholesterol and HDL. PFOA had no significant changes in serum LDL/VLDL and total cholesterol. All three PFAS induced significant hepatocyte proliferation. RNA-sequencing with alignment to the human genome showed a total of 240, 162, and 619 differentially expressed genes after PFOA, PFOS, and GenX exposure, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed inhibition of NR1D1, a transcriptional repressor important in circadian rhythm, as the major common molecular change in all PFAS treatments. PFAS treated mice had significant nuclear localization of NR1D1. In silico modeling showed PFOA, PFOS, and GenX potentially interact with the DNA-binding domain of NR1D1. Discussion These data implicate PFAS in circadian rhythm disruption via inhibition of NR1D1. These studies show that FRG humanized mice are a useful tool for studying the adverse outcome pathways of environmental pollutants on human hepatocytes in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kaitlyn K. Venneman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - J. Christopher Corton
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Christopher Lau
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | | | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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Thompson CM, Heintz MM, Wolf JC, Cheru R, Haws LC, Cullen JM. Assessment of Mouse Liver Histopathology Following Exposure to HFPO-DA With Emphasis on Understanding Mechanisms of Hepatocellular Death. Toxicol Pathol 2023; 51:4-14. [PMID: 36987989 PMCID: PMC10278389 DOI: 10.1177/01926233231159078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate (HFPO-DA) is a short chain member of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To better understand the relevance of histopathological effects seen in livers of mice exposed to HFPO-DA for human health risk assessment, histopathological effects were summarized from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections in several repeat-dose toxicity studies in mice. Findings across studies revealed histopathological changes consistent with peroxisomal proliferation, whereas two reports of steatosis could not be confirmed in the published figures. In addition, mechanisms of hepatocellular death were assessed in H&E sections as well as with the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 (CCasp3) in newly cut sections from archived liver blocks from select studies. A comparison of serially CCasp3 immunolabeled and H&E-stained sections revealed that mechanisms of hepatocellular death cannot be clearly discerned in H&E-stained liver sections alone as several examples of putatively necrotic cells were positive for CCasp3. Published whole genome transcriptomic data were also reevaluated for enrichment of various forms of hepatocellular death in response to HFPO-DA, which revealed enrichment of apoptosis and autophagy, but not ferroptosis, pyroptosis, or necroptosis. These morphological and molecular findings are consistent with transcriptomic evidence for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signaling in HFPO-DA exposed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey C. Wolf
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Sterling, Virginia, USA
| | - Roza Cheru
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Sterling, Virginia, USA
| | | | - John M. Cullen
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Huerta B, McHugh B, Regan F. Development and application of an LC-MS method to the determination of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking, sea and surface water samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:2090-2099. [PMID: 35551566 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay00300g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of synthetic organic surfactants that have become a global concern because of their toxicity and widespread presence in the aquatic environment and organisms globally. In this study, a new analytical method has been developed and validated for the analysis of 15 perfluorinated compounds in different water matrices: river water, drinking water and seawater. Water extraction was performed in anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges, and extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry. Recoveries for target analytes were between 35 and 120%, depending on the water matrix. Method detection limits were in the range of 0.5-17 ng L-1. The validated method was applied to the determination of perfluorinated compounds in water samples around Ireland. Eight compounds out of fifteen were detected at least in one sample. Measured concentrations were higher in river water than seawater, and drinking water had the lowest levels, although still detectable for a considerable amount of compounds. The most prevalent compounds were PFPeA, PFOA and PFHxA, present in all types of water, and they had the highest concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Huerta
- DCU Water Institute, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, H91 R673, Ireland
| | - Fiona Regan
- DCU Water Institute, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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19
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Costello E, Rock S, Stratakis N, Eckel SP, Walker DI, Valvi D, Cserbik D, Jenkins T, Xanthakos SA, Kohli R, Sisley S, Vasiliou V, La Merrill MA, Rosen H, Conti DV, McConnell R, Chatzi L. Exposure to per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Markers of Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:46001. [PMID: 35475652 PMCID: PMC9044977 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental evidence indicates that exposure to certain pollutants is associated with liver damage. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products and bioaccumulate in food webs and human tissues, such as the liver. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis evaluating PFAS exposure and evidence of liver injury from rodent and epidemiological studies. METHODS PubMed and Embase were searched for all studies from earliest available indexing year through 1 December 2021 using keywords corresponding to PFAS exposure and liver injury. For data synthesis, results were limited to studies in humans and rodents assessing the following indicators of liver injury: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or steatosis. For human studies, at least three observational studies per PFAS were used to conduct a weighted z-score meta-analysis to determine the direction and significance of associations. For rodent studies, data were synthesized to qualitatively summarize the direction and significance of effect. RESULTS Our search yielded 85 rodent studies and 24 epidemiological studies, primarily of people from the United States. Studies focused primarily on legacy PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid. Meta-analyses of human studies revealed that higher ALT levels were associated with exposure to PFOA (z-score= 6.20, p<0.001), PFOS (z-score= 3.55, p<0.001), and PFNA (z-score= 2.27, p=0.023). PFOA exposure was also associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in humans. In rodents, PFAS exposures consistently resulted in higher ALT levels and steatosis. CONCLUSION There is consistent evidence for PFAS hepatotoxicity from rodent studies, supported by associations of PFAS and markers of liver function in observational human studies. This review identifies a need for additional research evaluating next-generation PFAS, mixtures, and early life exposures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Costello
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah Rock
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dora Cserbik
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Todd Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Sisley
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hugo Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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