1
|
Shen J, Mao Y, Zhang H, Lou H, Zhang L, Jin F, Moreira JP. Exposure of women undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Evidence on negative effects on Fertilization and high-quality embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124474. [PMID: 38992828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
In April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 17.5% of the global adult population experience infertility. What may be the contribution of per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) to this global public health problem? This study explored the associations between in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes and plasma concentrations of individual PFAS and PFAS mixtures in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and how these exposures might affect IVF outcomes. We analyzed 8 PFASs in plasma samples from women (N=259) who underwent IVF treatment. In multivariable generalized linear mixed models, there were statistically significant associations of higher plasma concentrations of PFNA with reduced numbers of total retrieved oocytes [12.486 (95%CI:-0.446,25.418), p trend=0.017], 2PN zygotes [6.467(95%CI:-2.034,14.968), p trend=0.007], and cleavage embryos [6.039(95%CI:-2.162,14.240), p trend=0.008]. Similarly, there was a continuous decline in the numbers of retrieved 2PN zygotes and cleavage embryos with increasing concentration of PFOS [6.467(95%CI:-2.034,14.968), p trend=0.009 and 6.039(95%CI:-2.162,14.240), p trend=0.031,respectively] and a negative association between PFHxS concentrations and clinical pregnancy during the initial cycles of frozen ET [0.525(95%CI:0.410,0.640), p trend=0.021]. To investigate the joint effect of PFAS mixtures, a confounder-adjusted BKMR model analysis showed inverse relationship between PFAS mixtures and the number of high-quality embryos, 2PN zygotes and cleavage embryos, to which the greatest contributors to the mixture effect are PFDeA and PFBS, respectively. It demonstrated that PFAS exposure might exert negative effects on oocyte yield, fertilization and high-quality embryo in women undergoing IVF. These findings suggest that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of female infertility and further studies are needed to uncover the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive effects associated with PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Shen
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchan Mao
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Hangzhou Women's Hospital, 369 Kunpeng Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangying Lou
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Joaquim Paulo Moreira
- International Healthcare Management Research and Development Center (IHM_RDC), The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong, Jinan, China; Henan Normal University, School of Social Affairs, Xinxiang, China; Atlantica Instituto Universitario, Gestao em Saude, Oeiras, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
González-Alvarez ME, Antwi-Boasiako C, Keating AF. Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction. TOXICS 2024; 12:455. [PMID: 39058107 PMCID: PMC11280844 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and animal model studies. This review describes female reproductive outcomes of reported studies and includes where associative relationships between PFAS exposures and female reproductive outcomes have been observed as well as where those are absent. In animal models, studies in which PFAS are documented to cause toxicity and where effects are lacking are described. Discrepancies exist in both human and animal studies and are likely attributable to human geographical contamination, developmental status, duration of exposure, and PFAS chemical identity. Similarly, in animal investigations, the model used, exposure paradigm, and developmental status of the female are important and vary widely in documented studies. Taken together, support for PFAS as reproductive and developmental toxicants exists, although the disparity in study conditions and human exposures contribute to the variation in effects noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aileen F. Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wise LA, Coleman CM, Schildroth S, Geller RJ, Lovett SM, Claus Henn B, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Marsh EE, Noel N, Wegienka GR, Bethea TN, Harmon QE, Baird DD, Wesselink AK. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with uterine leiomyomata incidence and growth: a prospective ultrasound study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00698-3. [PMID: 38914782 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in commercial and consumer products. OBJECTIVE We evaluated PFAS exposure in relation to incidence and growth of uterine leiomyomata (UL), hormone-dependent neoplasms that are associated with severe gynecologic morbidity. METHODS We studied 1158 participants in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a Detroit-based prospective cohort study of Black females aged 23-35 years at enrollment (2010-2012). At enrollment and four subsequent visits during 10 years of follow-up, participants attended in-person clinic visits, completed questionnaires, provided non-fasting blood samples, and underwent ultrasound for UL detection. We quantified 7 PFAS in baseline plasma samples using mass spectrometry. We used Cox regression and probit Bayesian kernel machine regression to estimate individual and joint effects of PFAS on UL incidence. We fit linear mixed models to estimate effects of individual PFAS on UL growth. We stratified by parity, an important route of PFAS elimination and determinant of UL. RESULTS In individual PFAS analyses, we observed inverse associations for perfluorodecanoate (PFDA; ≥0.3 vs. <0.2 ng/ml: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-1.00) and perfluoroundecanoate (detected vs. non-detected: HR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.61-1.01) and a weak positive association for perfluorohexane sulfonate (≥1 vs. <0.6 ng/ml: HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.85-1.61), while perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorooctanoate, perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and 2-N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetate (MeFOSAA) showed little association with UL incidence. The PFAS mixture was inversely associated with UL incidence, a finding driven by MeFOSAA and PFDA; however, PFNA was positively associated with UL incidence. The inverse association for PFDA and positive association for PFNA were stronger among nulliparous participants. Most PFAS showed slight inverse associations with UL growth. IMPACT STATEMENT In this prospective ultrasound study of 1158 Black females aged 23-35 years at enrollment, we conducted a mixtures analysis to account for co-pollutant confounding and interaction. MeFOSAA and PFDA concentrations were inversely associated with UL incidence, while PFNA concentrations were positively associated with UL incidence. Concentrations of most PFAS were associated with decreased UL growth. This study contributes data to the sparse literature on PFAS exposure and UL development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erica E Marsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nyia Noel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Traci N Bethea
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Center, Washington DC, WA, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi W, Zhang Z, Li M, Dong H, Li J. Reproductive toxicity of PFOA, PFOS and their substitutes: A review based on epidemiological and toxicological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118485. [PMID: 38373549 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have already drawn a lot of attention for their accumulation and reproductive toxicity in organisms. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS), two representative PFAS, are toxic to humans and animals. Due to their widespread use in environmental media with multiple toxicities, PFOA and PFOS have been banned in numerous countries, and many substitutes have been produced to meet market requirements. Unfortunately, most alternatives to PFOA and PFOS have proven to be cumulative and highly toxic. Of the reported multiple organ toxicities, reproductive toxicity deserves special attention. It has been confirmed through epidemiological studies that PFOS and PFOA are not only associated with reduced testosterone levels in humans, but also with an association with damage to the integrity of the blood testicular barrier. In addition, for women, PFOA and PFOS are correlated with abnormal sex hormone levels, and increase the risk of infertility and abnormal menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, there is controversial evidence on the epidemiological relationship that exists between PFOA and PFOS as well as sperm quality and reproductive hormones, while the evidence from animal studies is relatively consistent. Based on the published papers, the potential toxicity mechanisms for PFOA, PFOS and their substitutes were reviewed. For males, PFOA and PFOS may produce reproductive toxicity in the following five ways: (1) Apoptosis and autophagy in spermatogenic cells; (2) Apoptosis and differentiation disorders of Leydig cells; (3) Oxidative stress in sperm and disturbance of Ca2+ channels in sperm membrane; (4) Degradation of delicate intercellular junctions between Sertoli cells; (5) Activation of brain nuclei and shift of hypothalamic metabolome. For females, PFOA and PFOS may produce reproductive toxicity in the following five ways: (1) Damage to oocytes through oxidative stress; (2) Inhibition of corpus luteum function; (3) Inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis; (4) Damage to follicles by affecting gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC); (5) Inhibition of placental function. Besides, PFAS substitutes show similar reproductive toxicity with PFOA and PFOS, and are even more toxic to the placenta. Finally, based on the existing knowledge, future developments and direction of efforts in this field are suggested.
Collapse
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.
| | - Mei Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215011, China
| | - Huiyu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shi T, Li D, Li D, Sun J, Xie P, Wang T, Li R, Li Z, Zou Z, Ren X. Individual and joint associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with gallstone disease in adults: A cross-sectional study. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142168. [PMID: 38685323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142168] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Disturbances in the enterohepatic circulation are important biological mechanisms for causing gallstones and also have important effects on the metabolism of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Moreover, PFAS is associated with sex hormone disorder which is another important cause of gallstones. However, it remains unclear whether PFAS is associated with gallstones. In this study, we used logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), quantile g-computation (qg-comp), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and subgroup analysis to assess the individual and joint associations of PFAS with gallstones and effect modifiers. We observed that the individual associations of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) (OR: 0.600, 95% CI: 0.444 to 0.811), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) (OR: 0.630, 95% CI: 0.453 to 0.877), n-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (n-PFOS) (OR: 0.719, 95% CI: 0.571 to 0.906), and perfluoromethylheptane sulfonic acid isomers (Sm-PFOS) (OR: 0.768, 95% CI: 0.602 to 0.981) with gallstones were linearly negative. Qg-comp showed that the PFAS mixture (OR: 0.777, 95% CI: 0.514 to 1.175) was negatively associated with gallstones, but the difference was not statistically significant, and PFDeA had the highest negative association. Moreover, smoking modified the association of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) with gallstones. BKMR showed that PFDeA, PFNA, and PFUA had the highest groupPIP (groupPIP = 0.93); PFDeA (condPIP = 0.82), n-perfluorooctanoic acid (n-PFOA) (condPIP = 0.68), and n-PFOS (condPIP = 0.56) also had high condPIPs. Compared with the median level, the joint association of the PFAS mixture with gallstones showed a negative trend; when the PFAS mixture level was at the 70th percentile or higher, they were negatively associated with gallstones. Meanwhile, when other PFAS were fixed at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, PFDeA had negative associations with gallstones. Our evidence emphasizes that PFAS is negatively associated with gallstones, and more studies are needed in the future to definite the associations of PFAS with gallstones and explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianshan Shi
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Di Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tingrong Wang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhenjuan Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zixuan Zou
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Institute for Health Statistics and Intelligent Analysis, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sang L, Ge Y, Liu F, Wei K, Shen X, Zhang Y, Li Z, Lu W, Gao X, Zhang Y. Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and sex hormone levels in males based on human studies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115998. [PMID: 38262091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115998] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous chemicals in the environment and our daily lives. Several epidemiological studies have revealed that PFAS exposure is linked to male sex hormone levels; however, the conclusions are inconsistent across studies. Consequently, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association between PFAS exposure and male sex hormones. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards were followed during the meta-analysis. PubMed, Wed of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases were used to identify suitable articles before June 2023. The 95% CI and β values were calculated to assess the association between male sex hormone levels and PFAS exposure. Heterogeneity among the included studies was tested using inconsistency statistics (I2). RESULTS The literature search identified 12 published articles that met our search criteria, involving 7506 participants. Our results revealed that perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposures were negatively correlated with testosterone (β = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.02, P = 0.003) and (β = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.00, P = 0.049), respectively. CONCLUSION Exposure to PFNA and PFOA is negatively correlated with changes in male testosterone levels. This correlation suggests that we need to pay attention in the future to whether they are potential risk factors for male reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Sang
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Fucun Liu
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Xingyu Shen
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Wencen Lu
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, XuZhou 2210000, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mao D, Ding G, Wang Z, Zhao J, Li H, Lei X, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Shi R, Yuan T, Liu Z, Gao Y, Tian Y. Associations of legacy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, alternatives, and isomers with gestational diabetes mellitus and glucose homeostasis among women conceiving through assisted reproduction in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:14088-14102. [PMID: 38273080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31605-2] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Prior research has reported that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be linked to impaired glucose homeostasis in pregnant women. However, few studies have investigated PFAS alternatives and isomers, and even less is known about the association among women conceiving through assisted reproductive technology (ART). The prospective cohort study aimed to explore associations of legacy PFAS, alternatives and isomers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and glucose homeostasis during pregnancy among 336 women conceiving through ART. Nineteen PFAS, including nine linear legacy PFAS, four short-chain alternatives, four branched isomers, and two emerging PFAS alternatives, were determined in first-trimester maternal serum. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 1-h and 2-h glucose concentrations following the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured during the second trimester. After adjusting for confounding variables, nearly half of individual PFAS (10/19) and PFAS mixtures were correlated with increased GDM risk or elevated 2-h glucose levels. Among PFAS congeners, emerging PFAS alternatives, chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs), showed a notable association with impaired glucose homeostasis. For example, 6:2 Cl-PFESA exhibited a correlation with GDM (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.68) and 2-h glucose concentrations (β = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.36), and contributed most to the overall association with 2-h glucose concentrations. Compared to those diagnosed with male factor infertility, the associations were more pronounced in infertile women with reproductive endocrine diseases. We provide evidence that exposure to PFAS, especially emerging PFAS alternatives, may impair glucose homeostasis and increase the risk of GDM among women conceiving through ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Mao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixia Wang
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuru Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Nursing, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoning Lei
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jiaqi Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tao Yuan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Department of Neonatology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qiu Y, Gao M, Cao T, Wang J, Luo M, Liu S, Zeng X, Huang J. PFOS and F-53B disrupted inner cell mass development in mouse preimplantation embryo. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140948. [PMID: 38103655 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) widely used in daily life. As its toxicity was confirmed, it has been gradually substituted by F-53B (chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl sulfonates, Cl-PFESAs) in China. PFOS exposure during prenatal development may hinder the development of preimplantation embryos, as indicated by recent epidemiological research and in vivo assays. However, the embryotoxicity data for F-53B are scarce. Furthermore, knowledge about the toxicity of F-53B and PFOS exposure to internal follicular fluid concentrations on early preimplantation embryo development remains limited. In this study, internal exposure concentrations of PFOS (10 nM) and F-53B (2 nM) in human follicular fluid were chosen to study the effects of PFAS on early mouse preimplantation embryo development. We found that both PFOS and F-53B treated zygotes exhibited higher ROS activity in 8-cell embryos but not in 2-cell stage embryos. PFOS and F-53B significantly affected the proportion and aggregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) in the blastocyst, but not the total cell number. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs, isolated from the ICM) and embryoid body (EB) assays were employed to assess the toxicity of PFOS and F-53B on the development and differentiation of embryonic pluripotent cells. These results suggested that mESCs exhibited more DNA damage and abnormal germ layer differentiation after brief exposure to PFOS or F-53B. Finally, RNA-sequencing revealed that PFOS and F-53B exposure affected mESCs biosynthetic processes and chromatin-nucleosome assembly. Our results indicate that F-53B has potential risks as an alternative to PFOS, which disrupts ICM development and differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Qiu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Min Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Tianqi Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Mingxun Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Simiao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xiaowen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li S, Li G, Lin Y, Sun F, Zheng L, Yu Y, Xu H. Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Follicular Fluid and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Infertile Women. TOXICS 2024; 12:104. [PMID: 38393199 PMCID: PMC10893032 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a family of fluorinated organic com pounds, have garnered much attention due to their reproductive and developmental toxicity in humans. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is a significant contributor to female infertility. A previous study suggested that PFASs play a possible role in PCOS. We conducted a clinical study investigating the relationship between PCOS and PFAS in follicular fluid. A total of 73 infertile patients with PCOS and 218 controls were recruited from the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The concentrations of 12 PFASs in follicular fluid samples and sex hormones in serum were measured. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression revealed a positive relationship between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and testosterone (T) concentrations. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PFAS were estimated using multivariable logistic regression and quantile-based g-computation (QGC). The PFOA concentrations in follicular fluid were correlated with increased odds of PCOS (second vs. first quartile: OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.47-9.05, p = 0.005; third vs. first quartile: OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.17-7.26, p = 0.022; fourth vs. first quartile: OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.21-8.09, p = 0.019; P for trend = 0.032). This association was confirmed with QGC. Mediation analysis suggested that the mediation effect of T in association with PFOA and PCOS was not statistically significant. Our study suggests that PFOA may be a risk factor for PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Guojing Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Feng Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Liqiang Zheng
- School of Public Health, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China;
| | - Yingying Yu
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (S.L.); (G.L.); (Y.L.); (F.S.)
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai 200030, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kabakci R, Clark KL, Plewes MR, Monaco CF, Davis JS. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) inhibits steroidogenesis and mitochondrial function in bovine granulosa cells in vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122698. [PMID: 37832777 PMCID: PMC10873118 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122698] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental contaminant. Due to the ubiquitous presence of PFOA in the environment, the impacts of PFOA exposure not only affect human reproductive health but may also affect livestock reproductive health. The focus of this study was to determine the effects of PFOA on the physiological functions of bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Primary bovine granulosa cells were exposed to 0, 4, and 40 μM PFOA for 48 and 96 h followed by analysis of granulosa cell function including cell viability, steroidogenesis, and mitochondrial activity. Results revealed that PFOA inhibited steroid hormone secretion and altered the expression of key enzymes required for steroidogenesis. Gene expression analysis revealed decreases in mRNA transcripts for CYP11A1, HSD3B, and CYP19A1 and an increase in STAR expression after PFOA exposure. Similarly, PFOA decreased levels of CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 protein. PFOA did not impact live cell number, alter the cell cycle, or induce apoptosis, although it reduced metabolic activity, indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. We observed that PFOA treatment caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increases in PINK protein expression, suggestive of mitophagy and mitochondrial damage. Further analysis revealed that these changes were associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Expression of autophagy related proteins phosphoULK1 and LAMP2 were increased after PFOA exposure, in addition to an increased abundance of lysosomes, characteristic of increased autophagy. Taken together, these findings suggest that PFOA can negatively impact granulosa cell steroidogenesis via mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruhi Kabakci
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, 71450 Yahsihan, Kirikkale, Turkey; Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kendra L Clark
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Michele R Plewes
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Deparment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Corrine F Monaco
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Deparment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jain RB, Ducatman A. Factors affecting serum PFAS concentrations among US females with surgically and naturally induced menopause: data from NHANES 2003-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:84705-84724. [PMID: 37369902 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28395-y] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones influence excretion of the biopersistent per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in rodents, but such influences in human studies are less clear. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2003-2018 for US females aged ≥ 20 years who reported having hysterectomy (HYST, N=1064) and who reported being in natural menopause (MENOP, N=1505) were analyzed for associations of ever use of birth control pills, past pregnancies, live births, and other factors with serum concentrations of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). For both HYST and MENOP, PFAS concentrations computed as adjusted geometric means (AGM) were higher among those who took female replacement hormone therapy (HRT) compared to nonusers in multivariable adjusted models, for example PFOS in HRT takers (10.70 ng/mL; 95% C.I. 9.46-12.11) vs. 8.70 ng/mL (95% C.I. 8.07-9.37) in nonusers (p<0.01), and PFOA in HRT users was 2.85 ng/mL (95% C.I. 2.53-3.21) vs. 2.44 ng/mL (95% C.I. 2.32-2.36) in nonusers (p=0.01), with similar findings across race/ethnicity stratifications. HYST participants with retained ovaries sometimes had higher serum PFAS than those without ovaries in post-HYST participants not taking HRT, but results had overlapping confidence intervals in all cases and were inconsistent. PFASs were inversely associated with obesity and directly associated with higher SES as reflected in poverty income ratio (PIR) in most cases, yet HRT results for the entire population are robust to adjustments for obesity and PIR. The results suggest the hypothesis that exogenous hormone use, and specifically estrogen hormones, are associated with higher serum PFAS in postmenopausal women. We discuss potential explanations for the findings, including data from other populations that estrogens may delay the onset of kidney disease, a finding which might paradoxically increase serum PFAS among the HRT population to explain some or all of our findings in a menopausal population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ram B Jain
- 4331 Kendrick Circle, Loganville, GA, 30019, USA.
| | - Alan Ducatman
- West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cohen NJ, Yao M, Midya V, India-Aldana S, Mouzica T, Andra SS, Narasimhan S, Meher AK, Arora M, Chan JKY, Chan SY, Loy SL, Minguez-Alarcon L, Oulhote Y, Huang J, Valvi D. Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and women's fertility outcomes in a Singaporean population-based preconception cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 873:162267. [PMID: 36801327 PMCID: PMC10234267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162267] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Experimental models have demonstrated a link between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and decreased fertility and fecundability; however, human studies are scarce. We assessed the associations between preconception plasma PFAS concentrations and fertility outcomes in women. METHODS In a case-control study nested within the population-based Singapore Preconception Study of Long-Term Maternal and Child Outcomes (S-PRESTO), we measured PFAS in plasma collected in 2015-2017 from 382 women of reproductive age trying to conceive. Using Cox proportional hazards regression (fecundability ratios [FRs]) and logistic regression (odds ratios [ORs]) models, we assessed the associations of individual PFAS with time-to-pregnancy (TTP), and the likelihoods of clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively, over one year of follow-up, adjusting for analytical batch, age, education, ethnicity, and parity. We used Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression to assess the associations of the PFAS mixture with fertility outcomes. RESULTS We found a 5-10 % reduction in fecundability per quartile increase of exposure to individual PFAS (FRs [95 % CIs] for clinical pregnancy = 0.90 [0.82, 0.98] for PFDA; 0.88 [0.79, 0.99] for PFOS; 0.95 [0.86, 1.06] for PFOA; 0.92 [0.84, 1.00] for PFHpA). We observed similar decreased odds of clinical pregnancy (ORs [95 % CIs] = 0.74 [0.56, 0.98] for PFDA; 0.76 [0.53, 1.09] for PFOS; 0.83 [0.59, 1.17] for PFOA; 0.92 [0.70, 1.22] for PFHpA) and live birth per quartile increases of individual PFAS and the PFAS mixture (ORs [95 % CIs] = 0.61 [0.37, 1.02] for clinical pregnancy, and 0.66 [0.40, 1.07] for live birth). Within the PFAS mixture, PFDA followed by PFOS, PFOA, and PFHpA were the biggest contributors to these associations. We found no evidence of association for PFHxS, PFNA, and PFHpS and the fertility outcomes examined. CONCLUSIONS Higher PFAS exposures may be associated with decreased fertility in women. The potential impact of ubiquitous PFAS exposures on infertility mechanisms requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Cohen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Meizhen Yao
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Vishal Midya
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Sandra India-Aldana
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Tomer Mouzica
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Syam S Andra
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Srinivasan Narasimhan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Anil K Meher
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - See Ling Loy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Lidia Minguez-Alarcon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Hegde TA, Thacharodi DD, Brindhadevi K, Pugazhendhi A. Water a major source of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: An overview on the occurrence, implications on human health and bioremediation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116097. [PMID: 37182827 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are toxic compounds that occur naturally or are the output of anthropogenic activities that negatively impact both humans and wildlife. A number of diseases are associated with these disruptors, including reproductive disorders, cardiovascular disorders, kidney disease, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Due to their integral role in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, packaging companies, agro-industries, pesticides, and plasticizers, the scientific awareness on natural and artificial EDCs are increasing. As these xenobiotic compounds tend to bioaccumulate in body tissues and may also persist longer in the environment, the concentrations of these organic compounds may increase far from their original point of concentrations. Water remains as the major sources of how humans and animals are exposed to EDCs. However, these toxic compounds cannot be completely biodegraded nor bioremediated from the aqueous medium with conventional treatment strategies thereby requiring much more efficient strategies to combat EDC contamination. Recently, genetically engineered microorganism, genome editing, and the knowledge of protein and metabolic engineering has revolutionized the field of bioremediation thereby helping to breakdown EDCs effectively. This review shed lights on understanding the importance of aquatic mediums as a source of EDCs exposure. Furthermore, the review sheds light on the consequences of these EDCs on human health as well as highlights the importance of different remediation and bioremediation approaches. Particular attention is paid to the recent trends and perspectives in order to attain sustainable approaches to the bioremediation of EDCs. Additionally, rigorous restrictions to preclude the discharge of estrogenic chemicals into the environment should be followed in efforts to combat EDC pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand; Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Future Leaders Mentoring Fellow, American Society for Microbiology, Washington, 20036, USA; Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Thanushree A Hegde
- Civil Engineering Department, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte, Karnataka, 574110, India
| | - Dhanya Dilip Thacharodi
- Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Kathirvel Brindhadevi
- Emerging Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications Research Group, School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Emerging Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications Research Group, School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and alternatives with reproductive hormones in women of childbearing age. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 250:114158. [PMID: 36934548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies suggested that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may have endocrine-disrupting effects. However, the epidemiological evidence on the associations of PFAS with female reproductive hormones is sparse and limited to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of legacy and emerging PFAS alternatives on female reproductive hormones. METHODS A total of 433 reproductive-aged females were recruited from 2014 to 2016. Information on age, age at menarche, gravity, menstrual cycle, BMI, education, and income was obtained from medical records and questionnaires. Serum samples were collected for reproductive hormones, and plasma samples for PFAS measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation (q-gcomp) were used to examine the associations of individual PFAS and their mixture with reproductive hormones. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant effects of certain PFAS on total testosterone (TT): adjusted estimate (β) for perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.97). Moreover, a positive association was detected between PFAS mixture and TT in the q-gcomp model. Higher concentrations of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA) were associated with significantly lower prolactin level (β = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.14, -0.001). CONCLUSION Our study found that exposure to PFAS alternatives was associated with altered levels of reproductive hormones in women of childbearing age.
Collapse
|
16
|
Rivera-Núñez Z, Kinkade CW, Khoury L, Brunner J, Murphy H, Wang C, Kannan K, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Barrett ES. Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and maternal sex steroid hormones across pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115233. [PMID: 36621543 PMCID: PMC9977559 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants that may act as endocrine disruptors in utero, but the specific endocrine pathways are unknown. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between maternal serum PFAS and sex steroid hormones at three time points during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant women participating in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaire, and medical record data in each trimester (n = 285). PFAS (including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)) were analyzed in second-trimester serum samples by high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Total testosterone [TT], free testosterone [fT], estrone [E1], estradiol [E2], and estriol [E3]) were measured by LC-MS/MS in serum samples from each trimester. Linear mixed models with random intercepts were used to examine associations between log-transformed PFAS concentrations and hormone levels, adjusting for covariates, and stratifying by fetal sex. Results are presented as the mean percentage difference (Δ%) in hormone levels per ln-unit increase in PFAS concentration. RESULTS In adjusted models, PFHxS was associated with higher TT (%Δ = 20.0, 95%CI: 1.7, 41.6), particularly among women carrying male fetuses (%Δ = 15.3, 95%CI: 1.2, 30.7); this association strengthened as the pregnancy progressed. PFNA (%Δ = 7.9, 95%CI: 3.4, 12.5) and PFDA (%Δ = 7.2, 95%CI: 4.9, 9.7) were associated with higher fT, with associations again observed only in women carrying male fetuses. PFHxS was associated with higher levels of E2 and E3 in women carrying female fetuses (%Δ = 13.2, 95%CI: 0.5, 29.1; %Δ = 17.9, 95%CI: 3.2, 34.8, respectively). No associations were observed for PFOS and PFOA. CONCLUSION PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA may disrupt androgenic and estrogenic pathways in pregnancy in a sex-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Carolyn W Kinkade
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Leena Khoury
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor -UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, And Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, NY, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, NY, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pocar P, Grieco V, Aidos L, Borromeo V. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Their Effects in Pet Dogs and Cats: An Overview. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030378. [PMID: 36766267 PMCID: PMC9913107 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, several pollutants classified as environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become a matter of significant public health concern. Companion animals play a major role in human society, and pet ownership is substantially increasing worldwide. These intimate human-pet relationships imply sharing much of the same environment, thus including exposure to similar levels of EDCs in daily routine. Here, we review the current knowledge on the sources and routes of exposure to EDCs in domestic indoor and outdoor environments and discuss whether endocrine disruption is a health concern in pets. We summarize the phenomenon of endocrine disruption, providing examples of EDCs with a known impact on dog and cat health. Then, we propose an overview of the literature on the adverse effects of EDCs in domestic pets, with a special focus on the health of reproductive and thyroid systems. Finally, we explore the potential role of companion animals as unintentional sentinels of environmental exposure to EDCs and the implications for public health risk assessment in a "shared risk" scenario. Overall, this review supports the need for an integrated approach considering humans, animals, and the environment as a whole for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of EDCs on human and animal health.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang W, Hong X, Zhao F, Wu J, Wang B. The effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on female fertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114718. [PMID: 36334833 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The reproductive toxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been verified in both animal and in vitro experiments, however, the association between PFAS and female fertility remains contradictory in population studies. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the effects of PFAS on female fertility based on population evidence. METHODS Electronic searches of the Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were conducted (from inception to March 2022) to collect observational studies related to PFAS and female fertility. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted information and evaluated the risk of bias for the included studies, meta-analysis was performed using R software. RESULTS A total of 5468 records were searched and 13 articles fully met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure was negatively associated with the female fecundability odds ratio (FOR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (Cl) [0.78; 0.98]) and positively associated with the odds ratio for infertility (OR = 1.33, 95%Cl [1.03; 1.73]). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure was negatively associated with the fecundability odds ratio (FOR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.90; 0.98]). Pooled effect values for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) exposure did not find sufficient evidence for an association with female fertility. CONCLUSION Based on the evidence provided by the current study, increased levels of PFAS exposure are associated with reduced fertility in women, this was characterized by a reduction in fecundability odds ratio and an increase in odds ratio for infertility. This finding could partially explain the decline in female fertility and provide insight into risk assessment when manufacturing products containing PFAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yang Z, Roth K, Ding J, Kassotis CD, Mor G, Petriello MC. Exposure to a mixture of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances modulates pulmonary expression of ACE2 and circulating hormones and cytokines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116284. [PMID: 36270329 PMCID: PMC10325118 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116284] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors impact on the interindividual variability of susceptibility to communicable and non-communicable diseases. A class of ubiquitous chemicals, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked in epidemiological studies to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to viral infections, but possible mechanisms are not well elucidated. To begin to gain insight into the role of PFAS in susceptibility to one such viral infection, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), male and female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to control water or a mixture of 5 PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, Genx) for 12 weeks and lungs were isolated for examination of expression of SARS-CoV-2-related receptors Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and others. Secondary analyses included circulating hormones and cytokines which have been shown to directly or indirectly impact on ACE2 expression and severity of viral infections. Changes in mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting and circulating hormones and cytokines were determined by ELISA and MESO QuickPlex. The PFAS mixture decreased Ace2 mRNA 2.5-fold in male mice (p < 0.0001), with no significant change observed in females. In addition, TMPRSS2, ANPEP, ENPEP and DPP4 (other genes implicated in COVID-19 infection) were modulated due to PFAS. Plasma testosterone, but not estrogen were strikingly decreased due to PFAS which corresponded to PFAS-mediated repression of 4 representative pulmonary AR target genes; hemoglobin, beta adult major chain (Hbb-b1), Ferrochelatase (Fech), Collagen Type XIV Alpha 1 Chain (Col14a1), 5'-Aminolevulinate Synthase 2 (Alas2). Finally, PFAS modulated circulating pro and anti-inflammatory mediators including IFN-γ (downregulated 3.0-fold in females; p = 0.0301, 2.1-fold in males; p = 0.0418) and IL-6 (upregulated 5.6-fold in males; p = 0.030, no change in females). In conclusion, our data indicate long term exposure to a PFAS mixture impacts mechanisms related to expression of ACE2 in the lung. This work provides a mechanistic rationale for important future studies of PFAS exposure and subsequent viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Michael C Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Land KL, Miller FG, Fugate AC, Hannon PR. The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on ovarian- and ovulation-related fertility outcomes. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:608-631. [PMID: 36580349 PMCID: PMC10100123 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is unavoidable, which represents a public health concern given the ability of EDCs to target the ovary. However, there is a large gap in the knowledge about the impact of EDCs on ovarian function, including the process of ovulation. Defects in ovulation are the leading cause of infertility in women, and EDC exposures are contributing to the prevalence of infertility. Thus, investigating the effects of EDCs on the ovary and ovulation is an emerging area for research and is the focus of this review. The effects of EDCs on gametogenesis, uterine function, embryonic development, and other aspects of fertility are not addressed to focus on ovarian- and ovulation-related fertility issues. Herein, findings from epidemiological and basic science studies are summarized for several EDCs, including phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, flame retardants, parabens, and triclosan. Epidemiological literature suggests that exposure is associated with impaired fecundity and in vitro fertilization outcomes (decreased egg yield, pregnancies, and births), while basic science literature reports altered ovarian follicle and corpora lutea numbers, altered hormone levels, and impaired ovulatory processes. Future directions include identification of the mechanisms by which EDCs disrupt ovulation leading to infertility, especially in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Land
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Frances G. Miller
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Ava C. Fugate
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Patrick R. Hannon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tan Y, Zeng Z, Liang H, Weng X, Yao H, Fu Y, Li Y, Chen J, Wei X, Jing C. Association between Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Women's Infertility, NHANES 2013-2016. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15348. [PMID: 36430067 PMCID: PMC9692248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in consumer products. However, the role of PFAS in infertility is still poorly understood. A total of 788 women from the 2013-2016 nationally representative NHANES were included to explore the association between PFAS exposure and self-reported infertility. Six PFAS, including PFDE, PFNA, PFHxS, n-PFOA, n-PFOS, and Sm-PFOS, were detected by online SPE-HPLC-TIS-MS/MS. We used the generalized linear regression model (GLM), generalized additive models (GAM), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the single effects, non-linear relationships, and mixed effects on women's infertility, respectively. The prevalence of self-reported infertility was 15.54% in this study. In GLM, n-PFOA showed a negative association with self-reported infertility in women for the Q3 (OR: 0.396, 95% CI: 0.119, 0.788) and Q4 (OR: 0.380, 95% CI: 0.172-0.842) compared with Q1 (p for trend = 0.013). A negative trend was also observed in n-PFOS and ∑PFOS (p for trend < 0.05). In GAM, a non-linear relationship was revealed in Sm-PFOS, which exhibits a U-shaped relationship. The BKMR model indicated that there might be a joint effect between PFAS and women's infertility, to which PFNA contributed the highest effect (PIP = 0.435). Moreover, age stratification analysis showed a different dose-response curve in under and above 35 years old. Women under the age of 35 have a more noticeable U-shaped relationship with infertility. Therefore, the relatively low level of mixed PFAS exposure was negatively associated with self-reported infertility in women in general, and the impact of PFAS on infertility may vary among women of different age groups. Further studies are needed to determine the etiological relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Tan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zurui Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Huanzhu Liang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Huojie Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yingyin Fu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yexin Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jingmin Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiangcai Wei
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Estefanía González-Alvarez M, Severin A, Sayadi M, Keating AF. PFOA-Induced Ovotoxicity Differs Between Lean and Obese Mice With Impacts on Ovarian Reproductive and DNA Damage Sensing and Repair Proteins. Toxicol Sci 2022; 190:173-188. [PMID: 36214631 PMCID: PMC9789752 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmentally persistent perfluoroalkyl substance that is widely used in consumer products. Exposure to PFOA is associated with reproductive and developmental effects including endocrine disruption, delayed puberty in girls, and decreased fetal growth. In the United States, obesity affects 40% of women and 20% of girls, with higher rates in minority females. Obesity causes infertility, poor oocyte quality, miscarriage, and offspring defects. This study proposed that PFOA exposure would impact estrous cyclicity, ovarian steroid hormones, and the ovarian proteome and further hypothesized that obesity would impact PFOA-induced ovotoxicity. Female wild type (KK.Cg-a/a; lean) or KK.Cg-Ay/J mice (obese) received saline (CT) or PFOA (2.5 mg/kg) per os for 15 days beginning at 7 weeks of age. There were no effects on food intake, body weight, estrous cyclicity, serum progesterone, and heart, spleen, kidney, or uterus weight (p > .05). Ovary weight was decreased (p < .05) by PFOA exposure relative to vehicle control-treated mice in lean but not obese mice. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed on isolated ovarian protein and PFOA exposure altered the ovarian abundance of proteins involved in DNA damage sensing and repair pathways and reproduction pathways (p < .05) differentially in lean and obese mice. The data suggest that PFOA exposure alters ovary weight and differentially targets ovarian proteins in lean and obese females in ways that might reduce female fecundity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Severin
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Maryam Sayadi
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA
| | - Aileen F Keating
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, 2356H Kildee Hall, 806 Stange Road, Ames, IA 50011, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jain RB, Ducatman A. Serum concentrations of selected perfluoroalkyl substances for US females compared to males as they age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156891. [PMID: 35753482 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ram B Jain
- Independent Researcher, Loganville, GA, USA.
| | - Alan Ducatman
- West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ding T, Yan W, Zhou T, Shen W, Wang T, Li M, Zhou S, Wu M, Dai J, Huang K, Zhang J, Chang J, Wang S. Endocrine disrupting chemicals impact on ovarian aging: Evidence from epidemiological and experimental evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119269. [PMID: 35405219 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in daily life, but their harmful effects on the human body have not been fully explored. Recent studies have shown that EDCs exposure could lead to infertility, menstrual disorder and menopause, resulting in subsequent effects on female health. Therefore, it is of great significance to clarify and summarize the impacts of EDCs on ovarian aging for explaining the etiology of ovarian aging and maintaining female reproductive health. Here in this review, we focused on the impacts of ten typical environmental contaminants on the progression of ovarian aging during adult exposure, including epidemiological data in humans and experimental models in rodents, with their clinical phenotypes and underlying mechanisms. We found that both persistent (polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and non-persistent (phthalates) EDCs exposure could increase an overall risk of ovarian aging, leading to the diminish of ovarian reserve, decline of fertility or fecundity, irregularity of the menstrual cycle and an earlier age at menopause, and/or premature ovarian insufficiency/failure in epidemiological studies. Among these, the loss of follicles can also be validated in experimental studies of some EDCs, such as BPA, phthalates, parabens and PCBs. The underlying mechanisms may involve the impaired ovarian follicular development by altering receptor-mediated pro-apoptotic pathways, inducing signal transduction and cell cycle arrest and epigenetic modification. However, there were inconsistent results in the impacts on fertility/fecundity, menstrual/estrous cycle and hormone changes response to different EDCs, and differences between human and animal studies. Our review summarizes the current state of knowledge on ovarian disrupters, highlights their risks to ovarian aging and identifies knowledge gaps in humans and animals. We therefore propose that females adopt healthy lifestyle changes to minimize their exposure to both persistent and non-persistent chemicals, that have the potential damage to their reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Milu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kecheng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory for Environment and Health, Wuhan, 430030, China; School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roberts JF, Jeff Huang CC. Bovine models for human ovarian diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:101-154. [PMID: 35595347 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
During early embryonic development, late fetal growth, puberty, adult reproductive years, and advanced aging, bovine and human ovaries closely share molecular pathways and hormonal signaling mechanisms. Other similarities between these species include the size of ovaries, length of gestation, ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics, and pathophysiology of ovarian diseases. As an economically important agriculture species, cattle are a foundational species in fertility research with decades of groundwork using physiologic, genetic, and therapeutic experimental techniques. Many technologies used in modern reproductive medicine, such as ovulation induction using hormonal therapy, were first used in cows before human trials. Human ovarian diseases with naturally occurring bovine correlates include premature ovary insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and sex-cord stromal tumors (SCSTs). This article presents an overview of bovine ovary research related to causes of infertility, ovarian diseases, diagnostics, and therapeutics, emphasizing where the bovine model can offer advantages over other lab animals for translational applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Roberts
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic & Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rickard BP, Tan X, Fenton SE, Rizvi I. Select Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Induce Resistance to Carboplatin in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5176. [PMID: 35563566 PMCID: PMC9104343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants associated with adverse reproductive outcomes including reproductive cancers in women. PFAS can alter normal ovarian function, but the effects of PFAS on ovarian cancer progression and therapy response remain understudied. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and a major barrier to effective treatment is resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Platinum resistance may arise from exposure to external stimuli such as environmental contaminants. This study evaluated PFAS and PFAS mixture exposures to two human ovarian cancer cell lines to evaluate the ability of PFAS exposure to affect survival fraction following treatment with carboplatin. This is the first study to demonstrate that, at sub-cytotoxic concentrations, select PFAS and PFAS mixtures increased survival fraction in ovarian cancer cells following carboplatin treatment, indicative of platinum resistance. A concomitant increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, measured by the JC-1 fluorescent probe, was observed in PFAS-exposed and PFAS + carboplatin-treated cells, suggesting a potential role for altered mitochondrial function that requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P. Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (B.P.R.); (S.E.F.)
| | - Xianming Tan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (B.P.R.); (S.E.F.)
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (B.P.R.); (S.E.F.)
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hallberg I, Persson S, Olovsson M, Moberg M, Ranefall P, Laskowski D, Damdimopoulou P, Sirard MA, Rüegg J, Sjunnesson YC. Bovine oocyte exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) induces phenotypic, transcriptomic, and DNA methylation changes in resulting embryos in vitro. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 109:19-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
28
|
Clark KL, George JW, Hua G, Davis JS. Perfluorooctanoic acid promotes proliferation of the human granulosa cell line HGrC1 and alters expression of cell cycle genes and Hippo pathway effector YAP1. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:49-59. [PMID: 35346789 PMCID: PMC10364788 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a common environmental contaminant that belongs to a group of manmade fluorinated chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to the pervasive nature of PFOA, the environmental health risks of PFOA contamination and exposure on reproductive health have increasing concern. In the present study, we exposed HGrC1 cells, an immortalized human granulosa cell line, to environmentally relevant (1-10 μM) concentrations of PFOA. Results indicated that HGrC1 cells treated with PFOA had increased proliferation and migration relative to vehicle treated controls. No differences in cell apoptosis were observed with 1-10 μM PFOA. Gene expression analysis revealed increases in mRNA transcripts for cell cycle regulators CCND1, CCNA2, and CCNB1. Upregulation of YAP1 protein and downstream target CTGF protein was also observed, suggesting that the Hippo pathway is involved in the proliferation and migratory effects of PFOA on HGrC1 cells. Further, the YAP1 inhibitor Verteporfin prevented the stimulatory effects of PFOA on HGrC1 cells. Together, these findings support a role for the Hippo pathway effector YAP1 in response to PFOA exposure in human granulosa cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA
| | - Jitu W George
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska, 68105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rickard BP, Rizvi I, Fenton SE. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease. Toxicology 2022; 465:153031. [PMID: 34774661 PMCID: PMC8743032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants frequently detected in drinking water supplies worldwide that have been linked to a variety of adverse reproductive health outcomes in women. Compared to men, reproductive health effects in women are generally understudied while global trends in female reproduction rates are declining. Many factors may contribute to the observed decline in female reproduction, one of which is environmental contaminant exposure. PFAS have been used in home, food storage, personal care and industrial products for decades. Despite the phase-out of some legacy PFAS due to their environmental persistence and adverse health effects, alternative, short-chain and legacy PFAS mixtures will continue to pollute water and air and adversely influence women's health. Studies have shown that both long- and short-chain PFAS disrupt normal reproductive function in women through altering hormone secretion, menstrual cyclicity, and fertility. Here, we summarize the role of a variety of PFAS and PFAS mixtures in female reproductive tract dysfunction and disease. Since these chemicals may affect reproductive tissues directly or indirectly through endocrine disruption, the role of PFAS in breast, thyroid, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function are also discussed as the interplay between these tissues may be critical in understanding the long-term reproductive health effects of PFAS in women. A major research gap is the need for mechanism of action data - the targets for PFAS in the female reproductive and endocrine systems are not evident, but the effects are many. Given the global decline in female fecundity and the ability of PFAS to negatively impact female reproductive health, further studies are needed to examine effects on endocrine target tissues involved in the onset of reproductive disorders of women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Rm E121A, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Itoh H, Harada KH, Kasuga Y, Yokoyama S, Onuma H, Nishimura H, Kusama R, Yokoyama K, Zhu J, Harada Sassa M, Tsugane S, Iwasaki M. Serum perfluoroalkyl substances and breast cancer risk in Japanese women: A case-control study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149316. [PMID: 34392213 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may contribute to causing breast cancer; however, associations between exposure to PFASs and risk of breast cancer are controversial. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we newly distinguished branched isomers of PFASs from their linear isomers and aimed to investigate the association between serum PFAS concentrations and breast cancer risk in Japanese women. METHODS We used a case-control design to study 405 eligible matched pairs attending four hospitals in Nagano Prefecture, Japan from May 2001 to September 2005. We used in-port arylation gas-chromatography mass spectrometry with negative chemical ionization to measure serum concentrations of 20 PFAS congeners. We calculated multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer and its hormone-receptor subtypes by quartiles or tertiles of serum PFASs. RESULTS After multivariable adjustment for breast cancer risk factors, we found that serum concentrations of 20 PFAS congeners were significantly inversely associated with risk of breast cancer. Comparing the extreme quartiles of linear isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid, ORs were 0.15 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.33 P for trend <0.0001) and 0.21 95% CI: 0.10, 0.44 P for trend <0.0001). Among postmenopausal women, whereas we found the linear isomer of perfluorotridecanoic acid to be inversely associated with breast cancer risk, a medium degree of exposure to the branched isomer of perfluorotridecanoic acid was associated with a marginally increased risk of breast cancer (OR [95% CI] = 1.74 [0.98, 3.09]). DISCUSSION In our case-control study, we found overall no association between serum PFAS concentrations and increased risk of breast cancer. Many inverse associations between serum PFAS concentrations and breast cancer risk were found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Itoh
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kouji H Harada
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kasuga
- Department of Surgery, Nagano Matsushiro General Hospital, Nagano, Japan; Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shiro Yokoyama
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Onuma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hideki Nishimura
- Department of Chest Surgery and Breast Surgery, Nagano Municipal Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Ritsu Kusama
- Department of Surgery, Hokushin General Hospital, Nakano, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Yokoyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Sanitary Technology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mariko Harada Sassa
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Tsugane
- Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoki Iwasaki
- Division of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health Sciences, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chambers WS, Hopkins JG, Richards SM. A Review of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Impairment of Reproduction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:732436. [PMID: 35295153 PMCID: PMC8915888 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.732436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we compiled peer-reviewed literature describing PFAS exposure and reproductive effects in animals and humans. The aim was to compare environmental occurrence and effects of the most prominent long-chain PFAS compounds and their short-chain replacements. Long-chain PFAS compounds are known to persist in the environment due to their chemical stability, and also known to bioaccumulate; hence, these compounds are being replaced globally. Indeed, PFOA and PFOS are considered long-chain "forever pollutants," and thus the potential reproductive risk may continue for decades. Much less is known about their short-chain replacements despite the fact that they becoming more widespread in the environment. Short-chain PFAS are generally less bioaccumulative than long-chain, but they are more mobile and persistent in aquatic ecosystems. The three most prominent of these are commonly referred to as GenX, ADONA and F53B. The short-chain PFAS have similar physical and chemical properties as their predecessors; however, because they are relatively new, much less is known about the potential to disrupt reproduction. Indeed, high-quality epidemiological studies are needed to determine associations between short-chain PFAS exposure and effects on reproductive health. However, epidemiological evidence is mounting that long-chain PFAS exposure is associated with reproductive effects (i.e., decrease in fertility, reduced fetal growth and birth weight, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, thyroid hormone disruption during pregnancy, and preterm birth). Evidence from animal models and human cell lines indicates that short-chain PFAS similarly affect reproductive endpoints; however, epidemiological studies are scarce and inconsistent. Although short-chain PFAS have been quantified in drinking water and sediment worldwide, most of these studies did not focus on quantitation of GenX, ADONA, and F53B. There are also many other short-chain PFAS byproducts of manufacturing that have yet to be identified and studied. When sum total concentration of long- and short-chain PFAS are considered, the concentration rises by an order or magnitude or greater, as will the risk of exposure and subsequent reproductive effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weston S. Chambers
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Jaida G. Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yin X, Di T, Cao X, Liu Z, Xie J, Zhang S. Chronic exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate leads to a reproduction deficit by suppressing hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in mice. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:141. [PMID: 34706750 PMCID: PMC8555149 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00903-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a six-carbon perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid found as an environmental contaminant. This study aims to investigate the effects of PFHxS exposure on female reproduction and the underlying mechanism in mice. Methods Eight-week-old ICR mice were divided randomly into four groups administered corn oil (vehicle) and PFHxS at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/day for 42 days by intragastric administration. Body weight, ovarian weight, estrous cycle, follicle counts, and serum sex hormone levels were evaluated. The expression of kisspeptin and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus was also detected. Results Compared to vehicle exposure, 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS treatment prolonged the estrous cycle, especially the duration of diestrus, after 42 days of treatment. The numbers of secondary follicles, antral follicles and corpus lutea were significantly reduced in the PFHxS-treated mice. Moreover, compared with the control mice, the PFHxS-treated mice showed decreases in the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2), and reduced GnRH mRNA levels, along with the lack of an LH surge. Furthermore, the PFHxS-treated mice had lower levels of kisspeptin immunoreactivity and kiss-1 mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) than the control mice. After intraventricular administration of kisspeptin-10, the numbers of secondary follicles, antral follicles and corpus lutea recovered, along with the levels of GnRH mRNA, FSH, and LH in the mice treated with 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS. Conclusion These results indicate that chronic exposure of mice to 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS affects reproductive functions by inhibiting kisspeptin expression in the ARC and AVPV regions, leading to deficits in follicular development and ovulation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-021-00903-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changle Road 68, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Tingting Di
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Xinyuan Cao
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Zhengnan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changle Road 68, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - Jingyan Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changle Road 68, Nanjing, 210006, China.
| | - Suyun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Changle Road 68, Nanjing, 210006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Harlow SD, Hood MM, Ding N, Mukherjee B, Calafat AM, Randolph JF, Gold EB, Park SK. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Hormone Levels During the Menopausal Transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4427-e4437. [PMID: 34181018 PMCID: PMC8677593 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread chemicals that may affect sex hormones and accelerate reproductive aging in midlife women. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between serum PFAS concentrations at baseline (1999-2000) and longitudinal serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) at baseline and through 2015-2016. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS 1371 midlife women 45 to 56 years of age at baseline in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) FSH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG. RESULTS In linear mixed models fitted with log-transformed hormones and log-transformed PFAS adjusting for age, site, race/ethnicity, smoking status, menopausal status, parity, and body mass index, FSH was positively associated with linear perfluorooctanoate [n-PFOA; 3.12% (95% CI 0.37%, 5.95%) increase for a doubling in serum concentration), linear perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS; 2.88% (0.21%, 5.63%)], branched perfluorooctane sulfonate [2.25% (0.02%, 4.54%)], total PFOS (3.03% (0.37%, 5.76%)), and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate [EtFOSAA; 1.70% (0.01%, 3.42%)]. Estradiol was inversely associated with perfluorononanoate [PFNA; -2.47% (-4.82%, -0.05%)) and n-PFOA (-2.43% (-4.97%, 0.18%)]. Significant linear trends were observed in the associations between PFOS and EtFOSAA with SHBG across parity (Ps trend ≤ 0.01), with generally inverse associations among nulliparous women but positive associations among women with 3+ births. No significant associations were observed between PFAS and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS This study observed positive associations of PFOA and PFOS with FSH and inverse associations of PFNA and PFOA with estradiol in midlife women during the menopausal transition, consistent with findings that PFAS affect reproductive aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michelle M Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John F Randolph
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ellen B Gold
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Correspondence: Sung Kyun Park, ScD, MPH, Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Green MP, Harvey AJ, Finger BJ, Tarulli GA. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: Impacts on human fertility and fecundity during the peri-conception period. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110694. [PMID: 33385395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid exposure to man-made endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and environmental toxicants. This escalating yet constant exposure is postulated to partially explain the concurrent decline in human fertility that has occurred over the last 50 years. Controversy however remains as to whether associations exist, with conflicting findings commonly reported for all major EDC classes. The primary aim of this extensive work was to identify and review strong peer-reviewed evidence regarding the effects of environmentally-relevant EDC concentrations on adult male and female fertility during the critical periconception period on reproductive hormone concentrations, gamete and embryo characteristics, as well as the time to pregnancy in the general population. Secondly, to ascertain whether individuals or couples diagnosed as sub-fertile exhibit higher EDC or toxicant concentrations. Lastly, to highlight where little or no data exists that prevents strong associations being identified. From the greater than 1480 known EDCs, substantial evidence supports a negative association between exposure to phthalates, PCBs, PBDEs, pyrethroids, organochloride pesticides and male fertility and fecundity. Only moderate evidence exists for a negative association between BPA, PCBs, organochloride pesticides and female fertility and fecundity. Overall fewer studies were reported in women than men, with knowledge gaps generally evident for both sexes for all the major EDC classes, as well as a paucity of female fertility studies following exposure to parabens, triclosans, dioxins, PFAS, organophosphates and pyrethroids. Generally, sub-fertile individuals or couples exhibit higher EDC concentrations, endorsing a positive association between EDC exposure and sub-fertility. This review also discusses confounding and limiting factors that hamper our understanding of EDC exposures on fertility and fecundity. Finally, it highlights future research areas, as well as government, industry and social awareness strategies required to mitigate the negative effects of EDC and environmental toxicant exposure on human fertility and fecundity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bethany J Finger
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gerard A Tarulli
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ma X, Cui L, Chen L, Zhang J, Zhang X, Kang Q, Jin F, Ye Y. Parental plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances and In Vitro fertilization outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:116159. [PMID: 33279270 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to be endocrine-disrupting compounds, but are nevertheless widely used in consumer and industrial products and have been detected globally in human and wildlife. Data from animal and epidemiological studies suggest that PFAS may affect human fertility. This led us to consider whether maternal or paternal plasma PFAS had effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The study population consisted of 96 couples who underwent IVF treatment in 2017 due to tubal factor infertility. The concentrations of 10 PFAS in blood samples from both male and female partners were measured. Poisson regression with log link was performed to evaluate the association between the tertiles of PFAS concentrations and numbers of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, two-pronuclei (2 PN) zygotes, and good-quality embryos, while multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the correlation between plasma PFAS and semen parameters. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the tertiles of PFAS concentrations and clinical outcomes. It was found that maternal plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were negatively associated with the numbers of retrieved oocytes (ptrend = 0.023), mature oocytes (ptrend = 0.015), 2 PN zygotes (ptrend = 0.014), and good-quality embryos (ptrend = 0.012). Higher paternal plasma PFOA concentrations were found to be significantly associated with reduced numbers of 2 PN zygotes (ptrend = 0.047). None of the maternal or paternal PFAS were significantly associated with the probability of implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to assess the association between parental exposure to PFAS and IVF outcomes. Our results suggest the potential reproductive effects of PFAS on both men and women, and that exposure to PFAS may negatively affect IVF outcomes. Future studies, particularly with large sample size cohorts, are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Ma
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Lin Chen
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Women's Health, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Quanmin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yinghui Ye
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xie X, Weng X, Liu S, Chen J, Guo X, Gao X, Fei Q, Hao G, Jing C, Feng L. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure and association with sex hormone concentrations: Results from the NHANES 2015-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2021; 33:69. [PMID: 36061407 PMCID: PMC9440377 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-021-00508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing global concern regarding the health impacts of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are emerging environmental endocrine disruptors. Results from previous epidemiological studies on the associations between PFAS exposure and sex hormone levels are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We examined the associations between serum PFAS compounds (PFDeA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS) and sex hormones, including total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estrogen (E), and serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG). RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, PFDeA, PFOS, and PFHxS exposures were significantly associated with increased serum testosterone concentrations in males. PFDeA, PFOA, and PFOS exposures were positively correlated with FT levels in 20-49 years old women while PFOS exposure was negatively associated with TT levels in 12-19 years old girls. PFAS exposure was negatively associated with estradiol levels including: PFDeA in all females, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, and PFOA in 12-19 years old girls, PFNA in women above 50 years old, and PFOA in 12-19 years old boys while PFDeA and PFOS exposures were positively associated with estradiol levels in these boys. n-PFOS exposure was positively associated with SHBG levels in men older than 20 and in all females. CONCLUSIONS Using a large cohort of males and females aged from 12-80, we found that PFAS exposure appears to disrupt sex hormones in a gender-, age-, and compound-specific manner. Future work is warranted to clarify the causality and mechanisms involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingmin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinrong Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Fei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Guang Hao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Panieri E, Buha-Đorđevic A, Saso L. Endocrine disruption by PFAS: A major concern associated with legacy and replacement substances. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-34197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Perand poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been used for decades in a great variety of processes and products by virtue of their exceptional properties, versatility and chemical stability. Nevertheless, it is increasingly recognized that these substances can represent a serious hazard to human health and living organisms due to their persistence, long-range transport potential and tendency to accumulate in biota. For this reason, some efforts have been made across the EU to identify alternative molecules, with a shorter carbon chain and theoretically safer profile, that might replace the previous generation of legacy PFAS. Unfortunately, this strategy has not been entirely successful and serious concerns are still posed by PFAS in different human populations. Among others, an emerging aspect is represented by the adverse effects that both legacy and alternative PFAS can exert on the human endocrine system, with respect to vulnerable target subpopulations. In this review we will briefly summarize PFAS properties, uses and environmental fate, focusing on their effects on human reproductive capacity and fertility, body weight control and obesity as well as thyroid function.
Collapse
|
38
|
Park SK, Ding N, Han D. Perfluoroalkyl substances and cognitive function in older adults: Should we consider non-monotonic dose-responses and chronic kidney disease? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110346. [PMID: 33068581 PMCID: PMC7736478 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although potential neurotoxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is suggested, previous epidemiologic studies have reported a 'protective' association between serum PFAS concentration and cognition function. Poor outcome assessment, residual confounding, non-monotonic dose-responses (NMDRs), and the role of reduced kidney function in PFAS excretion may be alternative explanations of these findings. OBJECTIVES We examined the association of perfluoroalkyls with cognitive functions assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease word learning and recall; the Animal Fluency; and the Digit Symbol Substitution tests. METHODS We included 903 adults aged ≥60 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. We computed a composite z-score as an average of four individual cognitive z-scores and used it as the outcome. Linear and generalized additive models were used to evaluate linear and non-linear associations. RESULTS With the linearity assumption, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) were significantly positively associated with composite z-score after adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking, poverty-income ratio, health insurance, food security, alcohol, and physical activity. Smoothing plots suggested NMDRs, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with a U-shape dose-response. When restricting to participants without chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 613), the positive associations for PFOA and PFNA observed in the whole population diminished, whereas PFOS was inversely and significantly associated with composite z-score. Also, negative confounding effects of fish/seafood consumption seem to be substantial. Effect estimates of composite z-score were -0.055 (95% CI: -0.097, -0.012, P = 0.01) for a doubling increase in PFOS. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that the previous epidemiologic findings of a 'protective' association between PFAS and cognition may be explained by CKD, NMDRs and confounding by fish consumption. PFOS at the current population exposure level in the U.S. may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults with normal kidney function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dehua Han
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kim YR, White N, Bräunig J, Vijayasarathy S, Mueller JF, Knox CL, Harden FA, Pacella R, Toms LML. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in follicular fluid from women experiencing infertility in Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:109963. [PMID: 32745751 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely used and detected in human matrices. Evidence that PFAS exposure may be associated with adverse human reproductive health effects exists, however, data is limited. The use of a human matrix such as follicular fluid to determine chemical exposure, along with reproductive data will be used to investigate if there is a relationship between PFAS exposure and human fertility. OBJECTIVE This study aims to: (1) assess if associations exist between PFAS concentrations and/or age and fertilisation rate (as determined in follicular fluid of women in Australia who received assisted reproductive treatment (ART)); and (2) assess if associations exist between PFAS concentrations and infertility aetiology. METHODS Follicular fluids were originally collected from participants who underwent fully stimulated ART treatment cycles at an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinic in the period 2006-2009 and 2010-11 in Queensland, Australia. The samples were available for analysis of 32 PFASs including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) using high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). 97 samples were matched with limited demographic data (age and fertilisation rate) and five infertility factors (three known female factors): 1) endometriosis, 2) polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and 3) genital tract infections - tubal/pelvic inflammation disease; as well as 4) male factor, and 5) idiopathic or unknown from either males or females. SPSS was used for linear regression analysis. RESULTS PFASs were detected in all follicular fluid samples with the mean concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, 4.9, and 2.4 ng/ml, respectively. A lower fertilisation rate was observed at higher age when age was added as a covariate, but there was no relationship between PFAS concentrations and fertilisation rate. There were few statistically significant associations between PFAS concentrations in follicular fluid and infertility factors. Log-transformed PFHxS concentrations were lower in females with endometriosis (factor 1) than in women who had reported 'male factors' as a reason of infertility, while PFHpA was higher in women who had infertile due to female factors (factor 1-3) compared to those who had infertile due to male factor. CONCLUSION PFASs were detected in follicular fluid of Australian women who had been treated at an IVF clinic. PFAS exposure found in follicular fluids is linked to increased risk of some infertility factors, and increased age was associated with decreased fertilisation rate in our data. But there was no relationship between PFAS and ferlitisation rate. Further large-scale investigations of PFAS and health effects including infertility are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Ran Kim
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia.
| | - Nicole White
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Christine L Knox
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Rosana Pacella
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, UK
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
DeWitt NA, Whirledge S, Kallen AN. Updates on molecular and environmental determinants of luteal progesterone production. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 515:110930. [PMID: 32610113 PMCID: PMC7484338 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone, a critical hormone in reproduction, is a key sex steroid in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy and serves as an intermediary for synthesis of other steroid hormones. Progesterone production from the corpus luteum is a tightly regulated process which is stimulated and maintained by multiple factors, both systemic and local. Multiple regulatory systems, including classic mediators of gonadotropin stimulation such as the cAMP/PKA pathway and TGFβ-mediated signaling pathways, as well as local production of hormonal factors, exist to promote granulosa cell function and physiological fine-tuning of progesterone levels. In this manuscript, we provide an updated narrative review of the known mediators of human luteal progesterone and highlight new observations regarding this important process, focusing on studies published within the last five years. We will also review recent evidence suggesting that this complex system of progesterone production is sensitive to disruption by exogenous environmental chemicals that can mimic or interfere with the activities of endogenous hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A DeWitt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shannon Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amanda N Kallen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ding N, Harlow SD, Randolph Jr JF, Loch-Caruso R, Park SK. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their effects on the ovary. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:724-752. [PMID: 32476019 PMCID: PMC7456353 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found widespread in drinking water, foods, food packaging materials and other consumer products. Several PFAS have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals based on their ability to interfere with normal reproductive function and hormonal signalling. Experimental models and epidemiologic studies suggest that PFAS exposures target the ovary and represent major risks for women's health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarises human population and toxicological studies on the association between PFAS exposure and ovarian function. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive review was performed by searching PubMed. Search terms included an extensive list of PFAS and health terms ranging from general keywords (e.g. ovarian, reproductive, follicle, oocyte) to specific keywords (including menarche, menstrual cycle, menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency/premature ovarian failure, steroid hormones), based on the authors' knowledge of the topic and key terms. OUTCOMES Clinical evidence demonstrates the presence of PFAS in follicular fluid and their ability to pass through the blood-follicle barrier. Although some studies found no evidence associating PFAS exposure with disruption in ovarian function, numerous epidemiologic studies, mostly with cross-sectional study designs, have identified associations of higher PFAS exposure with later menarche, irregular menstrual cycles, longer cycle length, earlier age of menopause and reduced levels of oestrogens and androgens. Adverse effects of PFAS on ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis have been confirmed in experimental models. Based on laboratory research findings, PFAS could diminish ovarian reserve and reduce endogenous hormone synthesis through activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, disrupting gap junction intercellular communication between oocyte and granulosa cells, inducing thyroid hormone deficiency, antagonising ovarian enzyme activities involved in ovarian steroidogenesis or inhibiting kisspeptin signalling in the hypothalamus. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The published literature supports associations between PFAS exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes; however, the evidence remains insufficient to infer a causal relationship between PFAS exposure and ovarian disorders. Thus, more research is warranted. PFAS are of significant concern because these chemicals are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment and in humans. Moreover, susceptible groups, such as foetuses and pregnant women, may be exposed to harmful combinations of chemicals that include PFAS. However, the role environmental exposures play in reproductive disorders has received little attention by the medical community. To better understand the potential risk of PFAS on human ovarian function, additional experimental studies using PFAS doses equivalent to the exposure levels found in the general human population and mixtures of compounds are required. Prospective investigations in human populations are also warranted to ensure the temporality of PFAS exposure and health endpoints and to minimise the possibility of reverse causality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John F Randolph Jr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Endocrine Disruptors in Water and Their Effects on the Reproductive System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061929. [PMID: 32178293 PMCID: PMC7139484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic contaminants in water can impose risks to reproductive health. Most of these compounds are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs can impact the endocrine system and subsequently impair the development and fertility of non-human animals and humans. The source of chemical contamination in water is diverse, originating from byproducts formed during water disinfection processes, release from industry and livestock activity, or therapeutic drugs released into sewage. This review discusses the occurrence of EDCs in water such as disinfection byproducts, fluorinated compounds, bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, and estrogens, and it outlines their adverse reproductive effects in non-human animals and humans.
Collapse
|
43
|
Di Nisio A, Rocca MS, Sabovic I, De Rocco Ponce M, Corsini C, Guidolin D, Zanon C, Acquasaliente L, Carosso AR, De Toni L, Foresta C. Perfluorooctanoic acid alters progesterone activity in human endometrial cells and induces reproductive alterations in young women. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125208. [PMID: 31896193 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Female fecundity is finely regulated by hormonal signaling, representing a potential target for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Among the chemicals of most concern are the perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used in consumer goods, that are associated with adverse effects on reproductive health. In this context, the endometrium clearly represents an important fertility determining factor. The aim of this study was to investigate PFAS interference on hormonal endometrial regulation. This study was performed within a screening protocol to evaluate reproductive health in high schools. We studied a cohort of 146 exposed females aged 18-21 from the Veneto region in Italy, one of the four areas worldwide heavily polluted with PFAS, and 1080 non-exposed controls. In experiments on Ishikawa cells included UV-Vis spectroscopy, microarray analysis and qPCR. We report a significant dysregulation of the genetic cascade leading to embryo implantation and endometrial receptivity. The most differentially-expressed genes upon PFOA coincubation were ITGB8, KLF5, WNT11, SULT1E1, ALPPL2 and G0S2 (all p < 0.01). By qPCR, we confirmed an antagonistic effect of PFOA on all these genes, which was reversed at higher progesterone levels. Molecular interference of PFOA on progesterone was confirmed by an increase in the intensity of absorption spectra at 250 nm in a dose-dependent manner, but not in the presence of β-estradiol. Age at menarche (+164 days, p = 0.006) and the frequency of girls with irregular periods (29.5% vs 21.5%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the exposed group. Our results are indicative of endocrine-disrupting activity of PFAS on progesterone-mediated endometrial function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - M S Rocca
- Familial Cancer Clinic, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCSS), 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - I Sabovic
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - M De Rocco Ponce
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - C Corsini
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - D Guidolin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 65, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - C Zanon
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP) - Fondazione Città della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4, Padova, Italy
| | - L Acquasaliente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine 1100 South Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - A R Carosso
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, S. Anna Hospital, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - L De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ding N, Harlow SD, Batterman S, Mukherjee B, Park SK. Longitudinal trends in perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances among multiethnic midlife women from 1999 to 2011: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 135:105381. [PMID: 31841808 PMCID: PMC7374929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited information exists regarding longitudinal trends in midlife women's exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Further, little is known about how patterns of exposure differ by race/ethnicity and reproductive characteristics including parity and menopause. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine temporal variations in serum PFAS concentrations among midlife women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. METHODS Serum concentrations of 11 PFAS homologues were measured in 75 White, Black and Chinese women with blood samples collected in 1999-2000, 2002-2003, 2005-2006, and 2009-2011. Rates of changes in PFAS concentrations were calculated assuming a first-order elimination model. Associations between PFAS concentrations and race/ethnicity, menstruation and parity were evaluated with linear mixed models, adjusting for age, body mass index and study site. RESULTS Serum concentrations of linear-chain perfluorooctanoic acid (n-PFOA), linear- and branched-chain perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (n-PFOS and sm-PFOS) decreased significantly (-6.0%, 95% CI: -8.3%, -3.6% per year for n-PFOA; -14.8%, 95% CI: -17.3%, -12.3% per year for n-PFOS; -16.9%, 95% CI: -19.1%, -14.6% per year for sm-PFOS); whereas perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) increased (16.0%, 95% CI: 10.6%, 21.6% per year). Detection rates of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) doubled. Temporal trends varied significantly by race/ethnicity. Chinese women tended to have consistently higher PFNA concentrations at each follow-up visit, compared with White and Black women. Serum PFHxS concentrations significantly decreased in White and Black women, but not in Chinese. Menstruating women consistently had lower concentrations. Parity was associated with lower concentrations at baseline but the differences between nulliparous and parous women became smaller over time. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest longitudinal declines in serum concentrations of legacy PFAS and increases in serum concentrations of emerging compounds from 1999 to 2011 in midlife women. Temporal trends in PFAS concentrations are not uniform across race/ethnicity and parity groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Siobán D Harlow
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang H, Du H, Yang J, Jiang H, O K, Xu L, Liu S, Yi J, Qian X, Chen Y, Jiang Q, He G. PFOS, PFOA, estrogen homeostasis, and birth size in Chinese infants. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 221:349-355. [PMID: 30641376 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory studies have suggested that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) could affect fetal growth by disrupting estrogen homeostasis, but there are limited data for human. For this, 424 mother-infant pairs were selected from a cohort established in Hebei Province of North China in 2013. Two typical PFASs, perfluorooctyl sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and three typical estrogens, estrone (E1), β-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3), were measured in cord serum. After adjusted for important covariates, serum PFOS was positively related to E1 and E3, but negatively related to E2. Serum PFOA was positively related to serum E1 and negatively related to head circumference at birth. Serum E2 was negatively related to head circumference, body weight, and body length at birth and serum E3 was positively related to body weight. Serum E3 mediated the relationship between serum PFOS and body weight. There were sex-specific differences for the associations between PFOS/PFOA and estrogens/birth size. These findings suggested that exposure to PFASs could affect estrogen homeostasis and fetal growth during pregnancy and that estrogens might mediate the association between exposure to PFASs and fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hexing Wang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongyi Du
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Karmin O
- Department of Animal Science, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T2N2, Canada
| | - Linji Xu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Tangshan Municipality, Tangshan, 063000, Hebei province, China
| | - Shuping Liu
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Tangshan Municipality, Tangshan, 063000, Hebei province, China
| | - Jianping Yi
- Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Tangshan Municipality, Tangshan, 063000, Hebei province, China
| | - Xu Qian
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Qingwu Jiang
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- School of Public Health/Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wang W, Zhou W, Wu S, Liang F, Li Y, Zhang J, Cui L, Feng Y, Wang Y. Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome related infertility in Chinese women. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 247:824-831. [PMID: 30731307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a family of synthetic, fluorinated organic compounds. They have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products and widespread in the environment, wildlife and human. Experimental and epidemiologic evidence suggested that PFASs are capable of interfering with endocrine processes and have potential reproductive and developmental toxicities. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), one of the main reasons of female infertility, is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women. We performed a case-control study to evaluate associations between PCOS-related infertility and PFASs concentrations in plasma. A total of 180 infertile PCOS-cases and 187 healthy controls were recruited from the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Shandong University. Blood specimens were collected at enrollment and analyzed for ten PFASs using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable logistic regression procedure was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each PFAS. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the dominant PFASs in the plasma of participants, with the median concentration of 5.07 ng/mL and 4.05 ng/mL, respectively. The median levels of individual PFAS were not significantly different between PCOS-cases and controls. While adjusted for the potential confounders (age, BMI, household income, education level, employment status, age at menarche, menstrual volume), the plasma concentration of perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA), a 12 carbons lengths of perfluorocarboxylic acids, was associated with a significantly increased risk of PCOS-related infertility (medium vs low tertile: OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.99, P = 0.02; high vs low tertile: OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19, 7.67, P = 0.02), with the P trend 0.01. No significant relationship was observed between PCOS-related infertility and other PFAS analytes in the adjusted model, despite perfluoroundecanoic acid showed a negative association (P trend 0.03). The potential reproductive health effects of PFASs and the underlying mechanisms merit further investigation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Wei Zhou
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, PR China
| | - Fan Liang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250001, PR China
| | - Yan Feng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; The Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Rashtian J, Chavkin DE, Merhi Z. Water and soil pollution as determinant of water and food quality/contamination and its impact on female fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:5. [PMID: 30636624 PMCID: PMC6330570 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0448-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A mounting body of the literature suggests that environmental chemicals found in food and water could affect female reproduction. Many worldwide daily-used products have been shown to contain chemicals that could incur adverse reproductive outcomes in the perinatal/neonatal periods, childhood, adolescence, and even adulthood. The potential impact of Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on female reproduction, in particular on puberty, PCOS pathogenesis, infertility, ovarian function, endometriosis, and recurrent pregnancy loss, in both humans and animals, will be discussed in this report in order to provide greater clinician and public awareness about the potential consequences of these chemicals. The effects of these substances could interfere with hormone biosynthesis/action and could potentially be transmitted to further generations. Thus proper education about these chemicals can help individuals decide to limit exposure, ultimately alleviating the risk on future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Rashtian
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Zaher Merhi
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10463, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Varick Street, Sixth Floor, New York, NY, 10014, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bjerregaard-Olesen C, Bach CC, Long M, Wielsøe M, Bech BH, Henriksen TB, Olsen J, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Associations of Fetal Growth Outcomes with Measures of the Combined Xenoestrogenic Activity of Maternal Serum Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids in Danish Pregnant Women. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:17006. [PMID: 30676078 PMCID: PMC6381822 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher concentrations of single perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) have been associated with lower birth weight (BW), but few studies have examined the combined effects of PFAA mixtures. PFAAs have been reported to induce estrogen receptor (ER) transactivity, and estrogens may influence human fetal growth. We hypothesize that mixtures of PFAAs may affect human fetal growth by disrupting the ER. OBJECTIVES We aimed to study the associations between the combined xenoestrogenic activity of PFAAs in pregnant women's serum and offspring BW, length, and head circumference. METHODS We extracted the actual mixture of PFAAs from the serum of 702 Danish pregnant women (gestational wk 11–13) enrolled in the Aarhus Birth Cohort (ABC) using solid phase extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and weak anion exchange. PFAA-induced xenoestrogenic receptor transactivation (XER) was determined using the stable transfected MVLN cell line. Associations between XER and measures of fetal growth were estimated using multivariable linear regression with primary adjustment for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, smoking, and alcohol intake, and sensitivity analyses with additional adjustment for gestational age (GA) (linear and quadratic). RESULTS On average, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in XER was associated with a [Formula: see text] [95% confidence interval (CI): [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]] decrease in BW and a [Formula: see text] (95% CI: 0.1, 0.5) decrease in birth length. Upon additional adjustment for GA, the estimated mean differences were [Formula: see text] (95% CI: [Formula: see text], 4) and [Formula: see text] (95% CI: [Formula: see text], 0.0), respectively. CONCLUSION Higher-serum PFAA-induced xenoestrogenic activities were associated with lower BW and length in offspring, suggesting that PFAA mixtures may affect fetal growth by disrupting ER function. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1884.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bjerregaard-Olesen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cathrine Carlsen Bach
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Manhai Long
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Greenland Centre for Health Research, Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hurley S, Goldberg D, Wang M, Park JS, Petreas M, Bernstein L, Anton-Culver H, Nelson DO, Reynolds P. Breast cancer risk and serum levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: a case-control study nested in the California Teachers Study. Environ Health 2018; 17:83. [PMID: 30482205 PMCID: PMC6260688 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large family of synthetic chemicals, some of which are mammary toxicants and endocrine disruptors. Their potential as breast carcinogens is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with serum PFAS concentrations in a nested case-control study within the California Teachers Study. METHODS Participants were 902 women with invasive breast cancer (cases) and 858 with no such diagnosis (controls) who provided 10 mL of blood and were interviewed during 2011-2015, an average of 35 months after case diagnosis. PFASs were measured using automated online SPE-HPLC-MS/MS methods. Statistical analyses were restricted to six PFASs with detection frequencies ≥ 95%: PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid), PFUnDA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), and MeFOSAA (2-(N-Methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs), estimating the breast cancer risk associated with each PFAS. RESULTS For all cases of invasive breast cancer, none of the adjusted ORs were statistically significant but marginally significant ORs < 1.0 were observed for PFUnDA and PFHxS (p-trend = 0.08). Adjusted ORs < 1.0 for PFUnDA and PFHxS were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) among the 107 cases with hormone-negative tumors but not the 743 with hormone-positive tumors. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings do not provide evidence that serum PFAS levels measured after diagnosis are related to breast cancer risk. The few inverse associations found may be due to chance or may be artifacts of study design. Future studies should incorporate information about genetic susceptibility, endogenous estrogen levels, and measurements of PFASs prior to diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hurley
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA.
| | - Debbie Goldberg
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Myrto Petreas
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Bernstein
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hoda Anton-Culver
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David O Nelson
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Peggy Reynolds
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhang S, Tan R, Pan R, Xiong J, Tian Y, Wu J, Chen L. Association of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances With Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Chinese Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:2543-2551. [PMID: 29986037 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-02783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a group of ubiquitous environmental chemicals with properties of endocrine disruption, are often detectable in humans. OBJECTIVE The current study investigated the association between exposure to PFAS and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN, PATIENTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Levels of plasma PFAS were measured in 120 Chinese women with overt POI and 120 healthy control subjects from 2013 to 2016. Associations between PFAS levels and odds of POI, as well as hormonal profiles, were evaluated using multiple logistic regression and multiple linear regression models. RESULTS Levels of perfluorooctanate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) were positively associated with the risks of POI (highest vs. lowest tertile, PFOA: OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 1.92-7.49; PFOS: OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.46-5.41; PFHxS: OR, 6.63; 95% CI, 3.22-13.65). In patients with POI, levels of PFOS and PFHxS exposure were positively associated with FSH (PFOS: adjusted β, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.38; PFHxS: adjusted β, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.28) and negatively associated with estradiol (PFOS: adjusted β, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.12; PFHxS: adjusted β, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.02). Exposure to PFOS and PFOA was associated with elevation of prolactin (PFOS: adjusted β, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.29; PFOA: adjusted β, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.30) or with a decrease of free triiodothyronine (PFOS: adjusted β, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.64 to -0.09; PFOA: adjusted β, -0.90; 95% CI, -1.88 to 0.09) and thyroxine (PFOS: adjusted β, -2.99; 95% CI, -4.52 to -1.46; PFOA: adjusted β, -3.42; 95% CI, -5.39 to -1.46). CONCLUSION High exposure to PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS is associated with increased risk of POI in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongrong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Pan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|