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Collier GE, Lavado R. An in-depth examination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) effects on transporters, with emphasis on the ABC superfamily: A critical review. Toxicology 2024; 508:153901. [PMID: 39094918 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances are a type of chemical compound unique for their multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, imbuing them with strength and environmental permanence. While legacy substances have been phased out due to human health risks, short-chain and alternative PFAS remain omnipresent. However, a detailed explanation for the pathways through which PFAS interact on a cellular and molecular level is still largely unknown, and the human health effects remain mechanistically unexplained. Of particular interest when focusing on this topic are the interactions between these exogenous chemicals and plasma and membrane proteins. Such proteins include serum albumin which can transport PFAS throughout the body, solute carrier proteins (SLC) and ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters which are able to move PFAS into and out of cells, and proteins and nuclear receptors which interact with PFAS intracellularly. ABC transporters as a family have little available human data despite being responsible for the export of endogenous substances and drugs throughout the body. The multifactorial regulation of these crucial transporters is affected directly and indirectly by PFAS. Changes, which can include alterations to membrane transport activity and differences in protein expression, vary greatly depending on the specific PFAS and protein of interest. Together, the myriad of changes caused by understudied PFAS exposure to a class of understudied proteins crucial to cellular function and drug treatments has not been fully explored regarding human health and presents room for further exploration. This critical work aims to provide a novel framework of existing human data on PFAS and ABC transporters, allowing for future advancement and investigation into human transporter activity, mechanisms of regulation, and interactions with emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracen E Collier
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States.
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2
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O'Shaughnessy KL, Bell KS, Sasser AL, Gilbert ME, Riutta C, Ford JL, McCord J, Wood CR. The pollutant perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) reduces serum thyroxine but does not alter thyroid action in the postnatal rat brain. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108838. [PMID: 38963985 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Known as "forever chemicals", per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds used in consumer goods but pose significant public health concerns, including disruption of the thyroid system. As thyroid hormones (THs) are required for normal brain development, PFAS may also be developmental neurotoxicants. However, this is not well understood. Here we examine the endocrine and neurodevelopmental consequences of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) exposure in pregnant, lactating, and developing rats, and compare its effects to an anti-thyroid pharmaceutical (propylthiouracil, PTU) that induces thyroid-mediated developmental neurotoxicity. We show that PFHxS dramatically reduces maternal serum thyroxine (T4), nearly equivalently to PTU (-55 and -51%, respectively). However, only PTU increases thyroid stimulating hormone. The lactational transfer of PFHxS is significant and reduces pup serum T4 across the postnatal period. Surprisingly, brain THs are only minimally decreased by PFHxS, whereas PTU drastically diminishes them. Evaluation of brain TH action by phenotyping, RNA-Sequencing, and quantification of radial glia cell morphology supports that PTU interrupts TH signaling while PFHxS has limited to no effect. These data show that PFHxS induces abnormal serum TH profiles; however, there were no indications of hypothyroidism in the postnatal brain. We suggest the stark differences between the neurodevelopmental effects of PFHxS and a typical antithyroid agent may be due to its interaction with TH distributing proteins like transthyretin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Kiersten S Bell
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge 37831, TN, USA
| | - Aubrey L Sasser
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge 37831, TN, USA
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Cal Riutta
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge 37831, TN, USA
| | - Jermaine L Ford
- Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - James McCord
- Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, United States Environmental Protection Agency Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Carmen R Wood
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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3
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An Z, Li Y, Li J, Jiang Z, Duan W, Guo M, Zhu Y, Zeng X, Wang L, Liu Y, Li A, Guo H, Zhang X. Associations between co-exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and organophosphate esters and erythrogram in Chinese adults. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142750. [PMID: 38960049 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Erythrogram, despite its prevalent use in assessing red blood cell (RBC) disorders and can be utilized to evaluate various diseases, still lacks evidence supporting the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) on it. A cross-sectional study involving 467 adults from Shijiazhuang, China was conducted to assess the associations between 12 PFASs and 11 OPEs and the erythrogram (8 indicators related to RBC). Three models, including multiple linear regression (MLR), sparse partial least squares regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were employed to evaluate both the individual and joint effects of PFASs and OPEs on the erythrogram. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) showed the strongest association with HGB (3.68%, 95% CI: 2.29%, 5.10%) when doubling among PFASs in MLR models. BKMR indicated that PFASs were more strongly associated with the erythrogram than OPEs, as evidenced by higher group posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) for PFASs. Within hemoglobin and hematocrit, PFHxS emerged as the most significant component (conditional PIP = 1.0 for both). Collectively, our study emphasizes the joint effect of PFASs and OPEs on the erythrogram and identified PFASs, particularly PFHxS, as the pivotal contributors to the erythrogram. Nonetheless, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen An
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zexuan Jiang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wenjing Duan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Mingmei Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yiming Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xiuli Zeng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Linfeng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core Facilities and Centers of Hebei Medical University, 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei Province, China.
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4
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Degitz SJ, Degoey PP, Haselman JT, Olker JH, Stacy EH, Blanksma C, Meyer S, Mattingly KZ, Blackwell B, Opseth AS, Hornung MW. Evaluating potential developmental toxicity of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Xenopus laevis embryos and larvae. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:1040-1049. [PMID: 38531109 PMCID: PMC11402019 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
As part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Action Plan, the agency is committed to increasing our understanding of the potential ecological effects of PFAS. The objective of these studies was to examine the developmental toxicity of PFAS using the laboratory model amphibian species Xenopus laevis. We had two primary aims: (1) to understand the developmental toxicity of a structurally diverse set of PFAS compounds in developing embryos and (2) to characterize the potential impacts of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA a.k.a. GenX), on growth and thyroid hormone-controlled metamorphosis. We employed a combination of static renewal and flow-through exposure designs. Embryos were exposed to 17 structurally diverse PFAS starting at the midblastula stage through the completion of organogenesis (96 h). To investigate impacts on PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA on development and metamorphosis, larvae were exposed from premetamorphosis (Nieuwkoop Faber stage 51 or 54) through pro metamorphosis. Of the PFAS tested in embryos, only 1H,1H,10H,10H-perfluorodecane-1,10-diol (FC10-diol) and perfluorohexanesulfonamide (FHxSA) exposure resulted in clear concentration-dependent developmental toxicity. For both of these PFAS, a significant increase in mortality was observed at 2.5 and 5 mg/L. For FC10-diol, 100% of the surviving embryos were malformed at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/L, while for FHxSA, a significant increase in malformations (100%) was observed at 2.5 and 5 mg/L. Developmental stage achieved was the most sensitive endpoint with significant effects observed at 1.25 and 0.625 mg/L for FC10-diol and FHxSA, respectively. In larval studies, we observed impacts on growth following exposure to PFHxS and PFOS at concentrations of 100 and 2.5 mg/L, respectively, while no impacts were observed in larvae when exposed to PFOA and HFPO-DA at concentration of 100 mg/L. Further, we did not observe impacts on thyroid endpoints in exposed larvae. These experiments have broadened our understanding of the impact of PFAS on anuran development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigmund J Degitz
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Philip P Degoey
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jonathan T Haselman
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer H Olker
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emma H Stacy
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chad Blanksma
- SpecPro Professional Services, c/o US EPA, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Scott Meyer
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
- California Department of Water Resources, West Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kali Z Mattingly
- SpecPro Professional Services, c/o US EPA, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brett Blackwell
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Anne S Opseth
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael W Hornung
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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5
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Ilango AK, Arathala P, Musah RA, Liang Y. Experimental and density functional theory investigation of surface-modified biopolymer for improved adsorption of mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121458. [PMID: 38564892 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Glutaraldehyde (GTH) cross-linked chitosan (CTN) biopolymer-based and polyethyleneimine (PEI) functionalized (GTHCTNPEI) aerogels were proven promising for removing mixtures of long- and short chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. In this study, to further improve the performance of the aerogel for short-chain PFAS and undecafluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX) removal, GTHCTNPEI aerogel chunks with an average size of 13.4 mm were turned into flakes with an average size of 9.1 mm. The GTHCTNPEI flakes achieved >99 % removal of all target PFAS, including long- and short-chain PFAS and >97 % for GenX after 10 h. In addition, the flakes can be regenerated and reused for at least four cycles. When added to tap water spiked with PFAS at initial concentrations of 30, 70, or 100 ng/L, the flakes removed almost 100 % of all tested PFAS. Mechanistic investigations using density functional theory (DFT) revealed strong stabilizing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the aerogels and PFAS, with GTHCTNPEI to PFAS binding energies ranging between -24.0 - -30.1 kcal/mol for PFOA; -41.3 - -48.5 kcal/mol for PFOS; and -40.5 - -47.3 kcal/mol for PFBS. These results demonstrate the great potential of the flakes for removing PFAS from drinking water, surface water, and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Kumar Ilango
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States.
| | - Parandaman Arathala
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Rabi A Musah
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
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6
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Phelps D, Parkinson LV, Boucher JM, Muncke J, Geueke B. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging: Migration, Toxicity, and Management Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5670-5684. [PMID: 38501683 PMCID: PMC10993423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03702] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
PFASs are linked to serious health and environmental concerns. Among their widespread applications, PFASs are known to be used in food packaging and directly contribute to human exposure. However, information about PFASs in food packaging is scattered. Therefore, we systematically map the evidence on PFASs detected in migrates and extracts of food contact materials and provide an overview of available hazard and biomonitoring data. Based on the FCCmigex database, 68 PFASs have been identified in various food contact materials, including paper, plastic, and coated metal, by targeted and untargeted analyses. 87% of these PFASs belong to the perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluorotelomer-based compounds. Trends in chain length demonstrate that long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids continue to be found, despite years of global efforts to reduce the use of these substances. We utilized ToxPi to illustrate that hazard data are available for only 57% of the PFASs that have been detected in food packaging. For those PFASs for which toxicity testing has been performed, many adverse outcomes have been reported. The data and knowledge gaps presented here support international proposals to restrict PFASs as a group, including their use in food contact materials, to protect human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake
W. Phelps
- Independent
Consultant, Raleigh, North Carolina 27617, United States
| | | | | | - Jane Muncke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food
Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland
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7
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Weatherly LM, Shane HL, Jackson LG, Lukomska E, Baur R, Cooper MP, Anderson SE. Systemic and immunotoxicity induced by topical application of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in a murine model. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114578. [PMID: 38458531 PMCID: PMC11406440 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114578] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of stable synthetic surfactants that are incorporated into numerous products for their water and oil resistance and have been associated with adverse health effects. The present study evaluated the systemic and immunotoxicity of sub-chronic 28- or 10-day dermal exposure of PFHxS (0.625-5% or 15.63-125 mg/kg/dose) in a murine model. Elevated levels of PFHxS were detected in the serum and urine, suggesting that absorption is occurring through the dermal route. Liver weight (% body) significantly increased and spleen weight (% body) significantly decreased with PFHxS exposure, which was supported by histopathological changes. Additionally, PFHxS significantly reduced the humoral immune response and altered immune subsets in the spleen, suggesting immunosuppression. Gene expression changes were observed in the liver, skin, and spleen with genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, necrosis, and inflammation. Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant decreases in B-cells, NK cells, and CD11b+ monocyte/macrophages in the spleen along with increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the skin. These findings support dermal PFHxS-induced liver damage and immune suppression. Overall, data support PFHxS absorption through the skin and demonstrate immunotoxicity via this exposure route, suggesting the need for further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Weatherly
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Hillary L Shane
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Laurel G Jackson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ewa Lukomska
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rachel Baur
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Madison P Cooper
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stacey E Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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8
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Degitz SJ, Olker JH, Denny JS, Degoey PP, Hartig PC, Cardon MC, Eytcheson SA, Haselman JT, Mayasich SA, Hornung MW. In vitro screening of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) for interference with seven thyroid hormone system targets across nine assays. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 95:105762. [PMID: 38072180 PMCID: PMC11081714 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105762] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The US Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating the ecological and toxicological effects of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. A number of perfluorinated chemicals have been shown to impact the thyroid axis in vivo suggesting that the thyroid hormone system is a target of these chemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of 136 perfluorinated chemicals at seven key molecular initiating events (MIE) within the thyroid axis using nine in vitro assays. The potential MIE targets investigated are Human Iodothyronine Deiodinase 1 (hDIO1), Human Iodothyronine Deiodinase 2 (hDIO2), Human Iodothyronine Deiodinase 3 (hDIO3), Xenopus Iodothyronine Deiodinase (xDIO3); Human Iodotyrosine Deiodinase (hIYD), Xenopus Iodotyrosine Deiodinase (xIYD), Human Thyroid Peroxidase (hTPO); and the serum binding proteins Human Transthyretin (hTTR) and Human Thyroxine Binding Globulin (hTBG). Of the 136 PFAS chemicals tested, 85 had sufficient activity to produce a half-maximal effect concentration (EC50) in at least one of the nine assays. In general, most of these PFAS chemicals did not have strong potency towards the seven MIEs examined, apart from transthyretin binding, for which several PFAS had potency similar to the respective model inhibitor. These data sets identify potentially active PFAS chemicals to prioritize for further testing in orthogonal in vitro assays and at higher levels of biological organization to evaluate their capacity for altering the thyroid hormone system and causing potential adverse health and ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigmund J Degitz
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA.
| | - Jennifer H Olker
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Jeffery S Denny
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Philip P Degoey
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Phillip C Hartig
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Mary C Cardon
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Stephanie A Eytcheson
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan T Haselman
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Sally A Mayasich
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Michael W Hornung
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division (GLTED), Duluth, MN 55804, USA
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9
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Zhao A, Wang W, Zhang R, He A, Li J, Wang Y. Tracing the Bioaccessibility of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Fish during Cooking Treatment. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19066-19077. [PMID: 37984055 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The effect of cooking on the contents of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foods has been widely studied, but whether cooking-induced structural and chemical modifications in foods affect the oral bioaccessibility of PFAS remains largely unknown. In this study, three kinds of fishes with different fat contents were selected, and the bioaccessibility of PFAS during cooking treatment (steaming and frying) was evaluated using in vitro gastrointestinal simulation with gastric lipase addition. The results showed that related to their molecular structures, the bioaccessibility of an individual PFAS varied greatly, ranging from 26.0 to 108.1%. Cooking can reduce the bioaccessibility of PFAS, and steaming is more effective than oil-frying; one of the possible reasons for this result is that the PFAS is trapped in protein aggregates after heat treatment. Fish lipids and cooking oil ingested with meals exert different effects on the bioaccessibility of PFAS, which may be related to the state of the ingested lipid/oil and the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids. Gastric lipase boosted the release of long-chain PFAS during in vitro digestion, indicating that the degree of lipolysis considerably influences the bioaccessibility of hydrophobic PFAS. Estimated weekly PFAS intakes were recalibrated using bioaccessibility data, enabling more accurate and reliable dietary exposure assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Zhao
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruirui Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Anen He
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Juan Li
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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10
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Zhu Y, Pan X, Jia Y, Yang X, Song X, Ding J, Zhong W, Feng J, Zhu L. Exploring Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics of PFAS in Mice by Coupling in Vivo Tests and Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic Models. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127012. [PMID: 38088889 PMCID: PMC10718298 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact are important exposure routes for humans to uptake per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, nasal and dermal exposure to PFAS remains unclear, and accurately predicting internal body burden of PFAS in humans via multiple exposure pathways is urgently required. OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop multiple physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models to unveil the route-specific pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of PFAS via respective oral, nasal, and dermal exposure pathways using a mouse model and sought to predict the internal concentrations in various tissues through multiple exposure routes and extrapolate it to humans. METHODS Mice were administered the mixed solution of perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and perfluorooctanoic acid through oral, nasal, and dermal exposure separately or jointly. The time-dependent concentrations of PFAS in plasma and tissues were determined to calibrate and validate the individual and combined PBTK models, which were applied in single- and repeated-dose scenarios. RESULTS The developed route-specific PBTK models successfully simulated the tissue concentrations of PFAS in mice following single or joint exposure routes as well as long-term repeated dose scenarios. The time to peak concentration of PFAS in plasma via dermal exposure was much longer (34.1-83.0 h) than that via nasal exposure (0.960 h). The bioavailability of PFAS via oral exposure was the highest (73.2%-98.0%), followed by nasal (33.9%-66.8%) and dermal exposure (4.59%-7.80%). This model was extrapolated to predict internal levels in human under real environment. DISCUSSION Based on these data, we predict the following: PFAS were absorbed quickly via nasal exposure, whereas a distinct hysteresis effect was observed for dermal exposure. Almost all the PFAS to which mice were exposed via gastrointestinal route were absorbed into plasma, which exhibited the highest bioavailability. Exhalation clearance greatly depressed the bioavailability of PFAS via nasal exposure, whereas the lowest bioavailability in dermal exposure was because of the interception of PFAS within the skin layers. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11969.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Pan
- Beijing Sankuai Online Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Wenjue Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, P. R. China
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11
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Solan ME, Schackmuth B, Bruce ED, Pradhan S, Sayes CM, Lavado R. Effects of short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on toxicologically relevant gene expression profiles in a liver-on-a-chip model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122610. [PMID: 37742859 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly stable and widely used environmental contaminants that pose potential health risks to humans. Aggregating reliable mechanistic information for safety assessments necessitates physiologically relevant high-throughput screening approaches. Here, we demonstrated the utility of a liver-on-a-chip model to investigate the effects of five short-chain PFAS at low (1 nM) and high (1 μM) concentrations on toxicologically-relevant gene expression profiles using the QuantiGene® Plex Assay. We found that the short-chain PFAS tested in this study modulated the expression of ABCG2, a gene encoding for the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), with marked and significant upregulation (up to 4-fold) observed for all but one of the short-chain PFAS tested. PFBS and HFPO-DA repressed SLCO1B3 expression, a gene that encodes for an essential liver-specific organic anion transporter. High concentrations of PFBS, PFHxA, and PFHxS upregulated the expression of genes encCYP1A1,CYP2B6 and CYP2C19 with the same treatments resulting in the repression of the expression of the gene encoding CYP1A2. This dysregulation could have consequences for the clearance of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. However, we acknowledge that increased expression of genes encoding for transporters and biotransformation enzymes may or may not indicate changes to their protein expression or activity. Overall, our study provides important insights into the effects of short-chain PFAS on liver function and their potential implications for human health. The use of the liver-on-a-chip model in combination with the QuantiGene® Plex Assay may be a valuable tool for future high-throughput screening and gene expression profiling in toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Solan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Bennett Schackmuth
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Erica D Bruce
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Sahar Pradhan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Christie M Sayes
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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12
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Ma X, Fisher JA, VoPham T, Vasiliou V, Jones RR. Associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, liver function, and daily alcohol consumption in a sample of U.S. adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116651. [PMID: 37451576 PMCID: PMC10948014 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and in the serum of the U.S. POPULATION We sought to evaluate the association of PFAS independently and jointly with alcohol intake on liver function biomarkers in a sample of the U.S. general population. METHODS Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2016; N = 11,794), we examined the five most historically prevalent PFAS with >75% detection rates. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between PFAS (quartiles and log-transformed continuous, ng/mL) and high levels (>95th percentile) of liver injury biomarkers using logistic regression models adjusted for key confounders. We evaluated interactions between PFAS and alcohol consumption and sex via stratified analyses and conducted sub-analyses adjusting for daily alcohol intake among those with available drinking history (N = 10,316). RESULT Serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was positively associated with high levels of alanine transferase (ALT) without monotonic trend (ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.45, CI: 0.99-2.12; p-trend = 0.18), and with increased aspartate transaminase when modeled continuously (OR = 1.15, CI: 1.02-1.30; p-trend = 0.03). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were both inversely associated with alkaline phosphatase while a trend was evident only for PFHxS (p = 0.02). A non-monotonic inverse association was observed with PFOA (p-trend = 0.10). The highest quartile of PFOS was associated with high total bilirubin (TB; ORQ4vsQ1 = 1.57, CI: 1.01-2.43, p-trend = 0.02). No significant associations were found between any PFAS and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. We found no associations for perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluorononanoic acid. We observed some suggestive interactions with alcohol intake, particularly among heavy drinkers. CONCLUSION Consistent with other studies, serum levels of PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA were positively associated with high levels of ALT, and we also observed weak positive associations between some PFAS and TB. Associations observed among heavy drinkers warrant additional evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqi Ma
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Jared A Fisher
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Trang VoPham
- Epidemiology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rena R Jones
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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13
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Sim KH, Oh HS, Lee C, Eun H, Lee YJ. Evaluation of the Effect of Perfluorohexane Sulfonate on the Proliferation of Human Liver Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6868. [PMID: 37835138 PMCID: PMC10572997 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a widely detected replacement for legacy long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and human blood samples. Its potential toxicity led to its recent classification as a globally regulated persistent organic pollutant. Although animal studies have shown a positive association between PFHxS levels and hepatic steatosis and hepatocellular hypertrophy, the link with liver toxicity, including end-stage liver cancer, remains inconclusive. In this study, we examined the effects of PFHxS on the proliferation of Hep3B (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and SK-Hep1 (human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells). Cells were exposed to different PFHxS concentrations for 24-48 h to assess viability and 12-14 days to measure colony formation. The viability of both cell lines increased at PFHxS concentrations <200 μM, decreased at >400 μM, and was highest at 50 μM. Colony formation increased at <300 μM and decreased at 500 μM PFHxS. Consistent with the effect on cell proliferation, PFHxS increased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cell-cycle molecules (CDK2, CDK4, cyclin E, and cyclin D1). In summary, PFHxS exhibited a biphasic effect on liver cell proliferation, promoting survival and proliferation at lower concentrations and being cytotoxic at higher concentrations. This suggests that PFHxS, especially at lower concentrations, might be associated with HCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyeon Seo Oh
- Department of Neurology, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
| | - Chuhee Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 42415, Republic of Korea;
| | - Heesoo Eun
- Research Center for Advanced Analysis, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba 305-8604, Japan
| | - Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea;
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14
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Farraj AK, Smoot J, Grindstaff RD, Hill D, McCord J, Medlock-Kakaley E, Dixon A, Hines E, Gray LE. Dose additive maternal and offspring effects of oral maternal exposure to a mixture of three PFAS (HFPO-DA, NBP2, PFOS) during pregnancy in the Sprague-Dawley rat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164609. [PMID: 37271399 PMCID: PMC10681034 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous exposure to multiple per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is common in humans across the globe. Individual PFAS are associated with adverse health effects, yet the nature of mixture effects after exposure to two or more PFAS remains unclear. Previously we reported that oral administration of hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX), Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2), or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) individually during pregnancy produced maternal and F1 effects. Here, we hypothesized that responses to the combined exposure to these three PFAS would be dose additive. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a fixed-ratio equipotent mixture where the top dose contained each PFAS at their ED50 for neonatal mortality (100 % dose = PFOS 3 mg/kg; NBP2 10 mg/kg; HFPO-DA 110 mg/kg), followed by a dilution series (33.3, 10, 3.3, and 1 %) and vehicle controls (0 % dose). Consistent with the single chemical studies, dams were exposed from gestation day (GD)14-18 or from GD8-postnatal day (PND2). Fetal and maternal livers on GD18 displayed multiple significantly upregulated genes associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism at all dose levels, while dams displayed significantly increased liver weight (≥3.3 % dose) and reduced serum thyroid hormones (≥33.3 % dose). Maternal exposure from GD8-PND2 significantly reduced pup bodyweights at birth (≥33.3 % dose) and PND2 (all doses), increased neonatal liver weights (≥3.3 % dose), increased pup mortality (≥3.3 % dose), and reduced maternal bodyweights and weight gain at the top dose. Echocardiography of adult F1 males and females identified significantly increased left ventricular anterior wall thickness (~10 % increase), whereas other cardiac morphological, functional, and transcriptomic measures were unaffected. Mixture effects in maternal and neonatal animals conformed to dose addition using a relative potency factor (RPF) analysis. Results support dose addition-based cumulative assessment approaches for estimating combined effects of PFAS co-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Aimen K Farraj
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Jacob Smoot
- ORISE Participant, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel D Grindstaff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Donna Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - James McCord
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Aaron Dixon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Erin Hines
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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15
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Narizzano AM, Bohannon ME, East AG, Guigni BA, Quinn MJ. Reproductive and immune effects emerge at similar thresholds of PFHxS in deer mice. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108421. [PMID: 37330177 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Although perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is structurally similar to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and also widely detected in humans and the environment, comparatively fewer toxicity data exists on this 6-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid. In this study, repeated oral doses of PFHxS were administered to deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) to evaluate subchronic toxicity and potential effects on reproduction and development. Maternal oral exposure to PFHxS caused increased stillbirths, which is relevant for ecological risk assessment, and resulted in a benchmark dose lower limit (BMDL) of 5.72 mg/kg-d PFHxS. Decreased plaque formation, which is relevant for human health risk assessment, occurred in both sexes of adult animals (BMDL = 8.79 mg/kg-d PFHxS). These data are the first to suggest a direct link between PFHxS and decreased functional immunity in an animal model. Additionally, female animals exhibited increased liver:body weight and animals of both sexes exhibited decreased serum thyroxine (T4) levels. Notably, since reproductive effects were used to support 2016 draft health advisories and immune effects were used in 2022 drinking water health advisories released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for PFOS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), these novel data can potentially support advisories for PFHxS because relevant points of departure emerge at similar thresholds in a wild mammal and corroborate the general understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Narizzano
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 5158 Blackhawk Road, MD 21010, USA.
| | - Meredith E Bohannon
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 5158 Blackhawk Road, MD 21010, USA
| | - Andrew G East
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 5158 Blackhawk Road, MD 21010, USA
| | - Blas A Guigni
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 5158 Blackhawk Road, MD 21010, USA
| | - Michael J Quinn
- Toxicology Directorate, Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, 5158 Blackhawk Road, MD 21010, USA
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16
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Rosen Vollmar AK, Lin EZ, Nason SL, Santiago K, Johnson CH, Ma X, Godri Pollitt KJ, Deziel NC. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and thyroid hormone measurements in dried blood spots and neonatal characteristics: a pilot study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:737-747. [PMID: 37730931 PMCID: PMC10541328 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric thyroid diseases have been increasing in recent years. Environmental risk factors such as exposures to chemical contaminants may play a role but are largely unexplored. Archived neonatal dried blood spots (DBS) offer an innovative approach to investigate environmental exposures and effects. OBJECTIVE In this pilot study, we applied a new method for quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to 18 archived DBS from babies born in California from 1985-2018 and acquired thyroid hormone measurements from newborn screening tests. Leveraging these novel data, we evaluated (1) changes in the concentrations of eight PFAS over time and (2) the relationship between PFAS concentrations, thyroid hormone concentrations, and neonatal characteristics to inform future research. METHODS PFAS concentrations in DBS were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Summary statistics and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate temporal changes in PFAS concentrations and relationships between PFAS concentrations, thyroid hormone concentrations, and neonatal characteristics. RESULTS The concentration and detection frequencies of several PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, and PFOSA) declined over the assessment period. We observed that the timing of specimen collection in hours after birth was related to thyroid hormone but not PFAS concentrations, and that thyroid hormones were related to some PFAS concentrations (PFOA and PFOS). IMPACT STATEMENT This pilot study examines the relationship between concentrations of eight per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), thyroid hormone levels, and neonatal characteristics in newborn dried blood spots (DBS) collected over a period of 33 years. To our knowledge, 6 of the 22 PFAS we attempted to measure have not been quantified previously in neonatal DBS, and this is the first study to examine both PFAS and thyroid hormone concentrations using DBS. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using newborn DBS for quantifying PFAS exposures in population-based studies, highlights methodological considerations in the use of thyroid hormone data for future studies using newborn DBS, and indicates potential relationships between PFAS concentrations and thyroid hormones for follow-up in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K Rosen Vollmar
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Z Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sara L Nason
- Departments of Environmental Science and Forestry and Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katerina Santiago
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicole C Deziel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Hu CY, Qiao JC, Gui SY, Xu KX, Dzhambov AM, Zhang XJ. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116064. [PMID: 37178750 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE), cause significant morbidity and mortality among pregnant women. Several environmental toxins, particularly those that affect the normal function of the placenta and the endothelium, are emerging as potential risk factors for HDP. Among them, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used in a variety of commercial products, have been related to a variety of adverse health effects including HDP. This study was conducted by searching three databases for observational studies reporting associations between PFAS and HDP, all of which were published before December 2022. We used random-effects meta-analysis to calculate pooled risk estimates, and assessing each combination of exposure and outcome for quality and level of evidence. In total, 15 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results from meta-analyses showed that risk of PE was increased with exposure to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.85; N = 6 studies; exposure = 1 ln-unit increment; low certainty), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) (RR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.86; N = 6 studies; exposure = 1 ln-unit increment; moderate certainty), and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate) (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.76; N = 6 studies; exposure = 1 ln-unit increment; low certainty). PFOS was also associated with an increased risk of HDP (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.76; exposure = 1 ln-unit increment; low certainty). Exposure to legacy PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS) is associated with an increased risk of PE, and PFOS is further associated with HDP. In view of the limitations of meta-analysis and quality of evidence, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research is required that assesses exposure to multiple PFAS in diverse and well-powered cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jian-Chao Qiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Ke-Xin Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 15A Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv, 4002, Bulgaria; Research group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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18
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Smalling KL, Romanok KM, Bradley PM, Morriss MC, Gray JL, Kanagy LK, Gordon SE, Williams BM, Breitmeyer SE, Jones DK, DeCicco LA, Eagles-Smith CA, Wagner T. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in United States tapwater: Comparison of underserved private-well and public-supply exposures and associated health implications. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108033. [PMID: 37356308 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Drinking-water quality is a rising concern in the United States (US), emphasizing the need to broadly assess exposures and potential health effects at the point-of-use. Drinking-water exposures to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a national concern, however, there is limited information on PFAS in residential tapwater at the point-of-use, especially from private-wells. We conducted a national reconnaissance to compare human PFAS exposures in unregulated private-well and regulated public-supply tapwater. Tapwater from 716 locations (269 private-wells; 447 public supply) across the US was collected during 2016-2021 including three locations where temporal sampling was conducted. Concentrations of PFAS were assessed by three laboratories and compared with land-use and potential-source metrics to explore drivers of contamination. The number of individual PFAS observed ranged from 1 to 9 (median: 2) with corresponding cumulative concentrations (sum of detected PFAS) ranging from 0.348 to 346 ng/L. Seventeen PFAS were observed at least once with PFBS, PFHxS and PFOA observed most frequently in approximately 15% of the samples. Across the US, PFAS profiles and estimated median cumulative concentrations were similar among private wells and public-supply tapwater. We estimate that at least one PFAS could be detected in about 45% of US drinking-water samples. These detection probabilities varied spatially with limited temporal variation in concentrations/numbers of PFAS detected. Benchmark screening approaches indicated potential human exposure risk was dominated by PFOA and PFOS, when detected. Potential source and land-use information was related to cumulative PFAS concentrations, and the number of PFAS detected; however, corresponding relations with specific PFAS were limited likely due to low detection frequencies and higher detection limits. Information generated supports the need for further assessments of cumulative health risks of PFAS as a class and in combination with other co-occurring contaminants, particularly in unmonitored private-wells where information is limited or not available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tyler Wagner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Jeanne PV, McLamb F, Feng Z, Griffin L, Gong S, Shea D, Szuch MA, Scott S, Gersberg RM, Bozinovic G. Locomotion and brain gene expression exhibit sex-specific non-monotonic dose-response to HFPO-DA during Drosophila melanogaster lifespan. Neurotoxicology 2023; 96:207-221. [PMID: 37156305 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their environmental persistence and bio-accumulative properties, have been phased out in the U.S. due to public health concerns. A newer polymerization aid used in the manufacture of some fluoropolymers, hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA), has lower reported bioaccumulation and toxicity, but is a potential neurotoxicant implicated in dopaminergic neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE We investigated HFPO-DA's bio-accumulative potential and sex-specific effects on lifespan, locomotion, and brain gene expression in fruit flies. METHODS We quantified bioaccumulation of HFPO-DA in fruit flies exposed to 8.7×104µg/L of HFPO-DA in the fly media for 14 days via UHPLC-MS. Long-term effect on lifespan was determined by exposing both sexes to 8.7×102 - 8.7×105µg/L of HFPO-DA in media. Locomotion was measured following 3, 7, and 14 days of exposures at 8.7×101 - 8.7×105µg/L of HFPO-DA in media, and high-throughput 3'-end RNA-sequencing was used to quantify gene expression in fly brains across the same time points. RESULTS Bioaccumulation of HFPO-DA in fruit flies was not detected. HFPO-DA-induced effects on lifespan, locomotion, and brain gene expression, and lowest adverse effect level (LOAEL) showed sexually dimorphic patterns. Locomotion scores significantly decreased in at least one dose at all time points for females and only at 3-day exposure for males, while brain gene expression exhibited non-monotonic dose-response. Differentially expressed genes correlated to locomotion scores revealed sex-specific numbers of positively and negatively correlated genes per functional category. CONCLUSION Although HFPO-DA effects on locomotion and survival were significant at doses higher than the US EPA reference dose, the brain transcriptomic profiling reveals sex-specific changes and neurological molecular targets; gene enrichments highlight disproportionately affected categories, including immune response: female-specific co-upregulation suggests potential neuroinflammation. Consistent sex-specific exposure effects necessitate blocking for sex in experimental design during HFPO-DA risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vu Jeanne
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA; University of California, San Diego, Division of Extended Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Flannery McLamb
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; University of California, San Diego, Division of Extended Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zuying Feng
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lindsey Griffin
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; University of California, San Diego, Division of Extended Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sylvia Gong
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA; University of California, San Diego, Division of Extended Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Mary A Szuch
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Savannah Scott
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard M Gersberg
- San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Goran Bozinovic
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Biological Sciences, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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20
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Zhan W, Qiu W, Ao Y, Zhou W, Sun Y, Zhao H, Zhang J. Environmental Exposure to Emerging Alternatives of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women Diagnosed with Infertility: A Mixture Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:57001. [PMID: 37134253 PMCID: PMC10156134 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been previously linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but only a few legacy PFAS were examined. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore this association with a variety of PFAS, including legacy, branched-chain isomers, and emerging alternatives, as well as a PFAS mixture. METHODS From 2014 to 2016, we conducted a multicenter, hospital-based case-control study on environmental endocrine disruptors and infertility in China. Three hundred sixty-six women with PCOS-related infertility and 577 control participants without PCOS were included in the current analysis. Twenty-three PFAS, including 3 emerging PFAS alternatives, 6 linear and branched PFAS isomers, 6 short-chain PFAS, and 8 legacy PFAS, were quantified in the plasma. Logistic regression and two multipollutant models [quantile-based g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) methods] were used to assess the association of individual PFAS and PFAS mixture with PCOS, as well as the potential interactions among the congeners. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, Each 1-standard deviation higher difference in ln-transformed 6:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) level was significantly associated with a 29% (95% CI: 1.11, 1.52) and 39% (95% CI:1.16, 1.68) higher odds of PCOS, respectively. Meanwhile, branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) (i.e., br-PFHxS, n-PFOS, 1m-PFOS, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS), short-chain PFAS (i.e., PFPeS and PFHxA) and other legacy PFAS [i.e., total concentrations of PFOS (T-PFOS), and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)] were significantly associated with increased odds of PCOS. The PFAS mixture was positively related to PCOS in the BKMR model. A similar trend was observed in QGC model, a ln-unit increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with a 20% increased risk of PCOS [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.20 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.37)]. After controlling for other PFAS homologs, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, HFPO-DA, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS, and PFDoA were the major contributors based on the QGC and BKMR models. The associations were more pronounced in overweight/obese women. CONCLUSIONS In this group of women, environmental exposure to a PFAS mixture was associated with an elevated odds of PCOS, with 6:2 Cl-PFESA, HFPO-DA, Σ3,4,5m-PFOS, and PFDoA being the major contributors, especially in overweight/obese women. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11814.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Zhan
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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21
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LaKind JS, Naiman J, Verner MA, Lévêque L, Fenton S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in breast milk and infant formula: A global issue. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115042. [PMID: 36529330 PMCID: PMC9872587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115042] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are transferred from mother to infants through breastfeeding, a time when children may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS-mediated adverse health effects. Infants can also be exposed to PFAS from infant formula consumption. Our recent literature-based scoping of breast milk levels reported that four PFAS often exceeded the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) children's drinking water screening levels in both the general population and highly impacted communities in the U.S. and Canada. This work presents a comparison of global breast milk and infant formula PFAS measurements with the only reported health-based drinking water screening values specific to children. METHODS We focused on four PFAS for which ATSDR has developed children's drinking water screening values: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), and PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid). Published literature on PFAS levels in breast milk and infant formula were identified via PubMed searches. Data were compared to children's drinking water screening values. DISCUSSION Breast milk concentrations of PFOA and PFOS often exceed children's drinking water screening values, regardless of geographic location. The limited information on infant formula suggests its use does not necessarily result in lower PFAS exposures, especially for formulas reconstituted with drinking water containing PFAS. Unfortunately, individuals generally cannot know whether their infant's exposures exceed children's drinking water screening values. Thus, it is essential that pregnant and lactating women and others, especially those having lived in PFAS-contaminated communities, have data required to make informed decisions on infant nutrition. An international monitoring effort and access to affordable testing are needed for breast milk, drinking water and infant formula to fully understand infant PFAS exposures. Currently, our understanding of demonstrable methods for reducing exposures to emerging PFAS is limited, making this research and the communications surrounding it even more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, 106 Oakdale Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Josh Naiman
- Naiman Associates, LLC, 504 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Marc-Andre Verner
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Laura Lévêque
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Suzanne Fenton
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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22
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Harrison EE, Waters ML. Detection and differentiation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water using a fluorescent imprint-and-report sensor array. Chem Sci 2023; 14:928-936. [PMID: 36755732 PMCID: PMC9891069 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc05685b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread industrial use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as surfactants has led to global contamination of water sources with these persistent, highly stable chemicals. As a result, humans and wildlife are regularly exposed to PFAS, which have been shown to bioaccumulate and cause adverse health effects. Methods for detecting PFAS in water are currently limited and primarily utilize mass spectrometry (MS), which is time-consuming and requires expensive instrumentation. Thus, new methods are needed to rapidly and reliably assess the pollution level of water sources. While some fluorescent PFAS sensors exist, they typically function in high nanomolar or micromolar concentration ranges and focus on sensing only 1-2 individual PFAS. Our work aims to address this problem by developing a fluorescent sensor for both individual PFAS, as well as complex PFAS mixtures, and demonstrate its functionality in tap water samples. Here we show that dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) with simple building blocks can be templated with a fluorophore and subsequently used as sensors to form an array that differentially detects each PFAS species and various mixtures thereof. Our method is a high-throughput analysis technique that allows many samples to be analyzed simultaneously with a plate reader. This is one of the first examples of a fluorescent PFAS sensor array that functions at low nanomolar concentrations, and herein we report its use for the rapid detection of PFAS contamination in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Harrison
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth Carolina 27599USA
| | - Marcey L. Waters
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth Carolina 27599USA
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23
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Medlock-Kakaley E, Dixon A, Hill D, McCord J, Strynar MJ, Ford J, Gray LE. Cumulative maternal and neonatal effects of combined exposure to a mixture of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) during pregnancy in the Sprague-Dawley rat. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107631. [PMID: 36402036 PMCID: PMC9944680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Globally, biomonitoring data demonstrate virtually all humans carry residues of multiple per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Despite pervasive co-exposure, limited mixtures-based in vivo PFAS toxicity research has been conducted. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are commonly detected PFAS in human and environmental samples and both produce adverse effects in laboratory animal studies, including maternal and offspring effects when orally administered during pregnancy and lactation. To evaluate the effects of combined exposure to PFOA and PFOS, we orally exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats from gestation day 8 (GD8) to postnatal day 2 (PND2) to PFOA (10-250 mg/kg/d) or PFOS (0.1-5 mg/kg/d) individually to characterize effects and dose response curve parameters, followed by a variable-ratio mixture experiment with a constant dose of PFOS (2 mg/kg/d) mixed with increasing doses of PFOA (3-80 mg/kg/d). The mixture study design was intended to: 1) shift the PFOA dose response curves for endpoints shared with PFOS, 2) allow comparison of dose addition (DA) and response addition (RA) model predictions, 3) conduct relative potency factor (RPF) analysis for multiple endpoints, and 4) avoid overt maternal toxicity. Maternal serum and liver concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were consistent between the individual chemical and mixture experiments. Combined exposure with PFOS significantly shifted the PFOA dose response curves towards effects at lower doses compared to PFOA-only exposure for multiple endpoints and these effects were well predicted by dose addition. For endpoints amenable to mixture model analyses, DA produced equivalent or better estimates of observed data than RA. All endpoints evaluated were accurately predicted by RPF and DA approaches except for maternal gestational weight gain, which produced less-than-additive results in the mixture. Data support the hypothesis of cumulative effects on shared endpoints from PFOA and PFOS co-exposure and dose additive approaches for predictive estimates of mixture effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Aaron Dixon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Donna Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - James McCord
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Mark J Strynar
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Jermaine Ford
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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24
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P22-06 Statistical analyses of rodent litter size in toxicology studies: an alternative approach using beta-binominal model. Toxicol Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.07.720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Zhong H, Liu W, Li N, Ma D, Zhao C, Li J, Wang Y, Jiang G. Assessment of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)-related compounds degradation potential: Computational and experimental approaches. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129240. [PMID: 35739759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and PFHxS-related compounds are listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention without specific exemptions. Substances that potentially degrade to PFHxS are considered as their related compounds. Unfortunately, the degradation behavior of PFHxS precursors, an important basis for the corresponding chemical regulation, remains unclear. Herein, based on the hypothesis that bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) is the determining factor for the degradation of PFHxS precursors, the BDE of PFHxS-related precursors to produceC6F13SO2-groups was calculated. In addition, quantitative structure-activity relationship models based on partial least squares, partial least squares discrimination analysis, and support vector machine algorithms were developed to predict the BDE of 48 PFHxS precursors and distinguish the precursors with different degradation potential. Subsequent photodegradation experiments demonstrated that the order of degradation rates was consistent with that predicted by theoretical models. Importantly, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorobutanoic acid, and not PFHxS, were detected as the degradation products of potential PFHxS precursors. Sulfonamides, phenyl unit, and other radicals in the non-nucleus part of PFHxS precursors were identified as the critical molecular segments that affect their degradation potential. Ultimately, by comparing BDE values, it was theoretically speculated that PFHxS related compounds exhibit a greater potential to generate PFHxA than PFHxS. Results in this study indicated for the first time that not all the compounds containing C6F13SO2- groups were guaranteed to degrade into PFHxS under natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Zhong
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ningqi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Donghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Bil W, Zeilmaker MJ, Bokkers BG. Internal Relative Potency Factors for the Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Human Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:77005. [PMID: 35881550 PMCID: PMC9320915 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human biomonitoring, blood is often used as a matrix to measure exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Because the toxicokinetics of a substance (determining the steady-state blood concentration) may affect the toxic potency, the difference in toxicokinetics among PFAS has to be accounted for when blood concentrations are used in mixture risk assessment. OBJECTIVES This research focuses on deriving relative potency factors (RPFs) at the blood serum level. These RPFs can be applied to PFAS concentrations in human blood, thereby facilitating mixture risk assessment with primary input from human biomonitoring studies. METHODS Toxicokinetic models are generated for 10 PFAS to estimate the internal exposure in the male rat at the blood serum level over time. By applying dose-response modeling, these internal exposures are used to derive quantitative internal RPFs based on liver effects. RESULTS Internal RPFs were successfully obtained for nine PFAS. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX) were found to be more potent than perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at the blood serum level in terms of relative liver weight increase, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were found to be less potent. The practical implementation of these internal RPFs is illustrated using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) biomonitoring data of 2017-2018. DISCUSSION It is recommended to assess the health risk resulting from exposure to PFAS as combined, aggregate exposure to the extent feasible. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieneke Bil
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marco J. Zeilmaker
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bas G.H. Bokkers
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Weng X, Liang H, Tan Y, Chen J, Fei Q, Liu S, Guo X, Wen L, Wu Y, Jing C. Mixed effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure on cognitive function among people over 60 years old from NHANES. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32093-32104. [PMID: 35013956 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cognitive function are inconsistent, and the mixed effects of PFAS on cognitive function are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the joint effects of PFAS on cognitive function assessed using four tests as follows: the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Immediate Recall Test (IRT), Delayed Recall Test (DRT), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) in the US elderly. A total of 777 individuals aged ≥ 60 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were constructed to estimate the overall and the individual effects of PFAS exposure on cognitive function. There were 21.36%, 22.65%, 21.62%, and 21.24% participants with cognitive decline in IRT, DRT, AFT, and DSST, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was inversely associated with cognitive decline in IRT, DRT, and AFT, while no significant association was observed between any other PFAS and cognitive decline. Compared with the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratio of cognitive decline with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest quartile of PFOA was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.15-0.69) in IRT, 0.50 (0.26-0.96) in DRT, and 0.45 (0.21-0.95) in AFT. In BKMR analysis, the overall effect of mixtures was significantly protective on cognitive decline in IRT, of which PFOA made the greatest contribution. The consistent protective effect in DRT and DSST was observed when all the chemicals were at their 50th percentile or below it. No significant interaction was observed among PFAS for cognitive function. These findings suggested that PFAS mixture at a low level of current exposure of the US population may have a protective effect on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqiong Weng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Huanzhu Liang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuxuan Tan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingmin Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoyuan Fei
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinrong Guo
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Ave West, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 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.
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Starnes HM, Rock KD, Jackson TW, Belcher SM. A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Impacts of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances on the Brain and Behavior. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:881584. [PMID: 35480070 PMCID: PMC9035516 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.881584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of structurally diverse synthetic organic chemicals that are chemically stable, resistant to degradation, and persistent in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Widespread use of PFAS in industrial processing and manufacturing over the last 70 years has led to global contamination of built and natural environments. The brain is a lipid rich and highly vascularized organ composed of long-lived neurons and glial cells that are especially vulnerable to the impacts of persistent and lipophilic toxicants. Generally, PFAS partition to protein-rich tissues of the body, primarily the liver and blood, but are also detected in the brains of humans, wildlife, and laboratory animals. Here we review factors impacting the absorption, distribution, and accumulation of PFAS in the brain, and currently available evidence for neurotoxic impacts defined by disruption of neurochemical, neurophysiological, and behavioral endpoints. Emphasis is placed on the neurotoxic potential of exposures during critical periods of development and in sensitive populations, and factors that may exacerbate neurotoxicity of PFAS. While limitations and inconsistencies across studies exist, the available body of evidence suggests that the neurobehavioral impacts of long-chain PFAS exposures during development are more pronounced than impacts resulting from exposure during adulthood. There is a paucity of experimental studies evaluating neurobehavioral and molecular mechanisms of short-chain PFAS, and even greater data gaps in the analysis of neurotoxicity for PFAS outside of the perfluoroalkyl acids. Whereas most experimental studies were focused on acute and subchronic impacts resulting from high dose exposures to a single PFAS congener, more realistic exposures for humans and wildlife are mixtures exposures that are relatively chronic and low dose in nature. Our evaluation of the available human epidemiological, experimental, and wildlife data also indicates heightened accumulation of perfluoroalkyl acids in the brain after environmental exposure, in comparison to the experimental studies. These findings highlight the need for additional experimental analysis of neurodevelopmental impacts of environmentally relevant concentrations and complex mixtures of PFAS.
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Costello E, Rock S, Stratakis N, Eckel SP, Walker DI, Valvi D, Cserbik D, Jenkins T, Xanthakos SA, Kohli R, Sisley S, Vasiliou V, La Merrill MA, Rosen H, Conti DV, McConnell R, Chatzi L. Exposure to per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Markers of Liver Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:46001. [PMID: 35475652 PMCID: PMC9044977 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental evidence indicates that exposure to certain pollutants is associated with liver damage. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals widely used in industry and consumer products and bioaccumulate in food webs and human tissues, such as the liver. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis evaluating PFAS exposure and evidence of liver injury from rodent and epidemiological studies. METHODS PubMed and Embase were searched for all studies from earliest available indexing year through 1 December 2021 using keywords corresponding to PFAS exposure and liver injury. For data synthesis, results were limited to studies in humans and rodents assessing the following indicators of liver injury: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or steatosis. For human studies, at least three observational studies per PFAS were used to conduct a weighted z-score meta-analysis to determine the direction and significance of associations. For rodent studies, data were synthesized to qualitatively summarize the direction and significance of effect. RESULTS Our search yielded 85 rodent studies and 24 epidemiological studies, primarily of people from the United States. Studies focused primarily on legacy PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid. Meta-analyses of human studies revealed that higher ALT levels were associated with exposure to PFOA (z-score= 6.20, p<0.001), PFOS (z-score= 3.55, p<0.001), and PFNA (z-score= 2.27, p=0.023). PFOA exposure was also associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in humans. In rodents, PFAS exposures consistently resulted in higher ALT levels and steatosis. CONCLUSION There is consistent evidence for PFAS hepatotoxicity from rodent studies, supported by associations of PFAS and markers of liver function in observational human studies. This review identifies a need for additional research evaluating next-generation PFAS, mixtures, and early life exposures. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10092.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Costello
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah Rock
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Douglas I. Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dora Cserbik
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Todd Jenkins
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Sisley
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michele A. La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hugo Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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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]
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Lin X, Wang S, Li Q, Li Y, Yamazaki E, Yamashita N, Wang X. Occurrence, partitioning behavior and risk assessments of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water, sediment and biota from the Dongshan Bay, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132812. [PMID: 34762890 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-five per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were analyzed in water, sediment and biota from the Dongshan Bay (DSB) to study their seasonal variations, composition profiles, potential pollution sources, partitioning behavior and risk assessments. The total concentrations of PFASs (∑PFASs) in water ranged from 3.2 to 6.5 ng L-1 (mean 4.0 ng L-1) during the dry season, and 0.11-4.5 ng L-1 (mean 1.3 ng L-1) during the wet season. Perfluoro-butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoro-butanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) were dominated and frequently detected in water. ∑PFASs in sediment were 0.15-0.37 ng g-1 dw (mean 0.24 ng g-1 dw) with the long-chain PFASs perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) dominating. High concentrations of PFASs in land-based drainage outlets (2.0-384.6 ng L-1 in water) and Zhangjiang estuary indicated that land-based discharges and the river discharge were the main sources. High concentration (366.1 ng L-1) and proportion (94%) of PFBA on one drainage outlet agreed with the trend that PFBA was as an alternative to long-chain PFASs. ∑PFASs in biota ranged from 0.11 to 0.40 ng g-1 ww, and only long-chain PFASs were detected. The partition coefficients (log Kd) of PFASs between water and sediment ranged from 1.13 to 2.90, increased with carbon chain length, implied long-chain PFASs are more likely to adsorb to sediment. Results of ecological and health risk assessments indicated that PFASs had no significant risk for the aquatic organisms and local residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China
| | - Siquan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China
| | - Qin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China
| | - Yongyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China
| | - Eriko Yamazaki
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China; National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Yamashita
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Xinhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, China.
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LaKind JS, Verner MA, Rogers RD, Goeden H, Naiman DQ, Marchitti SA, Lehmann GM, Hines EP, Fenton SE. Current Breast Milk PFAS Levels in the United States and Canada: After All This Time, Why Don't We Know More? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:25002. [PMID: 35195447 PMCID: PMC8865090 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite 20 y of biomonitoring studies of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in both serum and urine, we have an extremely limited understanding of PFAS concentrations in breast milk of women from the United States and Canada. The lack of robust information on PFAS concentrations in breast milk and implications for breastfed infants and their families were brought to the forefront by communities impacted by PFAS contamination. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this work are to: a) document published PFAS breast milk concentrations in the United States and Canada; b) estimate breast milk PFAS levels from maternal serum concentrations in national surveys and communities impacted by PFAS; and c) compare measured/estimated milk PFAS concentrations to screening values. METHODS We used three studies reporting breast milk concentrations in the United States and Canada We also estimated breast milk PFAS concentrations by multiplying publicly available serum concentrations by milk:serum partitioning ratios for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Measured and estimated breast milk concentrations were compared to children's drinking water screening values. DISCUSSION Geometric means of estimated breast milk concentrations ranged over approximately two orders of magnitude for the different surveys/communities. All geometric mean and mean estimated and measured breast milk PFOA and PFOS concentrations exceeded drinking water screening values for children, sometimes by more than two orders of magnitude. For PFHxS and PFNA, all measured breast milk levels were below the drinking water screening values for children; the geometric mean estimated breast milk concentrations were close to-or exceeded-the children's drinking water screening values for certain communities. Exceeding a children's drinking water screening value does not indicate that adverse health effects will occur and should not be interpreted as a reason to not breastfeed; it indicates that the situation should be further evaluated. It is past time to have a better understanding of environmental chemical transfer to-and concentrations in-an exceptional source of infant nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10359.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S. LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, Catonsville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Rachel D. Rogers
- Office of the Director, National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Helen Goeden
- Environmental Health Division, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel Q. Naiman
- Department of Applied Mathematics & Statistics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Geniece M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin P. Hines
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research & Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Sim KH, Lee YJ. Perfluorohexane sulfonate induces memory impairment and downregulation of neuroproteins via NMDA receptor-mediated PKC-ERK/AMPK signaling pathway. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132503. [PMID: 34626661 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a widely used industrial chemical detected in human umbilical cord blood and breast milk, and has been suggested to exhibit developmental neurotoxicity. Previous studies on mice reported that neonatal exposure to PFHxS altered neuroprotein levels in the developing brain, and caused behavioral toxicity and cognitive dysfunction in the mature brain. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for PFHxS-induced neuroprotein dysregulation are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effect of neonatal exposure to PFHxS on memory function using an in vivo mice model. Furthermore, we examined the levels of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) (biomarkers of neuronal development) and the involved signaling pathways using differentiated neuronal PC12 cells. PFHxS decreased cell viability, GAP-43 and CaMKII levels, and neurite formation. These effects were mediated by the NMDA receptor, PKC-α, PKC-δ, AMPK and ERK pathways. MK801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, reduced the activation of PKC-α, PKC-δ, ERK and AMPK. The activation of ERK was suppressed by pharmacological and knockdown inhibition of PKC-α and -δ. Interestingly, the AMPK pathway was selectively inhibited by inhibiting PKC-δ but not PKC-ɑ. Consistent with PFHxS-induced neuronal death, and GAP-43 and CaMKII downregulation, neonatal exposure to PFHxS caused significant memory impairment in adult mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PFHxS induces persistent developmental neurotoxicity, as well as GAP-43 and CaMKII downregulation via the NMDA receptor-mediated PKCs (α and δ)-ERK/AMPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Medlock-Kakaley E, Hill D, McCord J, Strynar MJ, Wehmas LC, Hester S, MacMillan DK, Gray LE. Developmental toxicity of Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2) in the Sprague-Dawley rat with comparisons to hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107056. [PMID: 34952357 PMCID: PMC8821375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2) is a polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid that was recently detected in surface water, drinking water, and human serum samples from monitoring studies in North Carolina, USA. We orally exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to NBP2 from gestation day (GD) 14-18 (0.1-30 mg/kg/d), GD17-21, and GD8 to postnatal day (PND) 2 (0.3-30 mg/kg/d) to characterize maternal, fetal, and postnatal effects. GD14-18 exposures were also conducted with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) for comparison to NBP2, as well as data previously published for hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX). NBP2 produced stillbirth (30 mg/kg), reduced pup survival shortly after birth (10 mg/kg), and reduced pup body weight (10 mg/kg). Histopathological evaluation identified reduced glycogen stores in newborn pup livers and hepatocyte hypertrophy in maternal livers at ≥ 10 mg/kg. Exposure to NBP2 from GD14-18 reduced maternal serum total T3 and cholesterol concentrations (30 mg/kg). Maternal, fetal, and neonatal liver gene expression was investigated using RT-qPCR pathway arrays, while maternal and fetal livers were also analyzed using TempO-Seq transcriptomic profiling. Overall, there was limited alteration of genes in maternal or F1 livers from NBP2 exposure with significant changes mostly occurring in the top dose group (30 mg/kg) associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Metabolomic profiling indicated elevated maternal bile acids for NBP2, but not HFPO-DA or PFOS, while all three reduced 3-indolepropionic acid. Maternal and fetal serum and liver NBP2 concentrations were similar to PFOS, but ∼10-30-fold greater than HFPO-DA concentrations at a given maternal oral dose. NBP2 is a developmental toxicant in the rat, producing neonatal mortality, reduced pup body weight, reduced pup liver glycogen, reduced maternal thyroid hormones, and altered maternal and offspring lipid and carbohydrate metabolism similar to other studied PFAS, with oral toxicity for pup loss that is slightly less potent than PFOS but more potent than HFPO-DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Donna Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - James McCord
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Mark J Strynar
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Leah C Wehmas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Susan Hester
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Denise K MacMillan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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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.
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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.
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Solan ME, Lavado R. The use of in vitro methods in assessing human health risks associated with short-chain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:1298-1309. [PMID: 34873727 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of industrial chemicals with a ubiquitous and persistent presence in the environment. Of the thousands of PFAS used by consumers and industry, very few have been thoroughly characterized for potential adverse effects. This is especially true for the novel short-chain (C < 8) alternatives that replaced legacy PFAS. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances have revealed inconsistencies in the toxicokinetics predicted by animal models and empirical findings in humans. To adequately assess the possible health effects of short-chain PFAS, there is a need for robust aggregated data sets on the mechanistic underpinnings and physiochemical properties of these alternatives. Acquiring relevant data on the health effects of short-chain PFAS can be achieved through high-throughput methods supported by in vitro human cell-based models. This review briefly summarizes some of the toxicity data obtained using human cells in vitro, discusses the advantages and limitations of cell-based models, and provides insights on potential solutions to challenges presented with the use of these methods for use in safety assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Solan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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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.
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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.
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Gilbert ME, O'Shaughnessy KL, Thomas SE, Riutta C, Wood CR, Smith A, Oshiro WO, Ford RL, Hotchkiss MG, Hassan I, Ford JL. Thyroid Disruptors: Extrathyroidal Sites of Chemical Action and Neurodevelopmental Outcome-An Examination Using Triclosan and Perfluorohexane Sulfonate. Toxicol Sci 2021; 183:195-213. [PMID: 34460931 PMCID: PMC9038230 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many xenobiotics are identified as potential thyroid disruptors due to their action to reduce circulating levels of thyroid hormone, most notably thyroxine (T4). Developmental neurotoxicity is a primary concern for thyroid disrupting chemicals yet correlating the impact of chemically induced changes in serum T4 to perturbed brain development remains elusive. A number of thyroid-specific neurodevelopmental assays have been proposed, based largely on the model thyroid hormone synthesis inhibitor propylthiouracil (PTU). This study examined whether thyroid disrupting chemicals acting distinct from synthesis inhibition would result in the same alterations in brain as expected with PTU. The perfluoroalkyl substance perfluorohexane sulfonate (50 mg/kg/day) and the antimicrobial Triclosan (300 mg/kg/day) were administered to pregnant rats from gestational day 6 to postnatal day (PN) 21, and a number of PTU-defined assays for neurotoxicity evaluated. Both chemicals reduced serum T4 but did not increase thyroid stimulating hormone. Both chemicals increased expression of hepatic metabolism genes, while thyroid hormone-responsive genes in the liver, thyroid gland, and brain were largely unchanged. Brain tissue T4 was reduced in newborns, but despite persistent T4 reductions in serum, had recovered in the PN6 pup brain. Neither treatment resulted in a low dose PTU-like phenotype in either brain morphology or neurobehavior, raising questions for the interpretation of serum biomarkers in regulatory toxicology. They further suggest that reliance on serum hormones as prescriptive of specific neurodevelopmental outcomes may be too simplistic and to understand thyroid-mediated neurotoxicity we must expand our thinking beyond that which follows thyroid hormone synthesis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gilbert
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Susan E Thomas
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830, USA
| | - Cal Riutta
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830, USA
| | - Carmen R Wood
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Alicia Smith
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830, USA
| | - Wendy O Oshiro
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Richard L Ford
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830, USA
| | - Michelle Gatien Hotchkiss
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Iman Hassan
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Public Health Integrated Toxicology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Jermaine L Ford
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Myhre O, Zimmer KE, Hudecova AM, Hansen KEA, Khezri A, Berntsen HF, Berg V, Lyche JL, Mandal S, Duale N, Ropstad E. Maternal exposure to a human based mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affect gene expression related to brain function in mice offspring hippocampus. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130123. [PMID: 33714876 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130123] [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: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Male and female mice pups were exposed to a low and high dose of a human relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during pregnancy and lactation. Most compounds detected in the dams were found in offspring brains. The mice offspring exhibited changed expression of hippocampal genes involved in cognitive function (Adora2a, Auts2, Crlf1, Chrnb2, Gdnf, Gnal, Kcnh3), neuroinflammation (Cd47, Il1a), circadian rhythm (Per1, Clock), redox signalling (Hmox2) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation (Cyp1b1). A few genes were differentially expressed in males versus females. Mostly, similar patterns of gene expression changes were observed between the low and high dose groups. Effects on learning and memory function measured in the Barnes maze (not moving, escape latency) were found in the high dose group when combined with moderate stress exposure (air flow from a fan). Mediation analysis indicated adaptation to the effects of exposure since gene expression compensated for learning disabilities (escape latency, walking distance and time spent not moving in the maze). Additionally, random forest analysis indicated that Kcnh3, Gnal, and Crlf1 were the most important genes for escape latency, while Hip1, Gnal and the low exposure level were the most important explanatory factors for passive behaviour (not moving). Altogether, this study showed transfer of POPs to the offspring brains after maternal exposure, modulating the expression level of genes involved in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddvar Myhre
- Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P. O. Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karin E Zimmer
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Alexandra M Hudecova
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Kristine E A Hansen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Hanne F Berntsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway; National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vidar Berg
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Jan L Lyche
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Section of Molecular Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P. O. Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
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Basaly V, Hill J, Bihaqi SW, Marques E, Slitt AL, Zawia NH. Developmental Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure as a potential risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in CD-1 mice and SH-SY5Y cells. Neurotoxicology 2021; 86:26-36. [PMID: 34224775 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for approximately 60-80% of dementia cases worldwide and is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular senile plaques composed of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Sporadic or late-onset AD (LOAD) represents 95 % of the AD cases and its etiology does not appear to follow Mendelian laws of inheritance, thus, implicating the role of epigenetic programming and environmental factors. Apolipoprotein allele 4 (ApoE4), the only established genetic risk factor for LOAD, is suggested to accelerate the pathogenesis of AD by increasing tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibiting the clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ), and promoting Aβ aggregation. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant, with potential neurotoxic effects, that poses a major threat to the ecosystem and human health. By employing in vivo and in vitro models, the present study investigated PFOS as a potential risk factor for LOAD by assessing its impact on amyloidogenesis, tau pathology, and rodent behavior. Our behavioral analysis revealed that developmentally exposed male and female mice exhibited a strong trend of increased rearing and significantly increased distance traveled in the open field test. Biochemically, GSK3β and total ApoE were increased following developmental exposure, in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro, low concentrations of PFOS elevated protein levels of APP, tau, and its site-specific phosphorylation. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed to a series of PFOS concentrations, also, had elevated protein expression of GSK3β. These data suggest that total ApoE is inducible by environmental exposure to PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronia Basaly
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Jaunetta Hill
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Syed Waseem Bihaqi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Emily Marques
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Angela L Slitt
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Nasser H Zawia
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA; Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare association of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) profile among firefighters (FF) at airport to suburban FF. METHODS Cross-sectional exploratory study, 47 men FF aged 18 to 62 years were enrolled from two fire departments in Ohio. Association between MetS outcome and log transformed serum concentrations of four PFASs was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS PFASs serum concentrations were 18% to 74% higher in FF than the general population, and 21% to 62% higher in airport FF than suburban FF. Compared with US general population, an elevated risk of hypertension was noted in FF, but no significant association between PFASs and MetS was found. CONCLUSIONS Current serum PFASs in FF are not associated with MetS risk.
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Ramskov Tetzlaff CN, Ramhøj L, Lardenois A, Axelstad M, Evrard B, Chalmel F, Taxvig C, Svingen T. Adult female rats perinatally exposed to perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and a mixture of endocrine disruptors display increased body/fat weights without a transcriptional footprint in fat cells. Toxicol Lett 2021; 339:78-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mikkonen AT, Martin J, Dourson ML, Hinwood A, Johnson MS. Suggestions for Improving the Characterization of Risk from Exposures to Per and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:871-886. [PMID: 33201555 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many state and federal environmental and health agencies have developed risk-based criteria for assessing the risk of adverse health effects of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) exposure to humans and the environment. However, the criteria that have been developed vary; drinking water criteria developed for perfluorooctanoic acid, for example, can vary by up to 750 fold. This is due to differences and variability in the data and information used, study/endpoint selection, assumptions and magnitude of uncertainty factors used in the absence and extrapolation of critical effect data, differences in underlying approaches to addressing exposure within criteria development, and/or policy decisions on levels of acceptable risk. We have critically evaluated the methods used to develop these criteria while focusing on derivation and application of drinking water criteria and discuss a range of improvements to risk-characterization practice recently presented at a Focused Topic Meeting on PFAS conducted by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in Durham, North Carolina, USA, 12 to 15 August 2019. We propose methods that consider maximizing the use of disparate data streams, seeking patterns, and proposing biologically based approaches to evidence integration toward informed criteria development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:883-898. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti T Mikkonen
- University of South Australia Clinical and Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrea Hinwood
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark S Johnson
- US Army Public Health Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
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Mokra K. Endocrine Disruptor Potential of Short- and Long-Chain Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)-A Synthesis of Current Knowledge with Proposal of Molecular Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2148. [PMID: 33670069 PMCID: PMC7926449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are a group of chemical compounds that, even in low concentrations, cause a hormonal imbalance in the body, contributing to the development of various harmful health disorders. Many industry compounds, due to their important commercial value and numerous applications, are produced on a global scale, while the mechanism of their endocrine action has not been fully understood. In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained the interest of major international health organizations, and thus more and more studies have been aimed to explain the toxicity of these compounds. PFASs were firstly synthesized in the 1950s and broadly used in the industry in the production of firefighting agents, cosmetics and herbicides. The numerous industrial applications of PFASs, combined with the exceptionally long half-life of these substances in the human body and extreme environmental persistence, result in a common and chronic exposure of the general population to their action. Available data have suggested that human exposure to PFASs can occur during different stages of development and may cause short- or/and long-term health effects. This paper synthetizes the current literature reports on the presence, bioaccumulation and, particularly, endocrine toxicity of selected long- and short-chain PFASs, with a special emphasis on the mechanisms underlying their endocrine actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Mokra
- Department of Environmental Pollution Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143 St., 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Zhou J, Shu R, Yu C, Xiong Z, Xiao Q, Li Z, Xie X, Fu Z. Exposure to low concentration of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid induces the disorders of liver lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127255. [PMID: 32554004 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) is the shortest chain perfluorinated compound. Recently, it has been identified as a persistent and mobile organic chemical with a maximum concentration of 1 μg/L in the environment. However, its toxicological mechanism remains unclear. In this study, to evaluate the liver and intestinal toxicity of TFMS in mammals, male mice were orally exposed to 0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/kg for 12 weeks. Our results showed that TFMS exposure reduced the epididymal fat weight in mice, caused the decrease of serum and liver triglyceride (TG) level and the increase of serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) level. Also, we observed the inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of mice exposed to 10 μg/kg and 100 μg/kg TFMS, which was coupled with the increased mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors such as COX2, TNF-α, IL-1β in the liver. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes (PPAR-α, ACOX, SCD1, PPAR-γ, etc.) were significantly decreased in the liver of mice after exposure to both doses of TFMS. We also found TFMS exposure caused the imbalance of cecal gut microbiota and change of cecal microbiota diversity. KEGG pathway predictions showed that the exposure of 100 μg/kg TFMS changed the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, benzoate degradation and several other metabolic pathways. Our findings indicated that TFMS exposure disturbed the liver lipid metabolism possibly via altering the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Ruonan Shu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Chunan Yu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Ze Xiong
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Qingfeng Xiao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Zezhi Li
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiaoxian Xie
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China.
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China.
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Gilbert ME, O'Shaughnessy KL, Axelstad M. Regulation of Thyroid-disrupting Chemicals to Protect the Developing Brain. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa106. [PMID: 32615585 PMCID: PMC8650774 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties are pervasive in the environment and are present in the bodies of humans and wildlife. As thyroid hormones (THs) control normal brain development, and maternal hypothyroxinemia is associated with neurological impairments in children, chemicals that interfere with TH signaling are of considerable concern for children's health. However, identifying thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) in vivo is largely based on measuring serum tetraiodothyronine in rats, which may be inadequate to assess TDCs with disparate mechanisms of action and insufficient to evaluate the potential neurotoxicity of TDCs. In this review 2 neurodevelopmental processes that are dependent on TH action are highlighted, neuronal migration and maturation of gamma amino butyric acid-ergic interneurons. We discuss how interruption of these processes by TDCs may contribute to abnormal brain circuitry following developmental TH insufficiency. Finally, we identify issues in evaluating the developmental neurotoxicity of TDCs and the strengths and limitations of current approaches designed to regulate them. It is clear that an enhanced understanding of how THs affect brain development will lead to refined toxicity testing, reducing uncertainty and improving our ability to protect children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gilbert
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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47
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Ceccatelli S, Cravedi J, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, Knutsen HK, Rose M, Roudot A, Van Loveren H, Vollmer G, Mackay K, Riolo F, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06223. [PMID: 32994824 PMCID: PMC7507523 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food. Based on several similar effects in animals, toxicokinetics and observed concentrations in human blood, the CONTAM Panel decided to perform the assessment for the sum of four PFASs: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These made up half of the lower bound (LB) exposure to those PFASs with available occurrence data, the remaining contribution being primarily from PFASs with short half-lives. Equal potencies were assumed for the four PFASs included in the assessment. The mean LB exposure in adolescents and adult age groups ranged from 3 to 22, the 95th percentile from 9 to 70 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week. Toddlers and 'other children' showed a twofold higher exposure. Upper bound exposure was 4- to 49-fold higher than LB levels, but the latter were considered more reliable. 'Fish meat', 'Fruit and fruit products' and 'Eggs and egg products' contributed most to the exposure. Based on available studies in animals and humans, effects on the immune system were considered the most critical for the risk assessment. From a human study, a lowest BMDL 10 of 17.5 ng/mL for the sum of the four PFASs in serum was identified for 1-year-old children. Using PBPK modelling, this serum level of 17.5 ng/mL in children was estimated to correspond to long-term maternal exposure of 0.63 ng/kg bw per day. Since accumulation over time is important, a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was established. This TWI also protects against other potential adverse effects observed in humans. Based on the estimated LB exposure, but also reported serum levels, the CONTAM Panel concluded that parts of the European population exceed this TWI, which is of concern.
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48
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Borghese MM, Walker M, Helewa ME, Fraser WD, Arbuckle TE. Association of perfluoroalkyl substances with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in the MIREC study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 141:105789. [PMID: 32408216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked with a number of developmental, reproductive, hepatic, and cardiovascular health outcomes. However, the evidence for an association between PFAS and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia) is equivocal and warrants further investigation. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between background levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and the development of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia in a Canadian pregnancy cohort. We also explored the potential for effect modification according to fetal sex. METHODS Maternal plasma samples were collected in the first trimester from participants in the MIREC study and were analyzed for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS. Blood pressure was measured during each trimester. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were defined using the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guidelines. Logistic regression models were used to derive adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between PFAS concentrations (per doubling of concentration as well as according to tertiles) and gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between PFAS concentrations and changes in blood pressure throughout pregnancy. RESULTS Data from 1739 participants were analyzed. 90% of women were normotensive throughout pregnancy, 7% developed gestational hypertension without preeclampsia, and 3% developed preeclampsia. In the full analyses, neither PFOA nor PFOS were associated with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. However, each doubling of PFHxS plasma concentration was associated with higher odds of developing preeclampsia (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.70). In addition, participants in the highest PFHxS tertile (1.4-40.0 μg/L) had higher odds of developing preeclampsia relative to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.27, 7.39). In stratified analyses, this effect was only apparent among women carrying a female fetus (OR = 4.90; 95% CI: 1.02, 22.3). However, among women carrying a male fetus, both PFOS and PFHxS were associated with gestational hypertension, but not preeclampsia. Higher plasma concentrations of all three PFAS were associated with increases in diastolic blood pressure throughout pregnancy, and PFOA and PFHxS were also associated with systolic blood pressure. Discrepant findings were similarly revealed in analyses stratified by fetal sex. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of PFHxS were associated with the development of preeclampsia, but not gestational hypertension. Neither PFOA nor PFOS were associated with either outcome. However, we show, for the first time, that fetal sex may modify these associations, a finding which warrants replication and further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Mark Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael E Helewa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
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49
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Scinicariello F, Buser MC, Abadin HG, Attanasio R. Perfluoroalkyl substances and anthropomorphic measures in children (ages 3-11 years), NHANES 2013-2014. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109518. [PMID: 32315828 PMCID: PMC8132309 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are man-made compounds that are persistent in the environment and highly bioaccumulative in the body. Humans are exposed to a mixture of these substances, and the effects of these mixtures may be different than the effects noted for individual compounds. Prenatal exposure to PFAAs has been associated with decreased birth weight. The objective of the present study is to evaluate concurrent serum PFAA levels, as single compounds and as mixtures, in relation to anthropomorphic measures in children. METHODS Using multivariate linear regression, we evaluated the association between single or PFAA mixtures and with height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and BMI (BMIZ) z-scores in children (ages 3-11 years) participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014. Analyses were also stratified by sex. The PFAA mixture was based on relative potency factors express in terms of PFOA equivalency (CmixRPFi) or as molar sum of the PFAA congeners (∑molPFAA). RESULTS There was a statistically significant association of PFHxS and PFOS with decreased HAZ in boys. The significantly decreased HAZ in boys was also found when the PFAAs were analyzed as mixtures: CmixRPFi (β = -0.33; 95%CI: 0.63, -0.04) or ΣmolPFAAs (β = -0.30; 95%CI: 0.56, -0.04). In boys, PFHxS was also associated with decreased WAZ and BMIZ. The only statistically significant association found in girls was between decreased HAZ and PFHxS. CONCLUSIONS We found sex differences in the association between concurrent serum PFAA levels and anthropomorphic measures in children 3-11 years old. PFAA levels, as single congeners or as mixture concentrations were associated with decreased height-for-age z-score in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Scinicariello
- Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Melanie C Buser
- Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Henry G Abadin
- Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
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50
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Guo R, Liu X, Liu J, Liu Y, Qiao X, Ma M, Zheng B, Zhao X. Occurrence, partition and environmental risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water and sediment from the Baiyangdian Lake, China. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4691. [PMID: 32170214 PMCID: PMC7069980 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This work examined the contamination of poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFASs) in the water and sediment of the Baiyangdian Lake. The total concentration of PFASs in the surface water varied from 140.5 to 1828.5 ng/L, and the highest concentration of PFASs were observed near the entrance of Fuhe river. The topmost contaminant was sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the north and south of the Baiyangdian Lake respectively, which indicated different contamination sources. The total concentration of PFASs in the sediment varied from 0.48 to 30 ng/g, and the distribution of PFASs in the sediment was similar with that in the surface water. The concentrations of polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric diesters (diPAPs) were three to four orders of magnitude lower than those of perfluorocarboxylates (PFCAs) and PFSAs. Although the pore water and the surface water had similar ΣPFASs, the concentration of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) in pore water was 1.4 to 4.4 times higher than that in surface water, and the concentration of perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in pore water was 20–70% that in surface water. The results of ecological risk assessment showed that the PFASs were currently of no immediate risk to the aquatic life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jie Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Yan Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Xiaocui Qiao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Mengyu Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Binghui Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Xingru Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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