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Wang J, Tran LN, Mendoza J, Chen K, Tian L, Zhao Y, Liu J, Lin YH. Thermal transformations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Mechanisms, volatile organofluorine emissions, and implications to thermal regeneration of granular activated carbon. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135737. [PMID: 39259991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Thermal treatment is effective for the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, how temperatures, heating methods, and granular activated carbon (GAC) influence pyrolysis of PFOA, and emission risks are not fully understood. We studied thermal behaviors of PFOA at various conditions and analyzed gaseous products using real-time detection technologies and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The thermal decomposition of PFOA is surface-mediated. On the surface of quartz, PFOA decomposed into perfluoro-1-heptene and perfluoro-2-heptene, while on GAC, it tended to decompose into 1 H-perfluoroheptane (C7HF15). Neutral PFOA started evaporating around 100 ℃ without decomposition in ramp heating. During pyrolysis, when PFOA was pre-adsorbed onto GAC, it was mineralized into SiF4 and produced more than 45 volatile organic fluorine (VOF) byproducts, including perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The VOF products were longer-chain (hydro)fluorocarbons (C4-C7) at low temperatures (< 500 ℃) and became shorter-chain (C1-C4) at higher temperatures (> 600 ℃). PFOA transformations include decarboxylation, VOF desorption, further organofluorine decomposition and mineralization in ramp heating of PFOA-laden GAC. Decarboxylation initiates at 120 ℃, but other processes require higher temperatures (>200 ℃). These results offer valuable information regarding the thermal regeneration of PFAS-laden GAC and further VOF control with the afterburner or thermal oxidizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Wang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Lillian N Tran
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Jose Mendoza
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Kunpeng Chen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Linhui Tian
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Yuwei Zhao
- Biotechnology Development and Applications Group, APTIM, 17 Princess Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, United States
| | - Jinyong Liu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Ying-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States; Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
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2
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Dehghani Z, Ranjbar S, Shahabinezhad F, Sabouri P, Bardbori AM. A toxicogenomics-based identification of potential mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in PFCs-induced cancer in human. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae151. [PMID: 39323479 PMCID: PMC11420517 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The number of new diagnosed cancer cases and cancer deaths are increasing worldwide. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are synthetic chemicals, which are possible inducers of cancer in human and laboratory animals. Studies showed that PFCs induce breast, prostate, kidney, liver and pancreas cancer by inducing genes being involved in carcinogenic pathways. Methodology This study reviews the association between PFCs induced up-regulation/down-regulation of genes and signaling pathways that are important in promoting different types of cancer. To obtain chemical-gene interactions, an advanced search was performed in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database platform. Results Five most prevalent cancers were studied and the maps of their signaling pathways were drawn, and colored borders indicate significantly differentially expressed genes if there had been reports of alterations in expression in the presence of PFCs. Conclusion In general, PFCs are capable of inducing cancer in human via altering PPARα and PI3K pathways, evading apoptosis, inducing sustained angiogenesis, alterations in proliferation and blocking differentiation. However, more epidemiological data and mechanistic studies are needed to better understand the carcinogenic effects of PFCs in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Dehghani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Rokn Abad, Karafarin St., 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Ranjbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Rokn Abad, Karafarin St., 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farbod Shahabinezhad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Rokn Abad, Karafarin St., 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pooria Sabouri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Rokn Abad, Karafarin St., 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Rokn Abad, Karafarin St., 7146864685, Shiraz, Iran
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3
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Pang WK, Kuznetsova E, Holota H, De Haze A, Beaudoin C, Volle DH. Understanding the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in testicular germ cell cancer: Insights into molecular mechanisms. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 99:101307. [PMID: 39213722 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101307] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines the complex interplay between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Despite the high cure rates of TGCTs, challenges in diagnosis and treatment remain, necessitating a deeper understanding of the etiology of the disease. Here, we emphasize current knowledge on the role of EDCs as potential risk factors for TGCTs, focusing on pesticides and perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs/PFCs). Evidence suggests that EDCs disrupt endocrine pathways and induce epigenetic changes that contribute to the development of TGCTs. However, the direct link between EDCs and TGCTs remains elusive and requires further investigation of the molecular mechanisms. We also highlighted the importance of studying nuclear receptors as potential targets for understanding TGCT etiology. In addition, recent evidence implicates PFAs/PFCs in TGCT incidence, highlighting the need for further research into their impact on human health. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential role of EDCs in TGCT development and suggests avenues for future research, while also highlighting how understanding their influence may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to improve disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ki Pang
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Ekaterina Kuznetsova
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hélène Holota
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique De Haze
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David H Volle
- INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD Institute, Team-Volle, F-63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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4
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Brahana P, Patel R, Bharti B. Surface Science View of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in the Environment. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2024; 4:173-185. [PMID: 39035868 PMCID: PMC11258754 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a notorious category of anthropogenic contaminants, detected across various environmental domains. Among these PFAS, perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) stand out as a focal point in discussions due to their historical industrial utilization and environmental prominence. Their extensive industrial adoption is a direct consequence of their remarkable stability and outstanding amphiphilic properties. However, these very traits that have made PFAAs industrially desirable also render them environmentally catastrophic, leading to adverse consequences for ecosystems. The amphiphilic nature of PFAAs has made them highly unique in the landscape of anthropogenic contaminants and, thereby, difficult to study. We believe that well-established principles from surface science can connect the amphiphilic nature of PFAAs to their accumulation and transport in the environment. Specifically, we discuss the role of interfacial science in describing the stability, interfacial uptake (air-liquid and solid-liquid), and wetting capability of PFAAs. Surface science principles can provide new insights into the environmental fate of PFAAs, as well as provide context on their deleterious effects on both the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip
J. Brahana
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Ruchi Patel
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Cain Department of Chemical
Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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5
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Wang T, Yang J, Han Y, Wāng Y. Unveiling the intricate connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and prostate hyperplasia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:173085. [PMID: 38729377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various everyday products has raised concerns about their potential impact on prostate health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of PFAS on prostate health, including PFDeA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA. To assess the relationship between PFAS exposure and prostate injury, machine learning algorithms were employed to analyze prostate-specific antigen (PSA) metrics. The analysis revealed a linear and positive dose-dependent association between PFOS and the ratio of free PSA to total PSA (f/tPSA). Non-linear dose-response relationships were observed between the other four types of PFAS and the f/tPSA ratio. Additionally, the analysis showed a positive association between the mixture of PFAS and prostate hyperplasia, with PFNA having the highest impact followed by PFOS. These findings suggest that elevated serum levels of PFDeA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA are linked to prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, this study utilized advanced machine learning techniques to uncover potential hazardous effects of PFAS exposure on prostate health, specifically the positive association between PFAS and prostate hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Jijingru Yang
- School of the Second Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yapeng Han
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yán Wāng
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
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6
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Ayodele A, Obeng-Gyasi E. Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:983. [PMID: 38473344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderonke Ayodele
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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7
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Zhang M, Zhao Y, Bui B, Tang L, Xue J, Chen M, Chen W. The Latest Sensor Detection Methods for per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38234139 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2299233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have emerged as a prominent environmental pollutant in recent years, primarily due to their tendency to accumulate and magnify in both the environment and living organisms. The entry of PFASs into the environment can have detrimental effects on human health. Hence, it is crucial to actively monitor and detect the presence of PFASs. The current standard detection method of PFAS is the combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry. However, this requires expensive instruments, extra sample pretreatment steps, complicated operation and long analysis time. As a result, new methods that do not rely on chromatography and mass spectrometry have been developed and applied. These alternative methods mainly include optical and electrochemical sensor methods, which offer great potential in terms of real-time field detection, instrument miniaturization, shorter analysis time, and reduced detection cost. This review provides a summary of recent advancements in PFAS detection sensors. We categorize and explain the principles and mechanisms of these sensors, and compare their limits of detection and sensitivity. Finally, we discuss the future challenges and improvements needed for PFAS sensors, such as field application, commercialization, and other related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Zhang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Brian Bui
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Liming Tang
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiajia Xue
- Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mingli Chen
- Research Center for Analytical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
- School of CHIPS, Xi'an Jiaotong-Loverpool University, Suzhou, China
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8
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Quaid M, Goodrich JM, Calkins MM, Graber JM, Urwin D, Gabriel J, Caban-Martinez AJ, Petroff RL, Grant C, Beitel SC, Littau S, Gulotta JJ, Wallentine D, Hughes J, Burgess JL. Firefighting, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and DNA methylation of genes associated with prostate cancer risk. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2024; 65:55-66. [PMID: 38523457 PMCID: PMC11006564 DOI: 10.1002/em.22589] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the leading incident cancer among men in the United States. Firefighters are diagnosed with this disease at a rate 1.21 times higher than the average population. This increased risk may result from occupational exposures to many toxicants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study assessed the association between firefighting as an occupation in general or PFAS serum levels, with DNA methylation. Only genomic regions previously linked to prostate cancer risk were selected for analysis: GSTP1, Alu repetitive elements, and the 8q24 chromosomal region. There were 444 male firefighters included in this study, with some analyses being conducted on fewer participants due to missingness. Statistical models were used to test associations between exposures and DNA methylation at CpG sites in the selected genomic regions. Exposure variables included proxies of cumulative firefighting exposures (incumbent versus academy status and years of firefighting experience) and biomarkers of PFAS exposures (serum concentrations of 9 PFAS). Proxies of cumulative exposures were associated with DNA methylation at 15 CpG sites and one region located within FAM83A (q-value <0.1). SbPFOA was associated with 19 CpG sites (q < 0.1), but due to low detection rates, this PFAS was modeled as detected versus not detected in serum. Overall, there is evidence that firefighting experience is associated with differential DNA methylation in prostate cancer risk loci, but this study did not find evidence that these differences are due to PFAS exposures specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Quaid
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miriam M. Calkins
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judith M. Graber
- Dept of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Derek Urwin
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Gabriel
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Rebekah L. Petroff
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Casey Grant
- Fire Protection Research Foundation, Quincy, MA, USA
| | - Shawn C. Beitel
- Dept. of Community, Environment and Policy, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sally Littau
- Dept. of Community, Environment and Policy, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Jeff Hughes
- Orange County Fire Authority, Irvine, CA, USA
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Winquist A, Hodge JM, Diver WR, Rodriguez JL, Troeschel AN, Daniel J, Teras LR. Case-Cohort Study of the Association between PFAS and Selected Cancers among Participants in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II LifeLink Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127007. [PMID: 38088576 PMCID: PMC10718084 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiological studies found associations between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and some cancer types. Many studies considered highly exposed populations, so relevance to less-exposed populations can be uncertain. Additionally, many studies considered only cancer site, not histology. OBJECTIVES We conducted a case-cohort study within the American Cancer Society's prospective Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II) LifeLink cohort to examine associations between PFAS exposure and risk of selected cancers, considering histologic subtypes. METHODS Serum specimens were collected from cohort participants during the period 1998-2001. This study included a subcohort (500 men, 499 women) randomly selected from participants without prior cancer diagnoses at serum collection, and all participants with incident (after serum collection) first cancers of the breast (females only, n = 786 ), bladder (n = 401 ), kidney (n = 158 ), pancreas (n = 172 ), prostate (males only, n = 1,610 ) or hematologic system (n = 635 ). PFAS concentrations [perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)] were measured in stored serum. We assessed associations between PFAS concentrations and incident cancers, by site and histologic subtype, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models stratified by sex and controlling for age and year at blood draw, education, race/ethnicity, smoking, and alcohol use. RESULTS Serum PFOA concentrations were positively associated with renal cell carcinoma of the kidney among women [hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) per PFOA doubling: 1.54 (95% CI: 1.05, 2.26)] but not men. Among men, we observed a positive association between PFHxS concentrations and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma [CLL/SLL, HR and 95% CI per PFHxS doubling: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.75)]. We observed some heterogeneity of associations by histologic subtype within sites. DISCUSSION This study supports the previously observed association between PFOA and renal cell carcinoma among women and suggests an association between PFHxS and CLL/SLL among men. Consideration of histologic subtypes might be important in future studies of PFAS-cancer associations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Winquist
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James M. Hodge
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - W. Ryan Diver
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Juan L. Rodriguez
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Troeschel
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Johnni Daniel
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauren R. Teras
- Department of Population Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Li H, Yang M, Yang J, Seery S, Ma C, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li A, Guo H. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the associated thyroid cancer risk: A case-control study in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 337:139411. [PMID: 37419160 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The role of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as thyroid carcinogens is unclear. Therefore, we intended to identify associations between each PFAS congener and their mixture with thyroid cancer risk. This case-control study of thyroid cancer was conducted in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China. Three hundred participants were recruited from January to May 2022 and were matched according to sex and age. Twelve PFAS were assessed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Associations between PFAS congeners and thyroid cancer risk were considered under conditional logistic regression analysis and a restricted cubic spline model. Mixture effects were also assessed with quantile g-computation and a Bayesian kernel machine regression model. Compared to the first tertile, third tertile PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFDA, and PFUnDA concentrations were associated with lower thyroid cancer risk (ORPFOA: 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.69; ORPFNA: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.46; ORPFHxS: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15-0.92; ORPFDA: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.23; ORPFUnDA: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.05-0.30) after adjusting for confounding factors. PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA had a negative dose-response relationship with thyroid cancer risk. Mixture analysis also showed that thyroid cancer risk is negatively associated with the overall mixture and carboxylates. In the overall mixture, PFOS and PFDA contributed most to positive and negative changes in thyroid cancer risk, respectively. However, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA were of equally high importance. This study is the first to confirm the effects of the PFAS mixture on thyroid cancer, and further large-scale prospective studies are still warranted to test these inverse associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, PR China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, PR China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Samuel Seery
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK; School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Chaoying Ma
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhang
- Core Facilities and Centers of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, PR China; Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, PR China.
| | - Huicai Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, PR China.
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11
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Christensen BT, Calkins MM. Occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: a scope review of the literature from 1980-2021. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:673-686. [PMID: 36977833 PMCID: PMC10533727 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00536-y] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that have been integrated into a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer products since the 1950s. Due to their profuse usage and high persistence in human serum, understanding workplace exposures to PFAS is critical. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the PFAS exposure profiles of relevant occupational populations, elucidate trends in the PFAS exposure characterization process, and identify major research gaps that remain within the occupational PFAS exposure literature. METHODS A systematic search of four literature databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2021 on PFAS exposure in occupational settings was conducted. RESULTS Of the 2574 articles identified, 92 met the inclusion criteria. Fluorochemical workers were the target population in most early exposure assessment research; however, studies conducted within the last 10 years have evaluated a wider range of occupational populations and settings. The highest exposures were reported in fluorochemical workers, but, in comparison to reference populations, one or more PFAS were elevated in most workers and in most workplaces that were assessed. PFAS was most frequently assessed in worker serum using a discrete analytical panel of PFAS, with earlier studies restricted to a few long-alkyl chain PFAS while more recent studies have included more expansive panels due to more robust methods. SIGNIFICANCE Characterization of occupational exposure to PFAS is limited but expanding. Current analytical methods are not robust enough to fully capture the potential range of PFAS present across different workers and workplaces. While exposures to PFAS for certain occupational groups have been studied in detail, exposure information for other occupational groups with high potential for exposure are limited. This review highlights substantial findings and major research gaps within the occupational literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Christensen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA.
| | - Miriam M Calkins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA
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12
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Ogunbiyi OD, Ajiboye TO, Omotola EO, Oladoye PO, Olanrewaju CA, Quinete N. Analytical approaches for screening of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances in food items: A review of recent advances and improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121705. [PMID: 37116565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals characterized by their ubiquitous nature in all environmental compartments which makes them of increasing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Several instrumental methodologies and separation techniques have been identified in the literature for the detection and quantification of PFAS in environmental samples. In this review, we have identified and compared common separation techniques adopted for the extraction of PFAS in food items, and analytical methodologies for identification and quantification of PFAS in food items of plant and animal origin, highlighting recent advances in tandem techniques for the high selectivity and separation of PFAS related compounds as well as knowledge gaps and research needs on current analytical methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Timothy Oladiran Ajiboye
- Chemistry Department, Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, 6019, Gqeberha, South Africa; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Olusakin Oladoye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Clement Ajibade Olanrewaju
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Natalia Quinete
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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13
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Rhee J, Barry KH, Huang WY, Sampson JN, Hofmann JN, Silverman DT, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Kato K, Purdue MP, Berndt SI. A prospective nested case-control study of serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and aggressive prostate cancer risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115718. [PMID: 36958379 PMCID: PMC10239560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent organic pollutants detectable in the serum of most U.S. adults. Some studies of highly-exposed individuals have suggested an association between PFAS and prostate cancer, but evidence from population-based studies is limited. We investigated the association between pre-diagnostic serum PFAS concentrations and aggressive prostate cancer risk in a large prospective study. We measured pre-diagnostic serum concentrations of eight PFAS, including perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), for 750 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 750 individually matched controls within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. We assessed the reproducibility of PFAS concentrations in serial samples collected up to six years apart among 60 controls using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association with prostate cancer, adjusting for other PFAS and potential confounders. Concentrations of most PFAS were consistent (ICC>0.7) across the serial samples over time. We observed an inverse association between PFOA and aggressive prostate cancer (ORcontinuous = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.99), but the association was limited to cases diagnosed ≤3 years after blood collection and became statistically non-significant for cases diagnosed with later follow-up (>3 years, ORcontinuous = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.79, 1.03). Other PFAS were not associated with aggressive prostate cancer risk. Although we cannot rule out an increased risk at higher levels, our findings from a population with PFAS serum concentrations comparable to the general population do not support an association with increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongeun Rhee
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn H Barry
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Debra T Silverman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kayoko Kato
- Organic Analytical Toxicology Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark P Purdue
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Sonja I Berndt
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Rockville, MD, USA.
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14
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Gaber N, Bero L, Woodruff TJ. The Devil they Knew: Chemical Documents Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:37. [PMID: 37273487 PMCID: PMC10237242 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widely-used chemicals that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans and animals, becoming an increasing cause for global concern. While PFAS have been commercially produced since the 1940s, their toxicity was not publicly established until the late 1990s. The objective of this paper is to evaluate industry documents on PFAS and compare them to the public health literature in order to understand this consequential delay. Methods We reviewed a collection of previously secret industry documents archived at the UCSF Chemical Industry Documents Library, examining whether and how strategies of corporate manipulation of science were used by manufacturers of PFAS. Using well-established methods of document analysis, we developed deductive codes to assess industry influence on the conduct and publication of research. We also conducted a literature review using standard search strategies to establish when scientific information on the health effects of PFAS became public. Results Our review of industry documents shows that companies knew PFAS was "highly toxic when inhaled and moderately toxic when ingested" by 1970, forty years before the public health community. Further, the industry used several strategies that have been shown common to tobacco, pharmaceutical and other industries to influence science and regulation - most notably, suppressing unfavorable research and distorting public discourse. We did not find evidence in this archive of funding favorable research or targeted dissemination of those results. Conclusions The lack of transparency in industry-driven research on industrial chemicals has significant legal, political and public health consequences. Industry strategies to suppress scientific research findings or early warnings about the hazards of industrial chemicals can be analyzed and exposed, in order to guide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Bero
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, US
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15
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Ateia M, Buren JV, Barrett W, Martin T, Back GG. Sunrise of PFAS Replacements: A Perspective on Fluorine-Free Foams. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:7986-7996. [PMID: 37476647 PMCID: PMC10354943 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
One type of firefighting foam, referred to as aqueous filmforming foams (AFFF), is known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The concerns raised with PFAS, and their potential environmental and health impacts, have led to a surge in research on fluorine-free alternatives both in the United States and globally. Particularly, in January 2023, a new military specification (MIL-PRF-32725) for fluorine-free foam was released in accordance with Congressional requirements for the U.S. Department of Defense. This paper provides a critical analysis of the present state of the various fluorine-free options that have been developed to date. A nuanced perspective of the challenges and opportunities of more sustainable replacements is explored by examining the performance, cost, and regulatory considerations associated with these fluorine-free alternatives. Ultimately, this evaluation shows that the transition to fluorine-free replacements is likely to be complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of the trade-offs involved. Yet, the ongoing work will provide valuable insights for future research on alternatives to AFFF and enhancing the safety and sustainability of fire suppression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ateia
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jean Van Buren
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - William Barrett
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - Todd Martin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - Gerard G Back
- Jensen Hughes, Inc., Halethorpe, Maryland 21227, United States
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16
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Prince N, Begum S, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Génard-Walton M, Huang M, Soeteman DI, Wheelock C, Litonjua AA, Weiss ST, Kelly RS, Lasky-Su J. Plasma concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are associated with perturbations in lipid and amino acid metabolism. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138228. [PMID: 36878362 PMCID: PMC10080462 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138228] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the environment can lead to harmful health outcomes and the development of disease. However, little is known about how PFAS impact underlying biology that contributes to these adverse health effects. The metabolome represents the end product of cellular processes and has been used previously to understand physiological changes that lead to disease. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to PFAS was associated with the global, untargeted metabolome. In a cohort of 459 pregnant mothers and 401 children, we quantified plasma concentrations of six individual PFAS- PFOA, PFOS, PFHXS, PFDEA, and PFNA- and performed plasma metabolomic profiling by UPLC-MS. In adjusted linear regression analysis, we found associations between plasma PFAS and perturbations in lipid and amino acid metabolites in both mothers and children. In mothers, metabolites of 19 lipid pathways and 8 amino acid pathways were significantly associated with PFAS exposure at an FDR<0.05 threshold; in children, metabolites of 28 lipid pathways and 10 amino acid pathways exhibited significant associations at FDR<0.05 with PFAS exposure. Our investigation found that metabolites of the Sphingomyelin, Lysophospholipid, Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (n3 and n6), Fatty Acid- Dicarboxylate, and Urea Cycle showed the most significant associations with PFAS, suggesting these may be particular pathways of interest in the physiological response to PFAS. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize associations between the global metabolome and PFAS across multiple periods in the life course to understand impacts on underlying biology, and the findings presented here are relevant in understanding how PFAS disrupt normal biological function and may ultimately give rise to harmful health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Prince
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sofina Begum
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mengna Huang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Djøra I Soeteman
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig Wheelock
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Physiological Chemistry 2, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Golisano Children's Hospital, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel S Kelly
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Lasky-Su
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Relative rates of cancers and deaths in Australian communities with PFAS environmental contamination associated with firefighting foams: A cohort study using linked data. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 82:102296. [PMID: 36508965 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102296] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants that are potentially harmful to health. We examined if rates of selected cancers and causes of deaths were elevated in three Australian communities with local environmental contamination caused by firefighting foams containing PFAS. The affected Australian communities were Katherine in Northern Territory, Oakey in Queensland and Williamtown in New South Wales. METHODS All residents identified in the Medicare Enrolment File (1983-2019)-a consumer directory for Australia's universal healthcare-who ever lived in an exposure area (Katherine, Oakey and Williamtown), and a sample of those who ever lived in selected comparison areas, were linked to the Australian Cancer Database (1982-2017) and National Death Index (1980-2019). We estimated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for 23 cancer outcomes, four causes of death and three control outcomes, adjusting for sex, age and calendar time of diagnosis. FINDINGS We observed higher rates of prostate cancer (SIR=1·76, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1·36-2·24) in Katherine; laryngeal cancer (SIR=2·71, 95 % CI 1·30-4·98), kidney cancer (SIR=1·82, 95 % CI 1·04-2·96) and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (SIR=1·81, 95 % CI 1·46-2·33) in Oakey; and lung cancer (SIR=1·83, 95 % CI 1·39-2·38) and CHD mortality (SIR=1·22, 95 % CI 1·01-1·47) in Williamtown. We also saw elevated SIRs for control outcomes. SIRs for all other outcomes and overall cancer were similar across exposure and comparison areas. INTERPRETATION There was limited evidence to support an association between living in a PFAS exposure area and risks of cancers or cause-specific deaths.
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18
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Gui SY, Qiao JC, Xu KX, Li ZL, Chen YN, Wu KJ, Jiang ZX, Hu CY. Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and risk of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:40-55. [PMID: 35970987 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disruptors and may contribute to the etiology of diabetes. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review the epidemiological evidence on the associations of PFAS with mortality and morbidity of diabetes and to quantitatively evaluate the summary effect estimates of the existing literature. METHODS We searched three electronic databases for epidemiological studies concerning PFAS and diabetes published before April 1, 2022. Summary odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), or β and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were respectively calculated to evaluate the association between PFAS and diabetes using random-effects model by the exposure type, and dose-response meta-analyses were also performed when possible. We also assessed the risk of bias of the studies included and the confidence in the body of evidence. RESULTS An initial literature search identified 1969 studies, of which 22 studies were eventually included. The meta-analyses indicated that the observed statistically significant PFAS-T2DM associations were consistent in cohort studies, while the associations were almost non-significant in case-control and cross-sectional studies. Dose-response meta-analysis showed a "parabolic-shaped" association between perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) exposure and T2DM risk. Available evidence was rated with "low" risk of bias, and the level of evidence for PFAS and incident T2DM was considered "moderate". CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PFAS exposure may increase the risk of incident T2DM, and that PFOA may exert non-monotonic dose-response effect on T2DM risk. Considering the widespread exposure, persistence, and potential for adverse health effects of PFAS, further cohort studies with improvements in expanding the sample size, adjusting the covariates, and considering different types of PFAS exposure at various doses, are needed to elucidate the putative causal associations and potential mode of action of different PFAS on diabetes. IMPACT STATEMENT A growing body of evidence suggests that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine disruptors and may contribute to the development of diabetes. However, epidemiological evidence on the associations of PFAS and diabetes is inconsistent. We performed this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize the evidence. The findings of this study suggest that exposure to PFAS may increase diabetes risk among the general population. Reduced exposure to these "forever and everywhere chemicals" may be an important preventative approach to reducing the risk of diabetes across the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Gui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, 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
| | - Ke-Xin Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ze-Lian Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yue-Nan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Clinical Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ke-Jia Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zheng-Xuan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - 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.
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19
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Boyd RI, Ahmad S, Singh R, Fazal Z, Prins GS, Madak Erdogan Z, Irudayaraj J, Spinella MJ. Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Poly- and Perfluoroalkylated Substances and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2919. [PMID: 35740585 PMCID: PMC9220899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are chemicals that persist and bioaccumulate in the environment and are found in nearly all human populations through several routes of exposure. Human occupational and community exposure to PFAS has been associated with several cancers, including cancers of the kidney, testis, prostate, and liver. While evidence suggests that PFAS are not directly mutagenic, many diverse mechanisms of carcinogenicity have been proposed. In this mini-review, we organize these mechanisms into three major proposed pathways of PFAS action-metabolism, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic perturbation-and discuss how these distinct but interdependent pathways may explain many of the proposed pro-carcinogenic effects of the PFAS class of environmental contaminants. Notably, each of the pathways is predicted to be highly sensitive to the dose and window of exposure which may, in part, explain the variable epidemiologic and experimental evidence linking PFAS and cancer. We highlight testicular and prostate cancer as models to validate this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya I. Boyd
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.A.); (J.I.)
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Zeynep Madak Erdogan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.A.); (J.I.)
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael J. Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; (R.I.B.); (R.S.); (Z.F.)
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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20
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Maddela NR, Ramakrishnan B, Kakarla D, Venkateswarlu K, Megharaj M. Major contaminants of emerging concern in soils: a perspective on potential health risks. RSC Adv 2022; 12:12396-12415. [PMID: 35480371 PMCID: PMC9036571 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09072k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil pollution by the contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) or emerging contaminants deserves attention worldwide because of their toxic health effects and the need for developing regulatory guidelines. Though the global soil burden by certain CECs is in several metric tons, the source-tracking of these contaminants in soil environments is difficult due to heterogeneity of the medium and complexities associated with the interactive mechanisms. Most CECs have higher affinities towards solid matrices for adsorption. The CECs alter not only soil functionalities but also those of plants and animals. Their toxicities are at nmol to μmol levels in cell cultures and test animals. These contaminants have a higher propensity in accumulating mostly in root-based food crops, threatening human health. Poor understanding on the fate of certain CECs in anaerobic environments and their transfer pathways in the food web limits the development of effective bioremediation strategies and restoration of the contaminated soils and endorsement of global regulatory efforts. Despite their proven toxicities to the biotic components, there are no environmental laws or guidelines for certain CECs. Moreover, the information available on the impact of soil pollution with CECs on human health is fragmentary. Therefore, we provide here a comprehensive account on five significantly important CECs, viz., (i) PFAS, (ii) micro/nanoplastics, (iii) additives (biphenyls, phthalates), (iv) novel flame retardants, and (v) nanoparticles. The emphasis is on (a) degree of soil burden of CECs and the consequences, (b) endocrine disruption and immunotoxicity, (c) genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, and (d) soil health guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí Portoviejo 130105 Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí Portoviejo 130105 Ecuador
| | | | - Dhatri Kakarla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- Formerly Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University Anantapuramu 515003 India
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
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21
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Hu WY, Lu R, Hu DP, Imir OB, Zuo Q, Moline D, Afradiasbagharani P, Liu L, Lowe S, Birch L, Griend DJV, Madak-Erdogan Z, Prins GS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances target and alter human prostate stem-progenitor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114902. [PMID: 34968493 PMCID: PMC8890783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of widely used synthetic chemicals that are environmentally and biologically persistent and present in most individuals. Chronic PFAS exposure have been linked to increased prostate cancer risk in occupational settings, however, underlying mechanisms have not been interrogated. Herein we examined exposure of normal human prostate stem-progenitor cells (SPCs) to 10 nM PFOA or PFOS using serial passage of prostasphere cultures. Exposure to either PFAS for 3-4 weeks increased spheroid numbers and size indicative of elevated stem cell self-renewal and progenitor cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) showed 1) SPC expression of PPARs and RXRs able to mediate PFAS effects, 2) the emergence of a new cell cluster of aberrantly differentiated luminal progenitor cells upon PFOS/PFOA exposure, and 3) enrichment of cancer-associated signaling pathways. Metabolomic analysis of PFAS-exposed prostaspheres revealed increased glycolytic pathways including the Warburg effect as well as strong enrichment of serine and glycine metabolism which may promote a pre-malignant SPC fate. Finally, growth of in vivo xenografts of tumorigenic RWPE-2 human prostate cells, shown to contain cancer stem-like cells, was markedly enhanced by daily PFOS feeding to nude mice hosts. Together, these findings are the first to identify human prostate SPCs as direct PFAS targets with resultant reprogrammed transcriptomes and metabolomes that augment a preneoplastic state and may contribute to an elevated prostate cancer risk with chronic exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Ranli Lu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Dan Ping Hu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Ozan Berk Imir
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Qianying Zuo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Dan Moline
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | | | - Lifeng Liu
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, United States
| | - Lynn Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Donald J Vander Griend
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States
| | - Zeynep Madak-Erdogan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States; University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States.
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22
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Pilli S, Pandey AK, Pandey V, Pandey K, Muddam T, Thirunagari BK, Thota ST, Varjani S, Tyagi RD. Detection and removal of poly and perfluoroalkyl polluting substances for sustainable environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 297:113336. [PMID: 34325368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PFAs (poly and perfluoroalkyl compounds) are hazardous and bioaccumulative chemicals that do not readily biodegrade or neutralize under normal environmental conditions. They have various industrial, commercial, domestic and defence applications. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, there are around 4700 PFAs registered to date. They are present in every stream of life, and they are often emerging and are even difficult to be detected by the standard chemical methods. This review aims to focus on the sources of various PFAs and the toxicities they impose on the environment and especially on humankind. Drinking water, food packaging, industrial areas and commercial household products are the primary PFAs sources. Some of the well-known treatment methods for remediation of PFAs presented in the literature are activated carbon, filtration, reverse osmosis, nano filtration, oxidation processes etc. The crucial stage of handling the PFAs occurs in determining and analysing the type of PFA and its remedy. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of determination & tools, and techniques for remediation of PFAs in the environment. Improving new treatment methodologies that are economical and sustainable are essential for excluding the PFAs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Pilli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India.
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Pandey
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability-India, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Pandey
- Department of Geography, Allahabad Degree College (A.D.C.), Allahabad University, Prayagraj, 211003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kritika Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology for Handicapped, Kanpur, 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tulasiram Muddam
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Baby Keerthi Thirunagari
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Sai Teja Thota
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, 382 010, Gujarat, India.
| | - Rajeshwar Dayal Tyagi
- Chief Scientific Officer, BOSK Bioproducts, 399 Rue Jacquard, Suite 100, Quebec, Canada
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23
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Imir OB, Kaminsky AZ, Zuo QY, Liu YJ, Singh R, Spinella MJ, Irudayaraj J, Hu WY, Prins GS, Madak Erdogan Z. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure Combined with High-Fat Diet Supports Prostate Cancer Progression. Nutrients 2021; 13:3902. [PMID: 34836157 PMCID: PMC8623692 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals utilized in various industrial settings and include products such as flame retardants, artificial film-forming foams, cosmetics, and non-stick cookware, among others. Epidemiological studies suggest a link between increased blood PFAS levels and prostate cancer incidence, but the mechanism through which PFAS impact cancer development is unclear. To investigate the link between PFAS and prostate cancer, we evaluated the impact of metabolic alterations resulting from a high-fat diet combined with PFAS exposure on prostate tumor progression. We evaluated in vivo prostate cancer xenograft models exposed to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a type of PFAS compound, and different diets to study the effects of PFAS on prostate cancer progression and metabolic activity. Metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to understand the metabolic landscape shifts upon PFAS exposure. We evaluated metabolic changes in benign or tumor cells that lead to epigenomic reprogramming and altered signaling, which ultimately increase tumorigenic risk and tumor aggressiveness. Our studies are the first in the field to provide new and clinically relevant insights regarding novel metabolic and epigenetic states as well as to support the future development of effective preventative and therapeutic strategies for PFAS-induced prostate cancers. Our findings enhance understanding of how PFAS synergize with high-fat diets to contribute to prostate cancer development and establish an important basis to mitigate PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Berk Imir
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Alanna Zoe Kaminsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (A.Z.K.); (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Qian-Ying Zuo
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (A.Z.K.); (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Yu-Jeh Liu
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (A.Z.K.); (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.S.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Michael J. Spinella
- Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (R.S.); (M.J.S.)
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (W.-Y.H.); (G.S.P.)
| | - Wen-Yang Hu
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (W.-Y.H.); (G.S.P.)
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gail S. Prins
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (W.-Y.H.); (G.S.P.)
- Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zeynep Madak Erdogan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (A.Z.K.); (Q.-Y.Z.); (Y.-J.L.)
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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24
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Bartell SM, Vieira VM. Critical review on PFOA, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2021; 71:663-679. [PMID: 33780327 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2021.1909668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The carcinogenicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been reviewed previously by several different regulatory agencies and researchers, with contradictory conclusions-especially regarding epidemiological findings on kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In addition, previous dose-response assessments have focused primarily on evidence from animal studies. This critical review summarizes peer reviewed epidemiological studies on PFOA and cancers of the kidneys and testes, using modified Hill's criteria to assess the evidence for causation. We converted exposures to a common scale based on serum PFOA concentrations and applied meta-analysis to estimate the average increase in cancer risk reported by the studies with sufficient information to estimate serum PFOA. Using random effects meta-analysis, we found that the average relative increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for these studies is 16% (95% CI: 3%, 30%) for kidney cancer and 3% (95% CI: 2%, 4%) for testicular cancer. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies.Implications: Our review meta-analysis indicates an average increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for kidney and testicular cancers. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies. The weight of evidence could be even stronger with the addition of future studies conducted in large cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Bartell
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Verónica M Vieira
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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25
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Tarapore P, Ouyang B. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health: Do PFOA and PFOS Increase Risk for Male Infertility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073794. [PMID: 33916482 PMCID: PMC8038605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade synthetic chemicals which have been in existence for over 70 years. Though they are currently being phased out, their persistence in the environment is widespread. There is increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure to health effects, an issue of concern since PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) bioaccumulate in humans, with a half-life of years. Many epidemiological studies suggest that, worldwide, semen quality has decreased over the past several decades. One of the most worrying effects of PFOS and PFOA is their associations with lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men. This review thus focuses on PFOS/PFOA-associated effects on male reproductive health. The sources of PFAS in drinking water are listed. The current epidemiological studies linking increased exposure to PFAS with lowered testosterone and semen quality, and evidence from rodent studies supporting their function as endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system, exhibiting non-monotonic dose responses, are noted. Finally, their mechanisms of action and possible toxic effects on the Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells are discussed. Future research efforts must consider utilizing better human model systems for exposure, using more accurate PFAS exposure susceptibility windows, and improvements in statistical modeling of data to account for the endocrine disruptor properties of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-558-5148
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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26
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Steenland K, Winquist A. PFAS and cancer, a scoping review of the epidemiologic evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110690. [PMID: 33385391 PMCID: PMC7946751 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of studies addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cancer is increasing. Many communities have had water contaminated by PFAS, and cancer is one of the important community concerns related to PFAS exposure. OBJECTIVES We critically reviewed the evidence relating to PFAS and cancer from an epidemiologic standpoint to highlight directions for future research that would be the most likely to meaningfully increase knowledge. METHODS We conducted a search in PubMed for studies of cancer and PFAS (through 9/20/2020). We identified epidemiologic studies that provided a quantitative estimate for some measure of the association between PFAS and cancer. Here, we review that literature, including several aspects of epidemiologic study design that impact the usefulness of study results. RESULTS We identified 16 cohort (or case-cohort) studies, 10 case-control studies (4 nested within cohorts and 6 non-nested), 1 cross sectional study and 1 ecologic study. The cancer sites with the most evidence of an association with PFAS are testicular and kidney cancer. There are also some suggestions in a few studies of an association with prostate cancer, but the data are inconsistent. DISCUSSION Each study's design has strengths and limitations. Weaknesses in study design and methods can, in some cases, lead to questionable associations, but in other cases can make it more difficult to detect true associations, if they are present. Overall, the evidence for an association between cancer and PFAS remains sparse. A variety of studies with different strengths and weaknesses can be helpful to clarify associations between PFAS and cancer. Long term follow-up of large-sized cohorts with large exposure contrasts are most likely to be informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Steenland
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Andrea Winquist
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS S 106-6, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
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27
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Calvert L, Green MP, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Turner BD, Clarke BO, Eamens AL, Roman SD, Nixon B. Assessment of the Emerging Threat Posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Male Reproduction in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:799043. [PMID: 35356147 PMCID: PMC8959433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.799043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per-fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals used widely in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use and chemical stability, PFAS are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and as such, form an emerging risk factor for male reproductive health. The long half-lives of PFAS is of particular concern as the propensity to accumulate in biological systems prolong the time taken for excretion, taking years in many cases. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence supporting a negative association between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions. However, inconsistencies among epidemiological and experimental findings have hindered the ability to definitively link negative reproductive outcomes to specific PFAS exposure. This situation highlights the requirement for further investigation and the identification of reliable biological models that can inform health risks, allowing sensitive assessment of the spectrum of effects of PFAS exposure on humans. Here, we review the literature on the biological effects of PFAS exposure, with a specific focus on male reproduction, owing to its utility as a sentinel marker of general health. Indeed, male infertility has increasingly been shown to serve as an early indicator of a range of co-morbidities such as coronary, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. It follows that adverse associations have been established between PFAS exposure and the incidence of testicular dysfunction, including pathologies such as testicular cancer and a reduction in semen quality. We also give consideration to the mechanisms that render the male reproductive tract vulnerable to PFAS mediated damage, and discuss novel remediation strategies to mitigate the negative impact of PFAS contamination and/or to ameliorate the PFAS load of exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Calvert
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Mark P. Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett D. Turner
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Bradley O. Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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28
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Bonato M, Corrà F, Bellio M, Guidolin L, Tallandini L, Irato P, Santovito G. PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses: An Overview of the Impact on Human Field. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8020. [PMID: 33143342 PMCID: PMC7663035 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to their unique properties, perfluorinated substances (PFAS) are widely used in multiple industrial and commercial applications, but they are toxic for animals, humans included. This review presents some available data on the PFAS environmental distribution in the world, and in particular in Europe and in the Veneto region of Italy, where it has become a serious problem for human health. The consumption of contaminated food and drinking water is considered one of the major source of exposure for humans. Worldwide epidemiological studies report the negative effects that PFAS have on human health, due to environmental pollution, including infertility, steroid hormone perturbation, thyroid, liver and kidney disorders, and metabolic disfunctions. In vitro and in vivo researches correlated PFAS exposure to oxidative stress effects (in mammals as well as in other vertebrates of human interest), produced by a PFAS-induced increase of reactive oxygen species formation. The cellular antioxidant defense system is activated by PFAS, but it is only partially able to avoid the oxidative damage to biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Irato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Gianfranco Santovito
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.T.)
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29
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Blake BE, Fenton SE. Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and latent health outcomes: A review including the placenta as a target tissue and possible driver of peri- and postnatal effects. Toxicology 2020; 443:152565. [PMID: 32861749 PMCID: PMC7530144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous drinking water contaminants of concern due to mounting evidence implicating adverse health outcomes associated with exposure, including reduced kidney function, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disruption, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. PFAS have been produced in the U.S. since the 1940s and now encompass a growing chemical family comprised of diverse chemical moieties, yet the toxicological effects have been studied for relatively few compounds. Critically, exposures to some PFAS in utero are associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and offspring, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, and low birth weight. Given the relationship between HDP, placental dysfunction, adverse health outcomes, and increased risk for chronic diseases in adulthood, the role of both developmental and lifelong exposure to PFAS likely contributes to disease risk in complex ways. Here, evidence for the role of some PFAS in disrupted thyroid function, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome is synthesized with an emphasis on the placenta as a critical yet understudied target of PFAS and programming agent of adult disease. Future research efforts must continue to fill the knowledge gap between placental susceptibility to environmental exposures like PFAS, subsequent perinatal health risks for both mother and child, and latent health effects in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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30
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Schulz K, Silva MR, Klaper R. Distribution and effects of branched versus linear isomers of PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS: A review of recent literature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:139186. [PMID: 32474294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have come to attention recently due to their widespread presence in the environment, recalcitrance, and potential negative health associations. Because of the long-term production of PFAS using ECF, which created branched isomers as byproducts in addition to the intended linear product, branched isomers of PFAS account for a significant portion of PFAS load in the environment. The distribution of isomers is not consistent in the environment, however. Geographic location appears to be a major factor in determining the isomer makeup of PFAS in surface and groundwater as well as in humans and animals. This is largely to differences in production methods; a region that produced PFAS via ECF for many years would have a higher ratio of branched isomers than one that produces PFAS using telomerization. In addition, the different structures of branched PFAS isomers as compared to linear PFAS appear to affect transport in the environment. Research suggests that linear PFAS sorb preferentially to soil and sediments, whereas branched isomers are more likely to remain in water. The higher polarity of the branched structure explains this difference. Studies in humans and animals show that most animals preferentially accumulate the linear PFOS isomer, but humans appear to preferentially accumulate the branched isomers as they are often found in human serum at percentages higher than that of ECF product. In addition, some studies have indicated that linear and branched PFAS isomers have some unique negative health associations. Very few studies, however, account for linear and branched PFAS separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Schulz
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA; Water Technology Accelerator (WaTA), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 247 W. Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Marcia R Silva
- Water Technology Accelerator (WaTA), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 247 W. Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
| | - Rebecca Klaper
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 600 E. Greenfield Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA.
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Rivero MJ, Ribao P, Gomez-Ruiz B, Urtiaga A, Ortiz I. Comparative performance of TiO2-rGO photocatalyst in the degradation of dichloroacetic and perfluorooctanoic acids. Sep Purif Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.116637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Temkin AM, Hocevar BA, Andrews DQ, Naidenko OV, Kamendulis LM. Application of the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1668. [PMID: 32143379 PMCID: PMC7084585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a large class of environmentally persistent chemicals used in industrial and consumer products. Human exposure to PFAS is extensive, and PFAS contamination has been reported in drinking water and food supplies as well as in the serum of nearly all people. The most well-studied member of the PFAS class, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), induces tumors in animal bioassays and has been associated with elevated risk of cancer in human populations. GenX, one of the PFOA replacement chemicals, induces tumors in animal bioassays as well. Using the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens framework for cancer hazard identification, we considered the existing epidemiological, toxicological and mechanistic data for 26 different PFAS. We found strong evidence that multiple PFAS induce oxidative stress, are immunosuppressive, and modulate receptor-mediated effects. We also found suggestive evidence indicating that some PFAS can induce epigenetic alterations and influence cell proliferation. Experimental data indicate that PFAS are not genotoxic and generally do not undergo metabolic activation. Data are currently insufficient to assess whether any PFAS promote chronic inflammation, cellular immortalization or alter DNA repair. While more research is needed to address data gaps, evidence exists that several PFAS exhibit one or more of the key characteristics of carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M. Temkin
- Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA; (D.Q.A.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Barbara A. Hocevar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (B.A.H.); (L.M.K.)
| | - David Q. Andrews
- Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA; (D.Q.A.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Olga V. Naidenko
- Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA; (D.Q.A.); (O.V.N.)
| | - Lisa M. Kamendulis
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (B.A.H.); (L.M.K.)
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Sunderland EM, Hu XC, Dassuncao C, Tokranov AK, Wagner CC, Allen JG. A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:131-147. [PMID: 30470793 PMCID: PMC6380916 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1092] [Impact Index Per Article: 218.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review present understanding of sources and trends in human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and epidemiologic evidence for impacts on cancer, immune function, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. More than 4000 PFASs have been manufactured by humans and hundreds have been detected in environmental samples. Direct exposures due to use in products can be quickly phased out by shifts in chemical production but exposures driven by PFAS accumulation in the ocean and marine food chains and contamination of groundwater persist over long timescales. Serum concentrations of legacy PFASs in humans are declining globally but total exposures to newer PFASs and precursor compounds have not been well characterized. Human exposures to legacy PFASs from seafood and drinking water are stable or increasing in many regions, suggesting observed declines reflect phase-outs in legacy PFAS use in consumer products. Many regions globally are continuing to discover PFAS contaminated sites from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use, particularly next to airports and military bases. Exposures from food packaging and indoor environments are uncertain due to a rapidly changing chemical landscape where legacy PFASs have been replaced by diverse precursors and custom molecules that are difficult to detect. Multiple studies find significant associations between PFAS exposure and adverse immune outcomes in children. Dyslipidemia is the strongest metabolic outcome associated with PFAS exposure. Evidence for cancer is limited to manufacturing locations with extremely high exposures and insufficient data are available to characterize impacts of PFAS exposures on neurodevelopment. Preliminary evidence suggests significant health effects associated with exposures to emerging PFASs. Lessons learned from legacy PFASs indicate that limited data should not be used as a justification to delay risk mitigation actions for replacement PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie M Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Xindi C Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Clifton Dassuncao
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrea K Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte C Wagner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Endocrine disruptors of inhibiting testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 303:90-97. [PMID: 30826252 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B) is a steroidogenic enzyme, catalyzing the conversion of 3β-hydroxysteroids into 3-keto-steroids. Two distinct isoforms in the human are cloned, HSD3B1 and HSD3B2, and HSD3B2 is located in the testis. HSD3B2 is a two-substrate enzyme, which binds to cofactor NAD+ and a 3β-steroid. Many endocrine disruptors, including industrial compounds (phthalates, bisphenols, and perfluoroalkyl substances), insecticides and biocides (organochlorine insecticides and organotins), food additives (butylated hydroxyanisole, resveratrol, gossypol, flavones, and isoflavones), and drugs (etomidate, troglitazone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and ketoconazole) inhibit testicular HSD3B, possibly interfering with androgen synthesis. In this review, we discuss the distinct testicular isoform of HSD3B, its gene, chemistry, subcellular location, and the endocrine disruptors that directly inhibit testicular HSD3B and their inhibitory modes.
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Kim SH, Kim IT, Choi CY. Evaluation of Subconjunctival Remnant Particles after High-frequency Radio-wave Electrosurgery for Conjunctivochalasis. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2019; 33:8-15. [PMID: 30746907 PMCID: PMC6372388 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2018.0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the clinical manifestations and properties of remnant particles in the subconjunctival space after high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery for conjunctivochalasis. Methods We performed a retrospective, observational case series with in vitro experimental imaging in nine eyes from eight patients who presented with small dark-gray lesions during follow-up after high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery for conjunctivochalasis. General examination including slit-lamp examination and visual acuity testing was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. During follow-up, we evaluated remnant particles and any other complications including granuloma or conjunctival injection with slit-lamp photography and anterior optical coherence tomography. Coagulation tips were investigated with scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the insulating electrode and assess changes to tips after repeated use. Results None of the patients included in this study experienced any change in visual acuity or major complications postoperatively. Small dark-gray lesions (0.3 to 0.5 mm in size) were observed in the inferior bulbar sub-conjunctival space in the location where high-frequency radio-wave electrosurgery had been performed. Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography images revealed focal hyper-reflection with a posterior shadow, suggesting foreign particles. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy imaging analysis revealed peaks of carbon and fluorine complexes, consistent with the polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the electrode. Conclusions There were no instances of inflammatory reaction, particle migration, or major complications due to particles. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of remnant polytetrafluoroethylene particles in subconjunctival tissue when using insulated coagulation tips subjected to repeat sterilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Ho Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Tae Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Young Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Barregård L, Bignami M, Brüschweiler B, Ceccatelli S, Cottrill B, Dinovi M, Edler L, Grasl-Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom LR, Nebbia CS, Oswald IP, Petersen A, Rose M, Roudot AC, Vleminckx C, Vollmer G, Wallace H, Bodin L, Cravedi JP, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, van Loveren H, Gergelova P, Mackay K, Levorato S, van Manen M, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in food. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05194. [PMID: 32625773 PMCID: PMC7009575 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food. Regarding PFOS and PFOA occurrence, the final data set available for dietary exposure assessment contained a total of 20,019 analytical results (PFOS n = 10,191 and PFOA n = 9,828). There were large differences between upper and lower bound exposure due to analytical methods with insufficient sensitivity. The CONTAM Panel considered the lower bound estimates to be closer to true exposure levels. Important contributors to the lower bound mean chronic exposure were 'Fish and other seafood', 'Meat and meat products' and 'Eggs and egg products', for PFOS, and 'Milk and dairy products', 'Drinking water' and 'Fish and other seafood' for PFOA. PFOS and PFOA are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, excreted in urine and faeces, and do not undergo metabolism. Estimated human half-lives for PFOS and PFOA are about 5 years and 2-4 years, respectively. The derivation of a health-based guidance value was based on human epidemiological studies. For PFOS, the increase in serum total cholesterol in adults, and the decrease in antibody response at vaccination in children were identified as the critical effects. For PFOA, the increase in serum total cholesterol was the critical effect. Also reduced birth weight (for both compounds) and increased prevalence of high serum levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (for PFOA) were considered. After benchmark modelling of serum levels of PFOS and PFOA, and estimating the corresponding daily intakes, the CONTAM Panel established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 13 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week for PFOS and 6 ng/kg bw per week for PFOA. For both compounds, exposure of a considerable proportion of the population exceeds the proposed TWIs.
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Hurley S, Goldberg D, Wang M, Park JS, Petreas M, Bernstein L, Anton-Culver H, Nelson DO, Reynolds P. Breast cancer risk and serum levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: a case-control study nested in the California Teachers Study. Environ Health 2018; 17:83. [PMID: 30482205 PMCID: PMC6260688 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large family of synthetic chemicals, some of which are mammary toxicants and endocrine disruptors. Their potential as breast carcinogens is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with serum PFAS concentrations in a nested case-control study within the California Teachers Study. METHODS Participants were 902 women with invasive breast cancer (cases) and 858 with no such diagnosis (controls) who provided 10 mL of blood and were interviewed during 2011-2015, an average of 35 months after case diagnosis. PFASs were measured using automated online SPE-HPLC-MS/MS methods. Statistical analyses were restricted to six PFASs with detection frequencies ≥ 95%: PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid), PFUnDA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), and MeFOSAA (2-(N-Methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs), estimating the breast cancer risk associated with each PFAS. RESULTS For all cases of invasive breast cancer, none of the adjusted ORs were statistically significant but marginally significant ORs < 1.0 were observed for PFUnDA and PFHxS (p-trend = 0.08). Adjusted ORs < 1.0 for PFUnDA and PFHxS were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) among the 107 cases with hormone-negative tumors but not the 743 with hormone-positive tumors. CONCLUSION Overall, these findings do not provide evidence that serum PFAS levels measured after diagnosis are related to breast cancer risk. The few inverse associations found may be due to chance or may be artifacts of study design. Future studies should incorporate information about genetic susceptibility, endogenous estrogen levels, and measurements of PFASs prior to diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hurley
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA.
| | - Debbie Goldberg
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Myrto Petreas
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Bernstein
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hoda Anton-Culver
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David O Nelson
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Peggy Reynolds
- Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, 2001 Center Street, Suite 700, Berkeley, 94704, California, USA
- Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctanesulfonate plasma concentrations and survival after prostate and bladder cancer in a population-based study. Environ Epidemiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Karzi V, Tzatzarakis MN, Vakonaki E, Alegakis T, Katsikantami I, Sifakis S, Rizos A, Tsatsakis AM. Biomonitoring of bisphenol A, triclosan and perfluorooctanoic acid in hair samples of children and adults. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:1144-1152. [PMID: 29722443 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are endocrine disruptors linked with negative health effects such as developmental, reproductive and cardiovascular toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine simultaneously the concentration of BPA, TCS and PFOA in hair from children and adults and examine possible associations between biomonitoring data and age, gender, dietary habits and body mass index. Methanolic extraction was applied and the compounds were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Low levels of exposure to PFOA were detected for children and adults at concentrations below limit of quantification. The mean concentration of BPA in children and adults was 20.6 and 16.6 pg mg-1 , while for TCS 275.2 and 687.0 pg mg-1 , respectively. Children were highly exposed to BPA relative to adults (P = .011) although adults had greater exposure to TCS (P = .003). Hair from girls had a greater burden of BPA (P = .06) compared to boys. Moreover, higher TCS levels were depicted for females in both examined groups (children P = .200 and adults P = .213) compared to males, but no statistical differences were observed. Significant differences were also observed between age groups (P = .0007) for TCS. No correlations were found between BPA or TCS levels and body mass index or dietary habits for both children and adults. Children have a greater exposure to BPA compared to adults, whereas exposure of adults to TCS seems to be higher than that in children and elderly people. Exposure to BPA occurs mainly via ingestion whereas exposure to TCS mainly via dermal absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Chemistry, University of Crete and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH-IESL), GR, -71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Manolis N Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Thanasis Alegakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Department of Chemistry, University of Crete and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH-IESL), GR, -71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos Rizos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH-IESL), GR, -71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristidis M Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology Science and Research, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Mastrantonio M, Bai E, Uccelli R, Cordiano V, Screpanti A, Crosignani P. Drinking water contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): an ecological mortality study in the Veneto Region, Italy. Eur J Public Health 2018; 28:180-185. [PMID: 28541558 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a heterogeneous group of highly stable man-made chemicals, have been widely used since 1960s and can be detected almost ubiquitously in all environmental matrices. In Italy, on January 2014, drinking water contamination in an area of the Veneto Region was detected mainly due to the drain of fluorinated chemicals by a manufacturing company operating since 1964. Methods The present ecological mortality study was aimed at comparing mortality for some causes of death selected on the basis of previous reported associations, during the period 1980-2013, in municipalities with PFAS contaminated and uncontaminated drinking water on the basis of the levels indicated by the Italian National Health Institute (ISS). Sex-specific number, standardized mortality rates and rate ratios (RR) for PFAS contaminated and uncontaminated areas were computed for each cause of death through the ENEA epidemiological database. Results In both sexes, statistically significant RRs were detected for all causes mortality, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, myocardial infarction and Alzheimer's disease. In females, RRs significantly higher than 1.0 were also observed for kidney and breast cancer, and Parkinson's disease. Increased risk, although not statistically significant, was observed for bladder cancer in both sexes, and for testicular cancer, pancreatic cancer and leukemia in males only. Conclusions Higher mortality levels for some causes of death, possibly associated with PFAS exposure, were detected in contaminated municipalities in comparison with uncontaminated ones with similar socioeconomic status and smoking habits. These results warrant further individual level analytic studies to delineate casual associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mastrantonio
- Territorial and Production System Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bai
- International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Uccelli
- Territorial and Production System Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cordiano
- International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Screpanti
- Territorial and Production System Sustainability Department, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Crosignani
- International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), Rome, Italy
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Fry K, Power MC. Persistent organic pollutants and mortality in the United States, NHANES 1999-2011. Environ Health 2017; 16:105. [PMID: 29017533 PMCID: PMC5634885 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are environmentally and biologically persistent chemicals that include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine (OC) pesticides. Currently, data on the associations between exposure to POPs and the risk of mortality in the U.S. population is limited. Our objective was to determine if higher exposure to POPs is associated with greater risk of all-cause, cancer, heart/cerebrovascular disease, or other-cause mortality. METHODS Analyses included participants aged 60 years and older from the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). We included 483 participants for analyses of PBDEs, 1043 for PFASs, and 461 for PCBs, and 1428 for OC pesticides. Exposures to POPs were estimated using biomarkers measured in serum. Mortality status through December 31, 2011 was obtained from public-use, linked mortality files. We used Cox proportional hazard models to quantify the associations of interest. Where we observed an association, we explored effect modification by sex, body mass index, smoking status, and albuminuria. We also explored the combined effect of PBDEs and OC pesticides in the subsample of participants with measures of both analytes. RESULTS Serum measurements of PBDEs, PFASs, and PCBs were not clearly associated with increased all-cause or cause-specific mortality in older Americans. Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality [HR per 1 SD increase =1.18, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.38]. Oxychlordane [HR = 1.15 95% CI 1.06, 1.25], p,p'-DDE [HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.23], trans-nonachlor [HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.18], and beta-hexachlorocyclohexane [HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.52] were associated with increased risk of other-cause mortality. Exploratory analyses suggested associations between OC pesticides and other-cause mortality were modified by sex. Exploratory analyses also suggested that the combination of high PBDE and high OC pesticide exposure had a stronger than expected adverse effect on all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Higher exposure to beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, an OC pesticide, is associated with increased all-cause mortality and higher exposure to four OC pesticides is associated with increased non-cancer, non-heart/cerebrovascular disease mortality in U.S. adults 60 years or older. These associations may be modified by sex or exposure to other POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiann Fry
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052 USA
| | - Melinda C. Power
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC, 20052 USA
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Worley RR, Moore SM, Tierney BC, Ye X, Calafat AM, Campbell S, Woudneh MB, Fisher J. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human serum and urine samples from a residentially exposed community. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 106:135-143. [PMID: 28645013 PMCID: PMC5673082 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered chemicals of emerging concern, in part due to their environmental and biological persistence and the potential for widespread human exposure. In 2007, a PFAS manufacturer near Decatur, Alabama notified the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it had discharged PFAS into a wastewater treatment plant, resulting in environmental contamination and potential exposures to the local community. OBJECTIVES To characterize PFAS exposure over time, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) collected blood and urine samples from local residents. METHODS Eight PFAS were measured in serum in 2010 (n=153). Eleven PFAS were measured in serum, and five PFAS were measured in urine (n=45) from some of the same residents in 2016. Serum concentrations were compared to nationally representative data and change in serum concentration over time was evaluated. Biological half-lives were estimated for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) using a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. RESULTS In 2010 and 2016, geometric mean PFOA and PFOS serum concentrations were elevated in participants compared to the general U.S. POPULATION In 2016, the geometric mean PFHxS serum concentration was elevated compared to the general U.S. POPULATION Geometric mean serum concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were significantly (p≤0.0001) lower (49%, 53%, and 58%, respectively) in 2016 compared to 2010. Half-lives for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were estimated to be 3.9, 3.3, and 15.5years, respectively. Concentrations of PFOA in serum and urine were highly correlated (r=0.75) in males. CONCLUSIONS Serum concentrations of some PFAS are decreasing in this residentially exposed community, but remain elevated compared to the U.S. general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rogers Worley
- Division of Community Health Investigations, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Susan McAfee Moore
- Division of Community Health Investigations, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bruce C Tierney
- Division of Community Health Investigations, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Ye
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Fisher
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
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Choi EM, Suh KS, Rhee SY, Oh S, Woo JT, Kim SW, Kim YS, Pak YK, Chon S. Perfluorooctanoic acid induces mitochondrial dysfunction in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2017; 52:281-289. [PMID: 27901621 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2016.1253402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a stable organic perfluorinated compound, is an emerging persistent organic pollutant, found widely in human and wildlife populations. Recent evidence suggests that exposure to environmental toxicants can be associated with higher risks of osteoporosis and fractures. We studied the cellular toxicology of PFOA in MC3T3-E1osteoblast cells. To examine the effect of PFOA, we measured cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, and mitochondrial parameters including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cardiolipin content, and cytochrome c release in MC3T3-E1 cells. Incubating MC3T3-E1 cells in different concentrations of PFOA for 48 h resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and significant inductions of ROS and mitochondrial superoxide. Moreover, PFOA induced MMP collapse, cardiolipin peroxidation, cytochrome c release, and decreased ATP levels, which in turn induced apoptosis or necrosis. When osteoblast differentiation markers were assessed, PFOA treatment caused a significant reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization in the cells. In summary, we found an ROS- and mitochondria-mediated pathway for the induction of cell damage by PFOA in MC3T3-E1 cells. Together, our results indicate that mitochondrial toxicity could be a plausible mechanism for the toxic effects of PFOA on osteoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Mi Choi
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Suh
- b Research Institute of Endocrinology, Kyung Hee University Hospital , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Seungjoon Oh
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Taek Woo
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woon Kim
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seol Kim
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Chung Hospital , Seongnam-si , Gyeonggi-do , Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim Pak
- d Department of Physiology , Kyung Hee University, College of Medicine , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Chon
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism , School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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Is there a human health risk associated with indirect exposure to perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs)? Toxicology 2017; 375:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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45
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Leso V, Capitanelli I, Lops EA, Ricciardi W, Iavicoli I. Occupational chemical exposure and diabetes mellitus risk. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 33:222-249. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233715624594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that may originate from an interaction between genetic and lifestyle risk factors. However, the possible role of occupational chemical exposures in the disease development and progression remains unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between occupational exposure to specific chemical substances or industrial activities and DM morbidity and mortality outcomes. Although some positive findings may support the diabetogenic role of certain pesticides and dioxins in different workplaces, the variable conditions of exposure, the lack of quantitative environmental or biological monitoring data and the different outcomes evaluated do not allow defining a specific exposure-disease causality. Therefore, further epidemiological studies will be necessary to adequately assess modes of action for different substances, dose–response relationships as well as individual susceptibility factors potentially affecting the exposure-disease continuum. Overall, this appears important to adequately assess, communicate and manage risks in occupational chemical exposure settings with the aim to protect workers and build healthier job conditions for diabetic employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veruscka Leso
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capitanelli
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Alessandra Lops
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Purpose: To inform questions raised by inconsistent findings regarding an association between perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and prostate cancer by assessing the relationship of PFAAs in human serum to prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Materials and Methods: Using 2005 to 2006 survey data from a large survey population, we compared serum PFAA concentrations in adult males with PSA concentrations adjusted for risk factors including age, body mass index, smoking status, and socioeconomic status. Results: Perfluoroalkyl acids are not consistently associated with PSA concentration in general, or with PSA more than 4.0. Discussion: These findings do not provide evidence that PFAA exposure is associated with PSA.
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Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances have been in use for over sixty years. These highly stable substances were at first thought to be virtually inert and of low toxicity. Toxicity information slowly emerged on perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate. More than thirty years ago, early studies reported immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity effects. The substances were discovered in blood samples from exposed workers, then in the general population and in community water supplies near U.S. manufacturing plants. Only recently has research publication on perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate intensified. While the toxicology database is still far from complete, carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity now appear to be relevant risks at prevalent exposure levels. Existing drinking water limits are based on less complete evidence that was available before 2008 and may be more than 100-fold too high. As risk evaluations assume that untested effects do not require regulatory attention, the greatly underestimated health risks from perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate illustrate the public health implications of assuming the safety of incompletely tested industrial chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Clapp
- Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
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Nano-Sized Cyclodextrin-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Adsorbents for Perfluorinated Compounds-A Mini-Review. NANOMATERIALS 2015; 5:981-1003. [PMID: 28347047 PMCID: PMC5312915 DOI: 10.3390/nano5020981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts have been directed towards the design of efficient and contaminant selective remediation technology for the removal of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from soils, sediments, and aquatic environments. While there is a general consensus on adsorption-based processes as the most suitable methodology for the removal of PFCs from aquatic environments, challenges exist regarding the optimal materials design of sorbents for selective uptake of PFCs. This article reviews the sorptive uptake of PFCs using cyclodextrin (CD)-based polymer adsorbents with nano- to micron-sized structural attributes. The relationship between synthesis of adsorbent materials and their structure relate to the overall sorption properties. Hence, the adsorptive uptake properties of CD-based molecularly imprinted polymers (CD-MIPs) are reviewed and compared with conventional MIPs. Further comparison is made with non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) that are based on cross-linking of pre-polymer units such as chitosan with epichlorohydrin in the absence of a molecular template. In general, MIPs offer the advantage of selectivity, chemical tunability, high stability and mechanical strength, ease of regeneration, and overall lower cost compared to NIPs. In particular, CD-MIPs offer the added advantage of possessing multiple binding sites with unique physicochemical properties such as tunable surface properties and morphology that may vary considerably. This mini-review provides a rationale for the design of unique polymer adsorbent materials that employ an intrinsic porogen via incorporation of a macrocyclic compound in the polymer framework to afford adsorbent materials with tunable physicochemical properties and unique nanostructure properties.
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Duong HT, Kadokami K, Shirasaka H, Hidaka R, Chau HTC, Kong L, Nguyen TQ, Nguyen TT. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids in environmental waters in Vietnam. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 122:115-124. [PMID: 25496738 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This is the first nationwide study of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in environmental waters in Vietnam. Twenty-eight river water and 22 groundwater samples collected in four major cities and 14 river water samples from the Red River were screened to investigate the occurrence and sources of 16 PFAAs. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were the most prevalent of 11 detected PFAAs with maximum concentrations in urban river water of 5.3, 18 and 0.93ngL(-1), respectively, and in groundwater of 8.2, 4.5 and 0.45ngL(-1), respectively. PFAAs in the Red River water were detected at low levels. PFAA concentrations in river water were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, possibly due to storm water runoff, a common phenomenon in Southeast Asian countries. The highest concentrations of PFAAs in river water were observed in samples from highly populated and industrialized areas, perhaps sourced from sewage. The PFAA concentrations observed were similar to those in other Southeast Asian countries, but lower than in developed nations. From the composition profiles of PFAAs, industrial products containing PFAAs imported from China and Japan might be one of the major sources of PFAAs in the Vietnamese aquatic environment. According to the health-based values and advisory issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the concentrations of detected PFAAs in this study do not pose an immediate health risk to humans and aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh Thi Duong
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Kiwao Kadokami
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan.
| | - Hanako Shirasaka
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Rento Hidaka
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Hong Thi Cam Chau
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Lingxiao Kong
- Graduate School of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan
| | - Trung Quang Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Toxicology Analysis, Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
| | - Thao Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Toxicology Analysis, Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
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50
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Mashayekhi V, Tehrani KHME, Hashemzaei M, Tabrizian K, Shahraki J, Hosseini MJ. Mechanistic approach for the toxic effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on isolated rat liver and brain mitochondria. Hum Exp Toxicol 2015; 34:985-96. [PMID: 25586001 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114565492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one of the most widely used perfluoroalkanes as surfactants, lubricants and processing aids in the production of polymers, which has also been detected in the environment, wildlife and human body. Animal studies indicated that PFOA caused a wide array of toxic effects including liver and brain dysfunction, carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Based on the established role of mitochondria-mediated pathways in the observed toxic effects of many drugs and chemicals, in this study, the potential toxic effects of PFOA on mitochondria isolated from rat liver and brain have been investigated. METHOD Mitochondria were isolated by differential centrifugation method and incubated with different concentrations of PFOA (0.5-1.5 mM). The effects of PFOA were assessed on a series of mitochondrial parameters including reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, activities of mitochondrial complexes I/II/III, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, membrane potential, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release. RESULTS The data on liver mitochondria indicated that PFOA-induced ROS elevation in both mitochondrial complexes I and III, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, swelling, cytochrome c release and decreased ATP level which induces apoptosis or necrosis. On brain mitochondria, PFOA showed fairly similar effects on the above-mentioned parameters. However, different results were obtained when the effect of PFOA was assessed on LPO and complex II activity. CONCLUSIONS Due to the fact that PFOA had toxic effects on the mitochondria isolated, it could be suggested that mitochondrial toxicity could be a plausible mechanism for the toxic effects of this fluorochemical on liver and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Mashayekhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Zanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - M Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - K Tabrizian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - J Shahraki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - M-J Hosseini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Zanjan Applied Pharmacology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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