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Collier GE, Lavado R. An in-depth examination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) effects on transporters, with emphasis on the ABC superfamily: A critical review. Toxicology 2024; 508:153901. [PMID: 39094918 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances are a type of chemical compound unique for their multiple carbon-fluorine bonds, imbuing them with strength and environmental permanence. While legacy substances have been phased out due to human health risks, short-chain and alternative PFAS remain omnipresent. However, a detailed explanation for the pathways through which PFAS interact on a cellular and molecular level is still largely unknown, and the human health effects remain mechanistically unexplained. Of particular interest when focusing on this topic are the interactions between these exogenous chemicals and plasma and membrane proteins. Such proteins include serum albumin which can transport PFAS throughout the body, solute carrier proteins (SLC) and ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters which are able to move PFAS into and out of cells, and proteins and nuclear receptors which interact with PFAS intracellularly. ABC transporters as a family have little available human data despite being responsible for the export of endogenous substances and drugs throughout the body. The multifactorial regulation of these crucial transporters is affected directly and indirectly by PFAS. Changes, which can include alterations to membrane transport activity and differences in protein expression, vary greatly depending on the specific PFAS and protein of interest. Together, the myriad of changes caused by understudied PFAS exposure to a class of understudied proteins crucial to cellular function and drug treatments has not been fully explored regarding human health and presents room for further exploration. This critical work aims to provide a novel framework of existing human data on PFAS and ABC transporters, allowing for future advancement and investigation into human transporter activity, mechanisms of regulation, and interactions with emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracen E Collier
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States
| | - Ramon Lavado
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, United States.
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Xing WY, Sun JN, Liu FH, Shan LS, Yin JL, Li YZ, Xu HL, Wei YF, Liu JX, Zheng WR, Zhang YY, Song XJ, Liu KX, Liu JC, Wang JY, Jia MQ, Chen X, Li XY, Liu C, Gong TT, Wu QJ. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and human health outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134556. [PMID: 38735187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134556] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although evidence on the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and human health outcomes has grown exponentially, specific health outcomes and their potential associations with PFASs have not been conclusively evaluated. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search through the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to February 29, 2024, to identify systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies examining the associations between the PFASs and multiple health outcomes. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool, and credibility of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria. The protocol of this umbrella review (UR) had been registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42023480817). RESULTS The UR identified 157 meta-analyses from 29 articles. Using the AMSTAR measurement tool, all articles were categorized as of moderate-to-high quality. Based on the GRADE assessment, significant associations between specific types of PFASs and low birth weight, tetanus vaccine response, and triglyceride levels showed high certainty of evidence. Moreover, moderate certainty of evidence with statistical significance was observed between PFASs and health outcomes including lower BMI z-score in infancy, poor sperm progressive motility, and decreased risk of preterm birth as well as preeclampsia. Fifty-two (33%) associations (e.g., PFASs and gestational hypertension, cardiovascular disease, etc) presented low certainty evidence. Additionally, eighty-five (55%) associations (e.g., PFASs with infertility, lipid metabolism, etc) presented very low certainty evidence. CONCLUSION High certainty of evidence supported that certain PFASs were associated with the incidence of low birth weight, low efficiency of the tetanus vaccine, and low triglyceride levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yi Xing
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Nan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Shen Shan
- Department of Pediatric, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Li Yin
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi-Zi Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - He-Li Xu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wei
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Xin Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wen-Rui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin-Jian Song
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ke-Xin Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming-Qian Jia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Ting-Ting Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
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Chu C, Ran H, Zhou Y, Zhao K, Zhang YT, Fan YY, Wu LY, Liang LX, Huang JW, Guo LH, Zhou JX, Lin LZ, Ma JH, Zhang CF, Yu YJ, Dong GH, Zhao XM. Placental inflammatory injury induced by chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) through NLRP3 inflammasome activation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116453. [PMID: 38772139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116453] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate, commercially known as F-53B, has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the reproductive toxicology of F-53B on the placenta remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we examined the impact of F-53B on placental injury and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo. Pregnant C57BL/6 J female mice were randomly allocated to three groups: the control group, F-53B 0.8 µg/kg/day group, and F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group. After F-53B exposure through free drinking water from gestational day (GD) 0.5-14.5, the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group exhibited significant increases in placental weights and distinctive histopathological alterations, including inflammatory cell infiltration, heightened syncytiotrophoblast knots, and a loosened trophoblastic basement membrane. Within the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group, placental tissue exhibited increased apoptosis, as indicated by increased caspase3 activation. Furthermore, F-53B potentially induced the NF-κB signaling pathway activation through IκB-α phosphorylation. Subsequently, this activation upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, including activated caspase1, IL-1β, IL-18, and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), ultimately leading to pyroptosis in the mouse placenta. Our findings reveal a pronounced inflammatory injury in the placenta due to F-53B exposure, suggesting potential reproductive toxicity at concentrations relevant to the human population. Further toxicological and epidemiological investigations are warranted to conclusively assess the reproductive health risks posed by F-53B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Chu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hao Ran
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Specialized Study Centre, Department of Neurology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, National Key Clinical Department and Key Discipline of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yun-Ting Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Fan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lu-Yin Wu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Xia Liang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing-Wen Huang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Hao Guo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zhou
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jun-Heng Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chao-Fan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yun-Jiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Miao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Coperchini F, Teliti M, Greco A, Croce L, Rotondi M. Per-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as thyroid disruptors: is there evidence for multi-transgenerational effects? Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2024; 19:307-315. [PMID: 38764236 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2024.2351885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The environmental spread of pollutants has led to a persistent exposure of living beings to multiple chemicals, by now become ubiquitous in the surrounding environment. Environmental exposure to these substances has been reported to cause multi- and/or transgenerational health effects. Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) raise great concern, given their known effects both as endocrine disruptors and potential carcinogens. The multi/trans-generational effects of different endocrine disruptors have been investigated by several studies, and harmful effects observed also for PFAS. AREAS COVERED This review examines the current data on the multi-trans-generational effects of PFAS, with a focus on their impact on the thyroid axis. The aim is to determine if there is evidence of potential multi-trans-generational effects of PFAS on the thyroid and/or if more research is needed. EXPERT OPINION PFAS exposure impacts thyroid homeostasis and can cross the placental barrier. In addition PFAS have shown multi-transgenerational effects in laboratory experiences and animal models, but thyroid disruptive effects of PFAS were also investigated only in a small number of these studies. Efforts are needed to study the adverse effects of PFAS, as not all PFAS are regulated and removal strategies are still being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Coperchini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Marsida Teliti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Alessia Greco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Laura Croce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Rotondi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Lombardia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Pavia, Italy
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González-Alvarez ME, Antwi-Boasiako C, Keating AF. Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction. TOXICS 2024; 12:455. [PMID: 39058107 PMCID: PMC11280844 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12070455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and animal model studies. This review describes female reproductive outcomes of reported studies and includes where associative relationships between PFAS exposures and female reproductive outcomes have been observed as well as where those are absent. In animal models, studies in which PFAS are documented to cause toxicity and where effects are lacking are described. Discrepancies exist in both human and animal studies and are likely attributable to human geographical contamination, developmental status, duration of exposure, and PFAS chemical identity. Similarly, in animal investigations, the model used, exposure paradigm, and developmental status of the female are important and vary widely in documented studies. Taken together, support for PFAS as reproductive and developmental toxicants exists, although the disparity in study conditions and human exposures contribute to the variation in effects noted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aileen F. Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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Morales-Grahl E, Hilz EN, Gore AC. Regrettable Substitutes and the Brain: What Animal Models and Human Studies Tell Us about the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Bisphenol, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and Phthalate Replacements. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6887. [PMID: 38999997 PMCID: PMC11241431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, emerging evidence has identified endocrine and neurologic health concerns related to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs), and phthalates. This has resulted in consumer pressure to remove these chemicals from the market, especially in food-contact materials and personal care products, driving their replacement with structurally or functionally similar substitutes. However, these "new-generation" chemicals may be just as or more harmful than their predecessors and some have not received adequate testing. This review discusses the research on early-life exposures to new-generation bisphenols, PFASs, and phthalates and their links to neurodevelopmental and behavioral alterations in zebrafish, rodents, and humans. As a whole, the evidence suggests that BPA alternatives, especially BPAF, and newer PFASs, such as GenX, can have significant effects on neurodevelopment. The need for further research, especially regarding phthalate replacements and bio-based alternatives, is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morales-Grahl
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Emily N Hilz
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Wang X, Wang K, Mao W, Fan Z, Liu T, Hong R, Chen H, Pan C. Emerging perfluoroalkyl substances retard skeletal growth by accelerating osteoblasts senescence via ferroptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119483. [PMID: 38914254 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Due to the persistent nature and significant negative impacts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on human health and other organisms, the emergence of new PFOA alternatives, such as perfluoro (2-methyl-3-oxhexanoic) acid (GenX) and perfluoro-3,6,9-trioxyundecanoic acid (PFO3TDA), have drawn significant attention. However, the toxic effects of PFOA and its substitutes on bones remain limited. In this study, we administered different concentrations of PFOA, GenX, and PFO3TDA via gavage to 3-week-old male BALB/C mice for four weeks. X-ray and micro-CT scans revealed shortening of the femur and tibia and significant reduction in bone density. Additionally, PFOA, GenX, and PFO3TDA promoted osteoblast senescence and impaired osteogenic capabilities. This was characterized by a decrease in the expression of osteogenesis-related genes (OCN, ALP, Runx2, etc.) and an increase in the expression of aging and inflammation-related factors (p16INK4a, P21, MMP3, etc). Furthermore, RNA sequencing revealed activation of the ferroptosis pathway in PFOA-treated osteoblasts, characterized by notable lipid peroxidation and excessive iron accumulation. Finally, by inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), we effectively alleviated the senescence of MC3T3-E1 cells treated with PFOA, GenX, and PFO3TDA, and improved their osteogenic capabilities. Therefore, our study provides a new therapeutic insight into the impact of PFOA and its substitutes on bone growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kehan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Mao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhencheng Fan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Runyang Hong
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Chun Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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Leuthner TC, Zhang S, Kohrn BF, Stapleton HM, Baugh LR. Structure-specific variation in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances toxicity among genetically diverse Caenorhabditis elegans strains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596269. [PMID: 38854041 PMCID: PMC11160736 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background There are >14,500 structurally diverse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Despite knowledge that these "forever chemicals" are in 99% of humans, mechanisms of toxicity and adverse health effects are incompletely known. Furthermore, the contribution of genetic variation to PFAS susceptibility and health consequences is unknown. Objectives We determined the toxicity of a structurally distinct set of PFAS in twelve genetically diverse strains of the genetic model system Caenorhabditis elegans. Methods Dose-response curves for four perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFNA, PFOA, PFPeA, and PFBA), two perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFOS and PFBS), two perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (PFOSA and PFBSA), two fluoroether carboxylic acids (GenX and PFMOAA), one fluoroether sulfonic acid (PFEESA), and two fluorotelomers (6:2 FCA and 6:2 FTS) were determined in the C. elegans laboratory reference strain, N2, and eleven genetically diverse wild strains. Body length was quantified by image analysis at each dose after 48 hr of developmental exposure of L1 arrest-synchronized larvae to estimate effective concentration values (EC50). Results There was a significant range in toxicity among PFAS: PFOSA > PFBSA ≈ PFOS ≈ PFNA > PFOA > GenX ≈ PFEESA > PFBS ≈ PFPeA ≈ PFBA. Long-chain PFAS had greater toxicity than short-chain, and fluorosulfonamides were more toxic than carboxylic and sulfonic acids. Genetic variation explained variation in susceptibility to PFBSA, PFOS, PFBA, PFOA, GenX, PFEESA, PFPeA, and PFBA. There was significant variation in toxicity among C. elegans strains due to chain length, functional group, and between legacy and emerging PFAS. Conclusion C. elegans respond to legacy and emerging PFAS of diverse structures, and this depends on specific structures and genetic variation. Harnessing the natural genetic diversity of C. elegans and the structural complexity of PFAS is a powerful New Approach Methodology (NAM) to investigate structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of toxicity which may inform regulation of other PFAS to improve human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess C. Leuthner
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brendan F Kohrn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - L. Ryan Baugh
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, North Carolina, USA
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Dunn F, Paquette SE, Pennell KD, Plavicki JS, Manz KE. Metabolomic changes following GenX and PFBS exposure in developing zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 271:106908. [PMID: 38608566 PMCID: PMC11209921 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106908] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Short chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), are replacement chemicals for environmentally persistent, long-chain PFAS. Although GenX and PFBS have been detected in surface and ground water worldwide, few studies provide information on the metabolic alterations or risks associated with their exposures. In this study, larval zebrafish were used to investigate the toxicity of early-life exposure to GenX or PFBS. Zebrafish were chronically exposed from 4 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 6 days post-fertilization (dpf) to 150 µM GenX or 95.0 µM PFBS. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography paired with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to quantify uptake of GenX and PFBS into zebrafish larvae and perform targeted and untargeted metabolomics. Our results indicate that PFBS was 20.4 % more readily absorbed into the zebrafish larvae compared to GenX. Additionally, PFBS exposure significantly altered 13 targeted metabolites and 21 metabolic pathways, while GenX exposure significantly altered 1 targeted metabolite and 17 metabolic pathways. Exposure to GenX, and to an even greater extent PFBS, resulted in a number of altered metabolic pathways in the amino acid metabolism, with other significant alterations in the carbohydrate, lipid, cofactors and vitamins, nucleotide, and xenobiotics metabolisms. Our results indicate that GenX and PFBS impact the zebrafish metabolome, with implications of global metabolic dysregulation, particularly in metabolic pathways relating to growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dunn
- School of Engineering, Brown University, 184 Hope Street, Providence, RI, 02912, United States
| | - Shannon E Paquette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI, 02903, United States
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, 184 Hope Street, Providence, RI, 02912, United States
| | - Jessica S Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI, 02903, United States.
| | - Katherine E Manz
- School of Engineering, Brown University, 184 Hope Street, Providence, RI, 02912, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
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10
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Shi W, Zhang Z, Li M, Dong H, Li J. Reproductive toxicity of PFOA, PFOS and their substitutes: A review based on epidemiological and toxicological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118485. [PMID: 38373549 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have already drawn a lot of attention for their accumulation and reproductive toxicity in organisms. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS), two representative PFAS, are toxic to humans and animals. Due to their widespread use in environmental media with multiple toxicities, PFOA and PFOS have been banned in numerous countries, and many substitutes have been produced to meet market requirements. Unfortunately, most alternatives to PFOA and PFOS have proven to be cumulative and highly toxic. Of the reported multiple organ toxicities, reproductive toxicity deserves special attention. It has been confirmed through epidemiological studies that PFOS and PFOA are not only associated with reduced testosterone levels in humans, but also with an association with damage to the integrity of the blood testicular barrier. In addition, for women, PFOA and PFOS are correlated with abnormal sex hormone levels, and increase the risk of infertility and abnormal menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, there is controversial evidence on the epidemiological relationship that exists between PFOA and PFOS as well as sperm quality and reproductive hormones, while the evidence from animal studies is relatively consistent. Based on the published papers, the potential toxicity mechanisms for PFOA, PFOS and their substitutes were reviewed. For males, PFOA and PFOS may produce reproductive toxicity in the following five ways: (1) Apoptosis and autophagy in spermatogenic cells; (2) Apoptosis and differentiation disorders of Leydig cells; (3) Oxidative stress in sperm and disturbance of Ca2+ channels in sperm membrane; (4) Degradation of delicate intercellular junctions between Sertoli cells; (5) Activation of brain nuclei and shift of hypothalamic metabolome. For females, PFOA and PFOS may produce reproductive toxicity in the following five ways: (1) Damage to oocytes through oxidative stress; (2) Inhibition of corpus luteum function; (3) Inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis; (4) Damage to follicles by affecting gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC); (5) Inhibition of placental function. Besides, PFAS substitutes show similar reproductive toxicity with PFOA and PFOS, and are even more toxic to the placenta. Finally, based on the existing knowledge, future developments and direction of efforts in this field are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Mei Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215011, China
| | - Huiyu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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11
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Cinzori ME, Pacyga DC, Rosas L, Whalen J, Smith S, Park JS, Geiger SD, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in early-to-mid-pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118434. [PMID: 38346483 PMCID: PMC11102845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118434] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can disrupt metabolism. Early-to-mid pregnancy is characterized by amplified metabolic processes and inflammation to support maternal adaptations and fetal growth. Thus, we cross-sectionally evaluated whether PFAS are individually and jointly associated with these processes in early-to-mid pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant Illinois women (n = 452) provided fasted blood samples at median 17 weeks gestation. We quantified serum perfluorononanoic (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid (Me-PFOSA-AcOH), perfluorohexanesulfonic (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic (PFDeA), and perfluoroundecanoic (PFUdA) acid. Key outcomes were plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin 6. We calculated homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). We evaluated associations of PFAS with each metabolic/inflammatory biomarker individually using covariate-adjusted linear regression and jointly using quantile-based g-computation. RESULTS In linear regression, all PFAS (except Me-PFOSA-AcOH) were negatively associated with insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin, whereas all PFAS were positively associated with HDL cholesterol. We also observed negative associations of some PFAS with TNF-α and MCP-1; positive associations with adiponectin and total cholesterol also emerged. Additionally, PFOS was positively, whereas Me-PFOSA-AcOH was negatively, associated with triglycerides and VLDL. Each 25% increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with -31.3% lower insulin (95%CI: -45.8, -12.9), -31.9% lower HOMA-IR (95%CI: -46.4, -13.4), and -9.4% lower leptin (95%CI: -17.3, -0.8), but 7.4% higher HDL cholesterol (95%CI: 4.6, 10.3). For most outcomes, the major contributors to the PFAS mixture often differed compared to single-PFAS analyses. IMPLICATIONS Individual and joint PFAS exposures were associated with markers of maternal metabolism and inflammation in pregnancy. Further investigation is needed to elucidate possible mechanisms and consequences of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Cinzori
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Libeth Rosas
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sarah D Geiger
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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12
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Ge Q, Zhao J, Qu F. Investigating the progression of preeclampsia through a comprehensive analysis of genes associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:444-453. [PMID: 38166544 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2299485] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals utilized in the production of various products that possess water and dirt-repellent properties. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous diseases, such as cancer and preeclampsia (PE). However, whether PFAS contributes to the advancement of PE remains uncertain. In this study, we conducted an extensive bioinformatics analysis using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, leading us to discover a connection between PE and four specific PFAS. Moreover, further examination revealed that six genes associated with PFAS exhibited significant diagnostic potential for individuals with PE. By employing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, our PFAS-related gene-based nomogram model demonstrated outstanding predictive efficacy for diagnosing PE. Immune infiltration analysis showed that six PFAS-related genes were significantly associated with the level of immune cell infiltration. The expression of PFAS-related genes in PE patients was confirmed by collecting clinical samples. This research has offered fresh perspectives on comprehending the impact of PFAS on PE, drawing attention to the connection between environmental factors and the risks and development of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Ju Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Fujuan Qu
- Department of Obstetrics, Nantong Tongzhou People's Hospital, Nantong, China
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13
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Adams H, Hanrahan J, Kiefte S, O'Brien T, Mercer GV, Steeves KL, Schneider CM, Jobst KJ, Cahill LS. Differential impact of perfluorooctanoic acid and fluorotelomer ethoxylates on placental metabolism in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 356:141923. [PMID: 38599328 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of compounds with uses in industry and many consumer products. Concerns about the potential health effects of these compounds resulted in regulation by the Stockholm Convention on the use of three of the most common PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thousands of PFAS remain in production that are unregulated and for which their toxicity is unknown. Our group recently identified a new class of PFAS, fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs), in indoor dust and industrial wastewater. In this study, we investigated the effect of PFAS on placental metabolism by exposing healthy, pregnant CD-1 mice to PFOA or FTEOs at one of three concentrations (0 ng/L (controls), 5 ng/L, 100 ng/L) (n = 7-8/group). While PFOA is banned and PFOA concentrations in human blood are decreasing, we hypothesize that FTEOs will cause adverse pregnancy outcomes similar to PFOA, the compounds they were meant to replace. Placental tissue samples were collected at embryonic day 17.5 and 1H solid-state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the relative concentration of placental metabolites (n = 18-20/group). At the highest concentration, the relative concentrations of glucose and threonine were increased and the relative concentration of creatine was decreased in the PFOA-exposed placentas compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, the relative concentrations of asparagine and lysine were decreased and the relative concentration of creatine was increased in the FTEOs-exposed placentas compared to controls (p < 0.05). Partial least squares - discriminant analysis showed the FTEOs-exposed and control groups were significantly separated (p < 0.005) and pathway analysis found four biochemical pathways were perturbed following PFOA exposure, while one pathway was altered following FTEOs exposure. Maternal exposure to PFOA and FTEOs had a significant impact on the placental metabolome, with the effect depending on the pollutant. This work motivates further studies to determine exposure levels and evaluate associations with adverse outcomes in human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Adams
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Jenna Hanrahan
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Sophie Kiefte
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Thomas O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Grace V Mercer
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Katherine L Steeves
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Céline M Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Karl J Jobst
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada; Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7, Canada.
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14
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Mitra T, Gulati R, Ramachandran K, Rajiv R, Enninga EAL, Pierret CK, Kumari R S, Janardhanan R. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: gestational diabetes and beyond. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2024; 16:95. [PMID: 38664841 PMCID: PMC11046910 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has been on the rise for the last two decades along with the growing incidence of obesity. The ubiquitous use of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) worldwide has been associated with this increase in GDM incidence. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation have been associated with prenatal exposure to EDCs. EDC exposure can also drive a sustained disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and various other signaling pathways such as thyroid signaling, PPARγ signaling, PI3K-AKT signaling. This disruption leads to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance as well as β-cell dysfunction, which culminate into GDM. Persistent EDC exposure in pregnant women also increases adipogenesis, which results in gestational weight gain. Importantly, pregnant mothers transfer these EDCs to the fetus via the placenta, thus leading to other pregnancy-associated complications such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and large for gestational age neonates. Furthermore, this early EDC exposure of the fetus increases the susceptibility of the infant to metabolic diseases in early life. The transgenerational impact of EDCs is also associated with higher vascular tone, cognitive aberrations, and enhanced susceptibility to lifestyle disorders including reproductive health anomalies. The review focuses on the impact of environmental toxins in inducing epigenetic alterations and increasing the susceptibility to metabolic diseases during pregnancy needs to be extensively studied such that interventions can be developed to break this vicious cycle. Furthermore, the use of EDC-associated ExomiRs from the serum of patients can help in the early diagnosis of GDM, thereby leading to triaging of patients based on increasing risk factor of the clinicopathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tridip Mitra
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 603 203, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Richa Gulati
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 603 203, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krithika Ramachandran
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 603 203, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rohan Rajiv
- Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 15260, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Chris K Pierret
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sajeetha Kumari R
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 603 203, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajiv Janardhanan
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, 603 203, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India.
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15
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Mao X, Liu Y, Wei Y, Li X, Liu Y, Su G, Wang X, Jia J, Yan B. Threats of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl pollutants to susceptible populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171188. [PMID: 38395163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised significant global health concerns due to potential hazards in healthy adults. However, the impact of PFAS on susceptible populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the older people, and those with underlying health conditions, has been overlooked. These susceptible groups often have physiological changes that make them less resilient to the same exposures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the health risks posed by PFAS exposure to these populations. In this review, we delve into the potential health risks of PFAS exposure in these susceptible populations. Equally important, we also examine and discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility. These mechanisms include the induction of oxidative stress, disruption of the immune system, impairment of cellular metabolism, and alterations in gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the enhanced toxicity of PFAS in susceptible populations. Finally, we address the primary research challenges and unresolved issues that require further investigation. This discussion aims to foster research for a better understanding of how PFAS affect susceptible populations and to pave the way for strategies to minimize their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yin Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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16
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Gan H, Xing Y, Tong J, Lu M, Yan S, Huang K, Wu X, Tao S, Gao H, Pan Y, Dai J, Tao F. Impact of Gestational Exposure to Individual and Combined Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on a Placental Structure and Efficiency: Findings from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6117-6127. [PMID: 38525964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is inevitable among pregnant women. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research investigating the connections between prenatal PFAS exposure and the placental structure and efficiency. Based on 712 maternal-fetal dyads in the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort, we analyzed associations between individual and mixed PFAS exposure and placental measures. We repeatedly measured 12 PFAS in the maternal serum during pregnancy. Placental weight, scaling exponent, chorionic disc area, and disc eccentricity were used as the outcome variables. Upon adjusting for confounders and implementing corrections for multiple comparisons, we identified positive associations between branched perfluorohexane sulfonate (br-PFHxS) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) with placental weight. Additionally, a positive association was observed between br-PFHxS and the scaling exponent, where a higher scaling exponent signified reduced placental efficiency. Based on neonatal sex stratification, female infants were found to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of PFAS exposure. Mixed exposure modeling revealed that mixed PFAS exposure was positively associated with placental weight and scaling exponent, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Furthermore, br-PFHxS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA played major roles in the placental measures. This study provides the first epidemiological evidence of the relationship between prenatal PFAS exposure and placental measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
| | - Yanan Xing
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
| | - Mengjuan Lu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Ma'anshan 243011 Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
| | - Shuman Tao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022 Anhui, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032 Anhui, China
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Liang HW, Koistinen H, Barrett ES, Xun X, Yin Q, Kannan K, Moog NK, Ng C, O’Connor TG, Miller R, Adibi JJ. Associations of Serum Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Placental Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Early Pregnancy, Measured in the UPSIDE Study in Rochester, New York. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47008. [PMID: 38625811 PMCID: PMC11020022 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely detected in pregnant women and associated with adverse outcomes related to impaired placental function. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone that can indicate placental toxicity. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to quantify the association of serum PFAS with placental hCG, measured as an intact molecule (hCG), as free alpha-(hCG α ) and beta-subunits (hCG β ), and as a hyperglycosylated form (h-hCG), and evaluate effect measure modification by social determinants and by fetal sex. METHODS Data were collected from 326 pregnant women enrolled from 2015 to 2019 in the UPSIDE study in Rochester, New York. hCG forms were normalized for gestational age at the time of blood draw in the first trimester [multiple of the median (MoM)]. Seven PFAS were measured in second-trimester maternal serum. Multivariate imputation by chained equations and inverse probability weighting were used to evaluate robustness of linear associations. PFAS mixture effects were estimated by Bayesian kernel machine regression. RESULTS Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) [hCG β : 0.29 log MoM units per log PFHxS; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.51] and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (hCG: - 0.09 ; 95% CI: - 0.16 , - 0.02 ) were associated with hCG in the single chemical and mixture analyses. The PFAS mixture was negatively associated with hCG α and positively with hCG β . Subgroup analyses revealed that PFAS associations with hCG differed by maternal race/ethnicity and education. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was associated with hCG β only in Black participants (- 0.23 ; 95% CI: - 0.37 , - 0.09 ) and in participants with high school education or less (- 0.14 ; 95% CI: - 0.26 , - 0.02 ); conversely, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was negatively associated with hCG α only in White participants (- 0.15 ; 95% CI: - 0.27 , - 0.03 ) and with hCG β only in participants with a college education or greater (- 0.19 ; 95% CI: - 0.36 , - 0.01 ). These findings were robust to testing for selection bias, confounding bias, and left truncation bias where PFAS detection frequency was < 100 % . Two associations were negative in male (and null in female) pregnancies: Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) with hCG α , and PFNA with h-hCG. CONCLUSIONS Evidence was strongest for the association between PFHxS and PFDA with hCG in all participants and for PFPeA and PFNA within subgroups defined by social determinants and fetal sex. PFAS mixture associations with hCG α and hCG β differed, suggesting subunit-specific types of toxicity and/or regulation. Future studies will evaluate the biological, clinical and public health significance of these findings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12950.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Wei Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Nora K. Moog
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carla Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rich Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer J. Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Jovanovic N, Mustieles V, Althuser M, Lyon-Caen S, Alfaidy N, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Bayat S, Couturier-Tarrade A, Slama R, Philippat C. Associations between synthetic phenols, phthalates, and placental growth/function: a longitudinal cohort with exposure assessment in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae018. [PMID: 38689737 PMCID: PMC11057944 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is exposure to environmental chemicals associated with modifications of placental morphology and function? SUMMARY ANSWER Phthalates, a class of ubiquitous chemicals, showed an association with altered placental weight, placental vascular resistance (PVR), and placental efficiency. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Only a few epidemiological studies have assessed the effects of phenols and phthalates on placental health. Their results were affected by exposure measurement errors linked to the rapid excretion of these compounds and the reliance on a limited number of spot urine samples to assess exposure. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A prospective mother-child cohort, with improved exposure assessment for non-persistent chemicals, recruited participants between 2014 and 2017. Sample size ranged between 355 (placental parameters measured at birth: placental weight and placental-to-fetal weight ratio (PFR): a proxy for placental efficiency) and 426 (placental parameters measured during pregnancy: placental thickness and vascular resistance). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Phenols (four parabens, two bisphenols, triclosan, and benzophenone-3), 13 phthalate metabolites, and two non-phthalate plasticizer metabolites were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (median = 21 samples/trimester/woman). Placental thickness and PVR were measured during pregnancy. The placenta was weighed at birth and the PFR was computed. Both adjusted linear regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression were used to evaluate associations between phenols and phthalates (alone or as a mixture) and placental parameters. Effect modification by child sex was also investigated. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several phthalate metabolites were negatively associated with placental outcomes. Monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, were associated with a decrease in both placental weight at birth (β = -20.1 g [95% CI: -37.8; -2.5] and β = -17.4 g [95% CI: -33.2; -1.6], for second and third trimester, respectively) and PFR (β = -0.5 [95% CI: -1, -0.1] and β = -0.5 [95% CI: -0.9, -0.1], for the second and third trimester, respectively). Additionally, MBzP was negatively associated with PVR during the third trimester (β= -0.9 [95% CI: -1.8; 0.1]). Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), was negatively associated with PVR in both trimesters (β = -1.3, 95% CI: [-2.3, -0.2], and β = -1.2, 95% CI: [-2.4, -0.03], for the second and third trimester, respectively). After stratification for child sex, Σ diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) (either second or third-trimester exposures, depending on the outcomes considered) was associated with decreased PVR in the third trimester, as well as decreased placental weight and PFR in males. No associations were observed for phenol biomarkers. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION False positives cannot be ruled out. Therefore, chemicals that were associated with multiple outcomes (MnBP and DiNP) or reported in existing literature as associated with placental outcomes (MBzP) should be considered as the main results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results are consistent with in vitro studies showing that phthalates target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, in the family of nuclear receptors involved in key placental development processes such as trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition to placental weight at birth, we studied placental parameters during pregnancy, which could provide a broader view of how environmental chemicals affect maternal-fetal exchanges over the course of pregnancy. Our findings contribute to the increasing evidence indicating adverse impacts of phthalate exposure on placental health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the French Research Agency-ANR (MEMORI project ANR-21-CE34-0022). The SEPAGES cohort was supported by the European Research Council (N°311765-E-DOHaD), the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-206-N°308333-892 HELIX), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (N° 874583 ATHLETE Project, N°825712 OBERON Project), the French Research Agency-ANR (PAPER project ANR-12-PDOC-0029-01, SHALCOH project ANR-14-CE21-0007, ANR-15-IDEX-02 and ANR-15-IDEX5, GUMME project ANR-18-CE36-005, ETAPE project ANR-18-CE36-0005-EDeN project ANR-19-CE36-0003-01), the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety-ANSES (CNAP project EST-2016-121, PENDORE project EST-2016-121, HyPAxE project EST-2019/1/039, PENDALIRE project EST-2022-169), the Plan Cancer (Canc'Air project), the French Cancer Research Foundation Association de Recherche sur le Cancer-ARC, the French Endowment Fund AGIR for chronic diseases-APMC (projects PRENAPAR, LCI-FOT, DysCard), the French Endowment Fund for Respiratory Health, the French Fund-Fondation de France (CLIMATHES-00081169, SEPAGES 5-00099903, ELEMENTUM-00124527). N.J. was supported by a doctoral fellowship from the University Grenoble Alpes. V.M. was supported by a Sara Borrell postdoctoral research contract (CD22/00176), granted by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain) and NextGenerationEU funds. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02852499.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jovanovic
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs. GRANADA), Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM), Granada, Spain
| | - Marc Althuser
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Fetal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Nadia Alfaidy
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), IRIG department, INSERM U1292, and Grenoble Alpes University (UGA), Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Fetal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
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Wan G, Zhang Z, Chen J, Li M, Li J. GenX caused liver injury and potential hepatocellular carcinoma of mice via drinking water even at environmental concentration. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123574. [PMID: 38365076 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) is an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), whose environmental concentration is close to its maximum allowable value established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, so its effects on human health are of great concern. The liver is one of the most crucial target organ for GenX, but whether GenX exposure induces liver cancer still unclear. In this research project, male C57 mice were disposed to GenX in drinking water at environmental concentrations (0.1 and 10 μg/L) and higher concentrations (1 and 100 mg/L) for 14 weeks to explore its effects on liver injury and potential carcinogenicity in mice. GenX was found to cause a dose-dependent increase in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). As the content of GenX in drinking water increased, so did the concentrations of Glypican-3 (GPC-3) and detachment gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), indicators of early hepatocellular cancer. GenX destroyed the boundaries and arrangements of hepatocytes, in which monocyte infiltration, balloon-like transformation, and obvious lipid vacuoles were observed between cells. Following exposure to GenX, Masson sections revealed a significant quantity of collagen deposition in the liver. Alpha-feto protein (AFP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki67, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene expression increased in a dose-dependent manner in the treatment group relative to the control group. In general, drinking water GenX exposure induced liver function impairment, elevated blood lipid level, caused liver pathological structure damage and liver fibrosis lesions, changed the liver inflammatory microenvironment, and increased the concentration of liver-related tumor indicator even in the environmental concentration, suggesting GenX is a potential carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Wan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Mei Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215011, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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20
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Dong F, Zhang H, Sheng N, Hu J, Dai J, Pan Y. Nationwide distribution of perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids in Chinese diets: An emerging concern. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108648. [PMID: 38615540 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
With the phase-out of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its replacement by perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs), there is a potential for increased exposure to various new PFECAs among the general population in China. While there are existing studies on dietary exposure to legacy perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), research on dietary exposure to PFECAs, especially among the general Chinese populace, remains scarce. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of PFECAs in dietary sources from 33 cities across five major regions in China, along with the associated dietary intake. Analysis indicated that aquatic animal samples contained higher concentrations of legacy PFASs compared to those from terrestrial animals and plants. In contrast, PFECAs were found in higher concentrations in plant and terrestrial animal samples. Notably, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer (HFPO-DA) was identified as the dominant compound in vegetables, cereals, pork, and mutton across the five regions, suggesting widespread dietary exposure. PFECAs constituted the majority of PFAS intake (57 %), with the estimated daily intake (EDI) of HFPO-DA ranging from 2.33 to 3.96 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponds to 0.78-1.32 times the reference dose (RfD) (3.0 ng/kg bw/day) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Given the ubiquity of HFPO-DA and many other PFECAs in the nationwide diet of China, there is an urgent need for further research into these chemicals to establish relevant safety benchmarks or consumption advisory values for the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfeng Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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21
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Ren W, Wang Z, Guo H, Gou Y, Dai J, Zhou X, Sheng N. GenX analogs exposure induced greater hepatotoxicity than GenX mainly via activation of PPARα pathway while caused hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα in female mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123314. [PMID: 38218542 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Despite their use as substitutes for perfluorooctanoic acid, the potential toxicities of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commercial name: GenX) and its analogs (PFDMOHxA, PFDMO2HpA, and PFDMO2OA) remain poorly understood. To assess the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals on females, each chemical was orally administered to female C57BL/6 mice at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/d for 28 d. The contribution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and γ) and other nuclear receptors involving in these toxic effects of GenX and its analogs were identified by employing two PPAR knockout mice (PPARα-/- and PPARγΔHep) in this study. Results showed that the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals increased in the order of GenX < PFDMOHxA < PFDMO2HpA < PFDMO2OA. The increases of relative liver weight and liver injury markers were significantly much lower in PPARα-/- mice than in PPARα+/+ mice after GenX analog exposure, while no significant differences were observed between PPARγΔHep and its corresponding wildtype groups (PPARγF/F mice), indicating that GenX analog induce hepatotoxicity mainly via PPARα instead of PPARγ. The PPARα-dependent complement pathways were inhibited in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA exposed PPARα+/+ mice, which might be responsible for the observed liver inflammation. In PPARα-/- mice, hepatomegaly and increased liver lipid content were observed in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA treated groups. The activated pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive activated receptor (CAR) pathways in the liver of PPARα-/- mice, which were highlighted by bioinformatics analysis, provided a reasonable explanation for hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα. Our results indicate that GenX analogs could induce more serious hepatotoxicity than GenX whether there is a PPARα receptor or not. These chemicals, especially PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA, may not be appropriate PFOA alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhiru Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hua Guo
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Yong Gou
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Pang L, Li M, Dukureh A, Li Y, Ma J, Tang Q, Wu W. Association between prenatal perfluorinated compounds exposure and risk of pregnancy complications: A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116017. [PMID: 38290316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been shown to be persistent and bioaccumulative. An elevated danger of pregnancy complications perhaps connected with exposure to PFASs, but the potential effects remain elusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible association between PFASs exposure and pregnancy complications, drawing upon existing evidence. METHODS Electronic databases of PubMed, Qvid Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched thoroughly to identify eligible research published prior to November 28, 2023, examining the relationship between PFASs and pregnancy-related complications. To evaluate the quality of observational studies incorporated into the article, the Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) tool was utilized. The main outcomes assessed in this study included gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational hypertension (GH), and preeclampsia (PE). RESULTS Twenty-five relevant studies involving 30079 participants were finally selected from four databases. The combined estimates indicate that prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), and perfluoroenanthic acid (PFHpA) is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (PFOA: OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.07-1.94, P = 0.015; PFHxS: OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.00-1.36, P = 0.055; PFBS: OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.16-1.79, P = 0.001; PFHpA: OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.82, P = 0.008). The exposure to PFBS is positively associated with HDP (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.14-1.41, P < 0.001), while both PFOA and PFHpA demonstrate statistically significant positive correlations with GH (PFOA: OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.00-1.19, P = 0.049; PFHpA: OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.15-1.78, P = 0.001). Negative correlations were observed for prenatal perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) exposure and GH (OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.57-0.87, P = 0.001). However, no compelling evidence was identified to link PFASs exposure with the risk of PE. CONCLUSION According to the meta-analysis findings, exposure to PFASs may be linked to GDM, HDP, and GH, but it does not significantly raise the risk of PE alone. Further research with larger sample size is required to verify this potential association and explore the biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Pang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Abdoulie Dukureh
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China
| | - Jinqi Ma
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Zhu B, Sheng N, Dai J. Adverse effects of gestational exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) homologs on maternal, fetal, and placental health in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169151. [PMID: 38065497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In an effort to identify and develop potential alternatives for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA have been engineered by reducing the -CF2 content in the molecular structure of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA). Yet, despite their subsequent presence in environmental samples, there is a paucity of information regarding their toxicity, particularly on pregnancy. Here, pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed to PFDMO2HpA (0, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg/day) or PFDMO2OA (0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.63, or 2.5 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage from gestational days 2 (GD2) to 12 or 18 to evaluate the detrimental effects on dams and embryo-placenta units. Both two chemicals can transfer across the placenta, with a higher transfer ratio in late-pregnancy (GD18) than in mid-pregnancy (GD12), and PFDMO2OA being transferred at a higher rate than PFDMO2HpA. PFDMO2HpA/PFDMO2OA exposure caused maternal hepatotoxicity and fetal hepatomegaly, showing the lowest no-observed-adverse-effect level among all observed endpoints, which were used for calculating their reference dose (13.33 ng/kg/day). In the 2.5 and 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA groups as well as 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA group at GD18, besides the abnormally high abortion rates exceeding 5 %, survival fetal weight was notably reduced (2.33 %, 6.44 %, and 5.59 % decrease relative to corresponding controls, respectively). Concurrently, placentas exhibited significant enlargement following PFDMO2HpA or PFDMO2OA exposure at doses of 0.63 mg/kg/day or higher, resulting in diminished placental efficiency. The deleterious effects of two chemicals on dams, fetuses, and placentas were stronger than that of PFOA or HFPO-DA, suggesting that neither PFDMO2HpA nor PFDMO2OA is suitable PFOA alternative. Bioinformatics analyses revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in inflammation and immunity in the placenta upon exposure to 10 mg/kg/day PFDMO2HpA and 2.5 mg/kg/day PFDMO2OA at GD18, potentially elucidating mechanism behind the observed decrease in placental efficiency and increase in abortion rates after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhu
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Shi G, Zhu B, Wu Q, Dai J, Sheng N. Prenatal exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) disrupts the maternal gut microbiome and fecal metabolome homeostasis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169330. [PMID: 38135079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Initially considered a "safe" substitute for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) has been extensively used in the production of fluoropolymers for several years, leading to its environmental ubiquity and subsequent discovery of its significant bio-accumulative properties and toxicological effects. However, the specific impact of HFPO-TA on females, particularly those who are pregnant, remains unclear. In the present study, pregnant mice were exposed to 0.63 mg/kg/day HFPO-TA from gestational day (GD) 2 to GD 18. We then determined the potential effects of exposure on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites at GD 12 (mid-pregnancy) and GD 18 (late pregnancy). Our results revealed that, in addition to liver damage, HFPO-TA exposure during the specified window altered the structure and function of cecal gut microbiota. Notably, these changes showed the opposite trends at GD 12 and GD 18. Specifically, at GD 12, HFPO-TA exposure primarily resulted in the down-regulation of relative abundances within genera from the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla, as well as associated Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. With extended exposure time, the down-regulated genera within Proteobacteria became significantly up-regulated, accompanied by corresponding up-regulation of human disease- and inflammation-associated pathways, suggesting that HFPO-TA exposure can induce intestinal inflammation and elevate the risk of infection during late pregnancy. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that disturbances in the gut microbiota were accompanied by abnormal fecal metabolite. Additionally, alterations in hormones related to the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway at both sacrifice time indicated that HFPO-TA exposure might change the steroid hormone level of pregnant mice, but need further study. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying HFPO-TA-induced adverse effects and increases awareness of potential persistent health risks to pregnant females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bao Zhu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Yuan W, Song S, Lu Y, Shi Y, Yang S, Wu Q, Wu Y, Jia D, Sun J. Legacy and alternative per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Bohai Bay Rim: Occurrence, partitioning behavior, risk assessment, and emission scenario analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168837. [PMID: 38040376 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been practiced because of the restrictions on legacy PFASs. However, knowledge gaps exist on the ecological risks of alternatives and relationships between restrictions and emissions. This study systematically analyzed the occurrence characteristics, water-sediment partitioning behaviors, ecological risks, and emissions of legacy and alternative PFASs in the Bohai Bay Rim (BBR). The mean concentration of total PFASs was 46.105 ng/L in surface water and 6.125 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediments. As an alternative for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) had a concentration second only to PFOA in surface water. In sediments, perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and GenX were the two predominant contaminants. In the water-sediment partitioning system, GenX, 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (F-53B), and 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (8:2 Cl-PFESA) tended to be enriched towards sediments. The species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models revealed the low ecological risks of PFASs and their alternatives in the BBR. Moreover, predicted no-effected concentrations (PNECs) indicated that short-chain alternatives like PFBA and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were safer for aquatic ecosystems, while caution should be exercised when using GenX and F-53B. Due to the incremental replacement of PFOA by GenX, cumulative emissions of 1317.96 kg PFOA and 667.22 kg GenX were estimated during 2004-2022, in which PFOA emissions were reduced by 59.2 % due to restrictions implemented since 2016. If more stringent restrictions are implemented from 2023 to 2030, PFOA emissions will further decrease by 85.0 %, but GenX emissions will increase by an additional 21.3 %. Simultaneously, GenX concentrations in surface water are forecasted to surge by 2.02 to 2.45 times in 2023. This study deepens the understanding of PFAS alternatives and assists authorities in developing policies to administer PFAS alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuai Song
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yonglong Lu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yajuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shengjie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Dai Jia
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Jun Sun
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China; College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
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Hu J, Dai J, Sheng N. Kynurenic Acid Plays a Protective Role in Hepatotoxicity Induced by HFPO-DA in Male Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1842-1853. [PMID: 38228288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Following its introduction as an alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) has been extensively detected in various environmental matrices. Despite this prevalence, limited information is available regarding its hepatotoxicity biomarkers. In this study, toxicokinetic simulations indicated that under repeated treatment, HFPO-DA in mice serum reached a steady state by the 4th day. To assess its subacute hepatic effects and identify potential biomarkers, mice were administered HFPO-DA orally at doses of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, or 62.5 mg/kg/d for 7 d. Results revealed that the lowest observed adverse effect levels were 0.5 mg/kg/d for hepatomegaly and 2.5 mg/kg/d for hepatic injury. Serum metabolomics analysis identified 34, 58, and 118 differential metabolites in the 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg/d groups, respectively, compared to the control group. Based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis, eight potential hepatotoxicity-related metabolites were identified; among them, kynurenic acid (KA) in mouse serum exhibited the highest correlation with liver injury. Furthermore, liver-targeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that HFPO-DA exposure induced metabolic migration of the kynurenine pathway from KA to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, resulting in the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway. Notably, pretreatment with KA significantly attenuated liver injury induced by HFPO-DA exposure in mice, highlighting the pivotal roles of KA in the hepatotoxicity of HFPO-DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Bangma J, Ford J, Hill D, Medlock-Kakaley E, Gray LE. Maternal and Neonatal Effects of Maternal Oral Exposure to Perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic Acid (PFMOAA) during Pregnancy and Early Lactation in the Sprague-Dawley Rat. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1064-1075. [PMID: 38163761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) is a short-chain perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acid that has been detected at high concentrations (∼10 μg/L) in drinking water in eastern North Carolina, USA, and in human serum and breastmilk in China. Despite documented human exposure there are almost no toxicity data available to inform risk assessment of PFMOAA. Here we exposed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to a range of PFMOAA doses (10-450 mg/kg/d) via oral gavage from gestation day (GD) 8 to postnatal day (PND) 2 and compared results to those we previously reported for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX). Newborn pups displayed reduced birthweight (≥30 mg/kg), depleted liver glycogen concentrations (all doses), hypoglycemia (≥125 mg/kg), and numerous significantly altered genes in the liver associated with fatty acid and glucose metabolism similar to gene changes produced by HFPO-DA. Pup survival was significantly reduced at ≥125 mg/kg, and at necropsy on PND2 both maternal and neonatal animals displayed increased liver weights, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and reduced serum thyroid hormones at all doses (≥10 mg/kg). Pups also displayed highly elevated serum cholesterol at all doses. PFMOAA concentrations in serum and liver increased with maternal oral dose in both maternal and F1 animals and were similar to those we reported for PFOA but considerably higher than HFPO-DA. We calculated 10% effect levels (ED10 or EC10) and relative potency factors (RPF; PFOA = index chemical) among the three compounds based on maternal oral dose and maternal serum concentration (μM). Reduced pup liver glycogen, increased liver weights and reduced thyroid hormone levels (maternal and pup) were the most sensitive end points modeled. PFMOAA was ∼3-7-fold less potent than PFOA for most end points based on maternal serum RPFs, but slightly more potent for increased maternal and pup liver weights. PFMOAA is a maternal and developmental toxicant in the rat producing a constellation of adverse effects similar to PFOA and HFPO-DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - Christy S Lambright
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - Nicola Evans
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Jermaine Ford
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - Donna Hill
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
| | - L Earl Gray
- Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 United States
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Zhang QY, Xu LL, Zhong MT, Chen YK, Lai MQ, Wang Q, Xie XL. Gestational GenX and PFOA exposures induce hepatotoxicity, metabolic pathway, and microbiome shifts in weanling mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168059. [PMID: 37884144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168059] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium perfluoro (2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX), a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been detected in multiple environmental media and biological samples worldwide. Accumulated evidence implies that GenX exposure might exert adverse health effects, although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully revealed. In this study, pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to GenX (2 mg/kg/day), PFOA (1 mg/kg/day), or Milli-Q water by gavage from the first day of gestation (GD0) until GD21. Necropsy and tissue collection were conducted in pups at 4 weeks of age. PFOA and GenX induced similar histopathological changes in both the liver and the intestinal mucosa, accompanied by higher serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. Moreover, the capacity of hepatic glycogen storage and intestinal mucus secretion were significantly decreased, suggesting dysfunction of liver metabolism and the intestinal mucosal barrier. A total of 637 and 352 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the liver tissues of GenX and PFOA group, respectively. Most of the enriched pathways from the DEGs by KEGG enrichment analysis were metabolism-associated. Moreover, overexpression of CYP4A14, Sult2a1, Cpt1b, Acaa1b, Igfbp1, Irs-2 and decreased expression of Gys2 were observed in livers of GenX exposed pups, supporting the hypothesis that there was metabolic disruption. Furthermore, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest proteins (Gadd45β, p21, Ppard) were significantly increased, while cell proliferation-related proteins (Cyclin E, Myc, EGFR) were decreased by gestational GenX exposure in the pups' liver. In addition, imbalance of gut microbiota and dysfunction of the intestinal mucosa barrier might contribute to hepatotoxicity at least in part. Taken together, our results suggested that gestational GenX exposure triggered metabolic disorder, which might be responsible for the hepatotoxicity in the pups in addition to dysfunction of the intestinal mucosa barrier. This study enriches the mechanisms of GenX-induced developmental hepatotoxicity by associating metabolic disorder with intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Yao Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Ling Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Ting Zhong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Kui Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Quan Lai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research), No. 1838 North Guangzhou Road, 510515 Guangzhou, China.
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Takeda K, Saito T, Sasaki S, Eguchi A, Sugiyama M, Eto S, Suzuki K, Kamata R. Toxicity Assessment of Mixed Exposure of Nine Perfluoroalkyl Substances at Concentrations Relevant to Daily Intake. TOXICS 2024; 12:52. [PMID: 38251008 PMCID: PMC10819949 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibit high persistence in the environment and accumulate within the human body, warranting a thorough assessment of their toxicity. In this study, we exposed mice (male C57BL/6J mice aged 8 weeks) to a composite of nine PFAS, encompassing both long-chain PFAS (e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and short-chain PFAS (e.g., perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid). The exposure concentrations of PFAS were equivalent to the estimated daily human intake in the composition reported (1 µg/L (sum of the nine compounds), representing the maximum reported exposure concentration). Histological examination revealed hepatocyte vacuolization and irregular hepatocyte cord arrangement, indicating that exposure to low levels of the PFAS mixture causes morphological changes in liver tissues. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PFAS exposure mainly altered a group of genes related to metabolism and chemical carcinogenesis. Machine learning analysis of the liver metabolome showed a typical concentration-independent alteration upon PFAS exposure, with the annotation of substances such as glutathione and 5-aminovaleric acid. This study demonstrates that daily exposure to PFAS leads to morphological changes in liver tissues and alters the expression of metabolism- and cancer-related genes as well as phospholipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Takeda
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
- Department of Computer Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259-J3-1818, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi 226-0026, Kanagawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Taki Saito
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
| | - Sakura Sasaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
| | - Akifumi Eguchi
- Department of Sustainable Health Science, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
| | - Saeka Eto
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
| | - Kio Suzuki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
| | - Ryo Kamata
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, E23-35-1, Towada, Aomori 034-0021, Japan
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30
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Lv D, Liu H, An Q, Lei C, Wang Y, Sun J, Li C, Lin Y, Dong Q, Yang Z, Che K, Liu W, Han W. Association of adverse fetal outcomes with placental inflammation after oral gestational exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) in Sprague-Dawley rats. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132536. [PMID: 37717439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), known as "GenX" for its trade name, is gradually taking the place of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). However, there is a poor understanding of the developmental effects of GenX. This study aims to explore whether GenX produces adverse effects on offspring development in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the underlying mechanisms. Pregnant rats were orally administered with GenX (0, 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day) from gestational 0.5-19.5 days. Experimental data showed that the exposure to GenX resulted in increased rats' gestational weight gain, whereas both body weight and body length of their fetuses born naturally were significantly reduced. This could contribute to the developmental delays of fetal body weight, body length and tail length from postnatal 1-21 days. Histopathological evaluation of placenta indicated that GenX exposure led to neutrophil infiltration in decidual zone and congestion in labyrinth zone. Moreover, placental proteomics showed changes at the expression levels of the inflammation-related proteins in the Rap1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, gestational exposure to GenX induced fetal intrauterine and extrauterine development retardation in SD rats. Placental inflammation may play a key role in this process through the Rap1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Lv
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongyun Liu
- Pathology Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qi An
- Child Healthcare Department, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Chengwei Lei
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanxuan Wang
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics and Child Health Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Chuanhai Li
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yongfeng Lin
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qing Dong
- Pediatrics Department, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian 271000, China
| | - Zhugen Yang
- School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Kui Che
- Key Laboratory of Thyroid Diseases, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Wendong Liu
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Wenchao Han
- Pediatrics Department, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao 266071, China.
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31
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Ma X, Ren X, Zhang X, Wang G, Liu H, Wang L. Rutin ameliorate PFOA induced renal damage by reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 123:109501. [PMID: 37890710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2023.109501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental pollutant that can accumulate in the kidneys and eventually cause kidney damage. Rutin (RUTIN) is a natural flavonoid with multiple biological activities, and its use in against kidney damage has been widely studied in recent years. It is not yet known whether rutin protects against kidney damage caused by PFOA. In this study, 30 ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups: CTRL group, PFOA group and PFOA+RUTIN group. The mice were fed continuously by gavage for 28 days. Renal pathological changes were assessed by HE and PASM staining, and serum renal function and lipid indicators were measured. RNA-seq and enrichment analysis using GO, KEGG and PPI to detect differential expression of genes in treatment groups. Kidney tissue protein expression was determined by Western blot. Research has shown that rutin can improve glomerular and tubular structural damage, and increase serum CREA, HDL-C levels and decrease LDH, LDL-C levels. The expression of AQP1 and ACOT1 was up-regulated after rutin treatment. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PFOA and rutin affect the transcriptional expression of genes related to lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, and may affected by PI3K-Akt, PPAR, NRF2/KEAP1 signaling pathways. In conclusion, rutin ameliorated renal damage caused by PFOA exposure, and this protective effect may be exerted by ameliorating oxidative stress and regulating lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhuang Ma
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xijuan Ren
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Guangyin Wang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China.
| | - Li Wang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China.
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Lv J, Zhou S, Lin S, Huang S, Zheng L, Deng G, Feng Y, Zhang G, Feng W. Overall and individual associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and liver function indices and the metabolic mechanism. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108405. [PMID: 38163401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can disrupt liver homeostasis. Studies have shown that a single exposure to PFAS may provoke abnormal liver function; however, few studies have investigated the overall effect of PFAS mixtures. We aimed to investigate associations between exposure to PFAS mixtures and liver function indices and explore the relevant mechanisms. This study included 278 adult males from Guangzhou, China. Serum metabolite profiles were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics. We applied weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression as well as Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to analyze the association of nine PFAS mixtures with 14 liver function indices. PFAS mixtures were positively associated with apolipoprotein B (APOB) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and negatively associated with direct bilirubin (DBIL) and total bilirubin (TBIL) in both the WQS and BKMR analyses. In addition, Spearman's correlation test showed individual PFAS correlated with APOB, GGT, TBIL, and DBIL, while there's little correlation between individual PFAS and other liver function indices. In linear regression analysis, PFHxS, PFOS, PFHpS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUdA were associated with APOB; PFOA, PFDA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFUdA were associated with GGT. Subsequently, a metabolome-wide association study and mediation analysis were combined to explore metabolites that mediate these associations. The mechanisms linking PFAS to APOB and GGT are mainly related with amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. High-dimensional mediation analysis showed that glycerophospholipids are the main markers of the association between PFAS and APOB, and that (R)-dihydromaleimide, Ile Leu, (R)-(+)-2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, and L-glutamate are the main markers of the association between PFAS and GGT. In summary, overall associations between PFAS and specific indices of liver function were found using two statistical methods; the metabolic pathways and markers identified here may serve to prompt more detailed study in animal-based systems, as well as a similar detailed analysis in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Chen
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China; School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Jiayun Lv
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Si Zhou
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China
| | - Shaobin Lin
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Suli Huang
- School of Public Health, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Linjie Zheng
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanhua Deng
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Yuchao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Occupational Environment and Health, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510620, China
| | - Guoxia Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenru Feng
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, China.
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Clark RB, Wagner DC, Holden DT, Roberts JJP, Zumbro E, Goodnight L, Huynh KT, Green RB, Grove JA, Dick JE. PFAS Electroanalysis in Low-Oxygen River Water Using Electrogenerated Dioxygen. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:21815-21822. [PMID: 38085788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed "forever chemicals" due to the strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds, are a class of potent micropollutants that cause deleterious health effects in mammals. The current state-of-the-art detection method requires the collection and transport of water samples to a centralized facility where chromatography and mass spectrometry are performed for the separation, identification, and quantification of PFAS. However, for efficient remediation efforts to be properly informed, a more rapid in-field testing method is required. We previously demonstrated the development and use of dioxygen as the mediator molecule. The use of dioxygen is predicated on the assumption that there will be consistent ambient dioxygen levels in natural waters. This is not always the case in hypoxic groundwater and at high altitudes. To overcome this challenge and further advance the strategies that will enable in-field electroanalysis of PFAS, we demonstrate, as a proof of concept, that dioxygen can be generated in solution through the hydrolysis of water. The electrogenerated dioxygen can then be used as a mediator molecule for the indirect detection of PFOS via molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electroanalysis. We demonstrate that calibration curves can be constructed with high precision and sensitivity (LOD < 1 ppt or 1 ng/L). Our results provide a foundation for enabling in-field hypoxic PFAS electroanalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Clark
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Dane C Wagner
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Dylan T Holden
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | | | - Emiko Zumbro
- MITRE Corporation, McLean, Virginia 22102, United States
| | | | - Kathy T Huynh
- MITRE Corporation, McLean, Virginia 22102, United States
| | - Ryan B Green
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | - Jamie A Grove
- MITRE Corporation, McLean, Virginia 22102, United States
| | - Jeffrey E Dick
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Zhang Z, Tian J, Liu W, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Ding L, Sun H, Yan G, Sheng X. Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure leads to defect in follicular development through disrupting the mitochondrial electron transport chain in granulosa cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166954. [PMID: 37722425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent environmental pollutant that can impair ovarian function, while the underlying mechanism is not fully understood, and effective treatments are lacking. In this study, we established a mouse model of PFOA exposure induced by drinking water and found that PFOA exposure impaired follicle development, increased apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), and hindered normal follicular development in a 3D culture system. RNA-seq analysis revealed that PFOA disrupted oxidative phosphorylation in ovaries by impairing the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This resulted in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in isolated GCs or KGN cells. Resveratrol, a mitochondrial nutrient supplement, could improve mitochondrial function and restore normal follicular development by activating FoxO1 through SIRT1/PI3K-AKT pathway. Our results indicate that PFOA exposure impairs mitochondrial function in GCs and affects follicle development. Resveratrol can be a potential therapeutic agent for PFOA-induced ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiao Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jidong Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guijun Yan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Sheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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35
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Wasel O, King H, Choi YJ, Lee LS, Freeman JL. Differential Developmental Neurotoxicity and Tissue Uptake of the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Alternatives, GenX and PFBS. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19274-19284. [PMID: 37943624 PMCID: PMC11299994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals with several applications. Multiple adverse health effects are reported for longer carbon chain (≤C8) PFAS. Shorter carbon chain PFAS, [e.g., hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; GenX) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)] were introduced as alternatives. Past studies indicate that longer-chain PFAS are neurotoxic targeting the dopamine pathway, but it is not known if shorter-chain PFAS act similarly. This study aimed to evaluate developmental neurotoxicity and tissue uptake of GenX and PFBS using the zebrafish (Danio rerio). First, acute toxicity was assessed by measuring LC50 at 120 h postfertilization (hpf). Body burden was determined after embryonic exposure (1-72 hpf) to sublethal concentrations of GenX or PFBS by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Locomotor activity using a visual motor response assay at 120 hpf and dopamine levels at 72 hpf was assessed after embryonic exposure. PFBS was more acutely toxic and bioaccumulative than GenX. GenX and PFBS caused hyperactivity at 120 hpf, but stronger behavioral alterations were observed for PFBS. An increase in whole organism dopamine occurred at 40 ppb of GenX, while a decrease was observed at 400 ppb of PFBS. Differences detected in dopamine for these two PFAS indicate differential mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Wasel
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Hanna King
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Youn J Choi
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Linda S Lee
- Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Jennifer L Freeman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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36
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Zhao M, Yao Y, Dong X, Baqar M, Fang B, Chen H, Sun H. Nontarget Identification of Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Soils from an Oil Refinery in Southwestern China: A Combined Approach with TOP Assay. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20194-20205. [PMID: 37991390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Oil refinery activity can be an emission source of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment, while the contamination profiles in soils remain unknown. This study investigated 44 target PFAS in soil samples collected from an oil refinery in Southeastern China, identified novel PFAS, and characterized their behaviors by assessing their changes before and after employing advanced oxidation using a combination of nontarget analysis and a total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. Thirty-four target PFAS were detected in soil samples. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) were the dominant PFAS. Twenty-three novel PFAS of 14 classes were identified, including 8 precursors, 11 products, and 4 stable PFAS characterized by the TOP assay. Particularly, three per-/polyfluorinated alcohols were identified for the first time, and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) quantified up to 657 ng/g dw is a novel precursor for TFA. Bistriflimide (NTf2) potentially associated with an oil refinery was also reported for the first time in the soil samples. This study highlighted the advantage of embedding the TOP assay in nontarget analysis to reveal not only the presence of unknown PFAS but also their roles in environmental processes. Overall, this approach provides an efficient way to uncover contamination profiles of PFAS especially in source-impacted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Yao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Mujtaba Baqar
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
- Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Bo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, People's Republic of China
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37
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Yun J, Kwon SC. The Association of Perfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and a Serum Liver Function Marker in Korean Adults. TOXICS 2023; 11:965. [PMID: 38133366 PMCID: PMC10748130 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used throughout industry and daily life, are currently one of the environmental pollutants garnering the most attention worldwide. Recently, environmental pollutants have had a high profile as one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Research on PFAS is actively underway. Although Korea has a remarkably high prevalence of chronic liver disease, and it continues to increase, only a few studies have revealed the relationship between PFAS and liver disease. In addition, regulations on PFAS in Korea are delayed compared to developed countries, such as Europe and the United States, and public interest is insufficient compared to others. Therefore, we would like to investigate the exposure of Koreans to PFAS in the blood and examine the relationship between these substances and markers of liver function (AST, ALT, and GGT). This study was based on the results of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2018–2020 (Cycle 4), and a total of 2961 subjects were selected. The concentration of PFAS in the blood of Korean adults was measured to be significantly higher based on the geometric mean compared to the results of recently investigated American adults based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2017-2018). A multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol intake, and regular exercise was performed to examine changes in three liver function markers as the serum PFAS concentration increased. We found that some of the five PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDeA) were significantly associated with increased liver enzymes. It is necessary to recognize the threat of PFAS to the human body and to discuss regulations and alternatives in earnest. Continuous follow-up studies are required through a well-designed cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soon-Chan Kwon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea;
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Chen H, Kapidzic M, Gantar D, Aksel S, Levan J, Abrahamsson DP, Jigmeddagva U, Basrai S, San A, Gaw SL, Woodruff TJ, Fisher SJ, Robinson JF. Perfluorooctanoic acid induces transcriptomic alterations in second trimester human cytotrophoblasts. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:187-199. [PMID: 37738295 PMCID: PMC10682971 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly- and perfluroroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a major class of surfactants used in industry applications and consumer products. Despite efforts to reduce the usage of PFAS due to their environmental persistence, compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are widely detected in human blood and tissue. Although growing evidence supports that prenatal exposures to PFOA and other PFAS are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the target organs and pathways remain unclear. Recent investigations in mouse and human cell lines suggest that PFAS may impact the placenta and impair trophoblast function. In this study, we investigated the effects of PFOA on cytotoxicity and the transcriptome in cultured second trimester human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs). We show that PFOA significantly reduces viability and induces cell death at 24 h, in a concentration-dependent manner. At subcytotoxic concentrations, PFOA impacted expression of hundreds of genes, including several molecules (CRH, IFIT1, and TNFSF10) linked with lipid metabolism and innate immune response pathways. Furthermore, in silico analyses suggested that regulatory factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-mediated pathways may be especially important in response to PFOA. In summary, this study provides evidence that PFOA alters primary human CTB viability and gene pathways that could contribute to placental dysfunction and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Mirhan Kapidzic
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Danielle Gantar
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Justine Levan
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Dimitri P Abrahamsson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Unurzul Jigmeddagva
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Sanah Basrai
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Ali San
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Susan J Fisher
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Joshua F Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Chen L, Lin X, Shi S, Li M, Mortimer M, Fang W, Li F, Guo LH. Activation of estrogen-related receptor: An alternative mechanism of hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs estrogenic effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166257. [PMID: 37574057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) alternatives such as hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs (HFPOs) cause concern due to increased occurrence in the environment as well as potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. HFPOs have been demonstrated to activate the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway. The ER pathway is homologous and connected to the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) pathway, but HFPOs effects on the ERR pathway have not been studied. Hence, we assessed the potential estrogenic effects of HFPOs via ERRγ pathway. In vitro assays revealed that HFPO dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric acids (HFPO-DA, -TA, and -TeA, respectively), acted as ERRγ agonists, activating the transcription of both human and zebrafish ERRγ at low concentrations, but inhibiting zebrafish ERRγ at high concentrations. We also found that HFPO-TA promoted the human endometrial cancer cells (Ishikawa cells) proliferation via ERRγ/EGF, Cyclin D1 pathway. The HFPO-TA-induced proliferation of Ishikawa cells was inhibited by co-exposure with a specific antagonist of ERRγ, GSK5182. In vivo exposure of female zebrafish to HFPO-TA disturbed sex hormone levels, interfered with the gene expression involved in estrogen synthesis and follicle regulation, and caused histopathological lesions in the ovaries, which were similar to those induced by a known ERRγ agonist GSK4716. Taken together, this study revealed a new mechanism concerning the estrogenic effect of HFPOs via activation of the ERRγ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Xicha Lin
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Sha Shi
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Wendi Fang
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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40
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Ma X, Ren X, Zhang X, Griffin N, Liu H, Wang L. Rutin ameliorates perfluorooctanoic acid-induced testicular injury in mice by reducing oxidative stress and improving lipid metabolism. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:1223-1234. [PMID: 36373176 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2145483] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the protective effect of rutin on reproductive and blood-testis barrier (BTB) damage induced by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure. In this study, male ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups, Ctrl group (ddH2O, 5 mL/kg), PFOA group (PFOA, 20 mg/kg/d, 5 mL/kg), PFOA + rutin group (PFOA, 20 mg/kg/d, 5 mL/kg; rutin, 20 mg/kg/d, 5 mL/kg). Mice were exposed to PFOA for 28 days by gavage once daily in the presence or absence of rutin. Histopathological observations demonstrated that rutin treatment during PFOA exposure can reduce structural damage to testis and epididymis such as atrophy of spermatogenic epithelium and stenosis of epididymal lumen, while increase in the number and layers of spermatogenic cells. Biochemical detection demonstrated that rutin can reduce 8-hydroxy-2'-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration in the serum and testis tissues. Rutin can also ameliorate glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content, and reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) and total cholesterol (TC) content in testis tissues. Biotin tracking immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that rutin can ameliorate BTB structural damage during PFOA exposure. Rutin ameliorated the stress expression of tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-11. In conclusion, our findings suggested that rutin has a degree of protection in reproductive and BTB damage, which could put forward a new perspective on the application of rutin to prevent reproductive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhuang Ma
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xijuan Ren
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Nathan Griffin
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, PR China
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Fan Y, Guo L, Wang R, Xu J, Fang Y, Wang W, Lv J, Tang W, Wang H, Xu DX, Tao L, Huang Y. Low transplacental transfer of PFASs in the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) new-borns: Evidence from a Chinese birth cohort. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139964. [PMID: 37633609 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Early life in utero exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and infiltration through the placenta into cord blood pose significant risk to fetal development. Accumulating knowledge suggests that PFASs pass through the placenta in multiple transportation ways, not limiting to passive transport but also active transport or facilitated diffusion. Therefore, we propose that the transplacental transfer efficiency (TTE) could be re-evaluated as traditional cord to maternal ratio-based method might overlook certain biological or health information from the mother and fetus. In this study, we investigated 30 PFAS chemicals in paired maternal and cord serum from 195 births classified as small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and matched appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA). PFASs were ubiquitously detected in the maternal and serum samples, with PFOA, PFOS, 6:2 Cl-PFESA and other dominant compounds. We adopted a modified TTE estimation method (TTEm), taking into consideration of the total burden mass of PFASs in the blood from mother to fetus. Using the modified TTEm, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease was observed in the PFAS transplacental transfer potential in SGA (1.6%-11.3%) compared to AGA (2.3%-21.1%), suggesting a reverse association between TTE and SGA birth risk. This is the first study attempted to re-evaluate the TTE of PFAS and indicates that TTEm might be more advantageous to reflect the transplacental transfer potency of chemicals particularly when transportation mechanisms are multi-faceted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Fan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liyan Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruolan Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weitian Tang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Zhang Y, Lv J, Fan YJ, Tao L, Xu J, Tang W, Sun N, Zhao LL, Xu DX, Huang Y. Evaluating the Effect of Gestational Exposure to Perfluorohexane Sulfonate on Placental Development in Mice Combining Alternative Splicing and Gene Expression Analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:117011. [PMID: 37995155 PMCID: PMC10666825 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a frequently detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance in most populations, including in individuals who are pregnant, a period critical for early life development. Despite epidemiological evidence of exposure, developmental toxicity, particularly at realistic human exposures, remains understudied. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the effect of gestational exposure to human-relevant body burden of PFHxS on fetal and placental development and explored mechanisms of action combining alternative splicing (AS) and gene expression (GE) analyses. METHODS Pregnant ICR mice were exposed to 0, 0.03, and 0.3 μ g / kg / day from gestational day 7 to day 17 via oral gavage. Upon euthanasia, PFHxS distribution was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Maternal and fetal phenotypes were recorded, and histopathology was examined for placenta impairment. Multiomics was adopted by combining AS and GE analyses to unveil disruptions in mRNA quality and quantity. The key metabolite transporters were validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for quantification and three-dimensional (3D) structural simulation by AlphaFold2. Targeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect amino acid and amides levels in the placenta. RESULTS Pups developmentally exposed to PFHxS exhibited signs of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), characterized by smaller fetal weight and body length (p < 0.01 ) compared to control mice. PFHxS concentration in maternal plasma was 5.01 ± 0.54 ng / mL . PFHxS trans-placenta distribution suggested dose-dependent transfer through placental barrier. Histopathology of placenta of exposed dams showed placental dysplasia, manifested with an attenuated labyrinthine layer area and deescalated blood sinus counts and placental vascular development index marker CD34. Combined GE and AS analyses pinpointed differences in genes associated with key biological processes of placental development, proliferation, metabolism, and transport in placenta of exposed dams compared to that of control dams. Further detection of placental key transporter gene expression, protein structure simulation, and amino acid and amide metabolites levels suggested that PFHxS exposure during pregnancy led to impairment of placental amino acid transportation. DISCUSSION The findings from this study suggest that exposure to human-relevant very-low-dose PFHxS during pregnancy in mice caused IUGR, likely via downregulating of placental amino acid transporters, thereby impairing placental amino acid transportation, resulting in impairment of placental development. Our findings confirm epidemiological findings and call for future attention on the health risk of this persistent yet ubiquitous chemical in the early developmental stage and provide a new approach for understanding gene expression from both quantitative and qualitative omics approaches in toxicological studies. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13217.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Lv
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Jun Fan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Tao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weitian Tang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling-Li Zhao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the PRC, Hefei, China
| | - Yichao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the PRC, Hefei, China
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Ogunsuyi OM, Fasakin PT, Ajibiye OP, Ogunsuyi OI, Adekoya KO. Perfluoroundecanoic acid induces DNA damage, reproductive and pathophysiological dysfunctions via oxidative stress in male Swiss mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139491. [PMID: 37453524 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) is an eleven carbon-chain compound that belongs to the perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid family. It has been detected in the human blood, effluents, and surface/ground waters, but its toxic effects to the DNA and reproductive system remain unclear. This study was aimed at exploring the toxicity of PFUnA on the hepatic DNA, organ-system and reproductive system in orally treated male Swiss mice. In this present study, administration of PFUnA for 28 days with five doses (0.1, 0.3, 05, 0.7 and 1.0 mg kg-1 b.w./d) in male Swiss mice induced significant hepatic DNA damage which was observed using the alkaline comet assay and equally altered hematological and clinical biochemical parameters. In addition to testicular atrophy, sperm count and sperm motility significantly decreased while sperm abnormalities increased after 35 days exposure. Serum LH and FSH levels were remarkably increased while serum testosterone levels were strikingly reduced. Histopathology revealed the liver, kidney, and testis as potential targets of PFUnA toxicity. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as levels of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH), with consistent reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver and testis induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PFUnA exhibited both genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity via oxidative stress induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeoluwa M Ogunsuyi
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Peter T Fasakin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobi P Ajibiye
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun I Ogunsuyi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Khalid O Adekoya
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Li S, Li L, Zhang C, Fu H, Yu S, Zhou M, Guo J, Fang Z, Li A, Zhao M, Zhang M, Wang X. PM2.5 leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes by inducing trophoblast oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis via KLF9/CYP1A1 transcriptional axis. eLife 2023; 12:e85944. [PMID: 37737576 PMCID: PMC10584374 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with adverse obstetric and postnatal metabolic health outcomes, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the toxicological pathways by which PM2.5 damaged placental trophoblasts in vivo and in vitro. We confirmed that PM2.5 induced adverse gestational outcomes such as increased fetal mortality rates, decreased fetal numbers and weight, damaged placental structure, and increased apoptosis of trophoblasts. Additionally, PM2.5 induced dysfunction of the trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo, including in its proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Moreover, we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptional landscape of HTR8/SVneo cells exposed to PM2.5 through RNA-Seq and observed that PM2.5 triggered overexpression of pathways involved in oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis to damage HTR8/SVneo cell biological functions through CYP1A1. Mechanistically, PM2.5 stimulated KLF9, a transcription factor identified as binding to CYP1A1 promoter region, which further modulated the CYP1A1-driven downstream phenotypes. Together, this study demonstrated that the KLF9/CYP1A1 axis played a crucial role in the toxic progression of PM2.5 induced adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting adverse effects of environmental pollution on pregnant females and putative targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxian Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lingbing Li
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Changqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Huaxuan Fu
- Jinan Environmental Monitoring Center of Shandong ProvinceJinanChina
| | - Shuping Yu
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical UniversityWeifangChina
| | - Meijuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Junjun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhenya Fang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Anna Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Man Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Meihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xietong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province Affiliated to Qingdao UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
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Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Farraj AK, Smoot J, Grindstaff RD, Hill D, McCord J, Medlock-Kakaley E, Dixon A, Hines E, Gray LE. Dose additive maternal and offspring effects of oral maternal exposure to a mixture of three PFAS (HFPO-DA, NBP2, PFOS) during pregnancy in the Sprague-Dawley rat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 892:164609. [PMID: 37271399 PMCID: PMC10681034 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous exposure to multiple per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is common in humans across the globe. Individual PFAS are associated with adverse health effects, yet the nature of mixture effects after exposure to two or more PFAS remains unclear. Previously we reported that oral administration of hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX), Nafion byproduct 2 (NBP2), or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) individually during pregnancy produced maternal and F1 effects. Here, we hypothesized that responses to the combined exposure to these three PFAS would be dose additive. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a fixed-ratio equipotent mixture where the top dose contained each PFAS at their ED50 for neonatal mortality (100 % dose = PFOS 3 mg/kg; NBP2 10 mg/kg; HFPO-DA 110 mg/kg), followed by a dilution series (33.3, 10, 3.3, and 1 %) and vehicle controls (0 % dose). Consistent with the single chemical studies, dams were exposed from gestation day (GD)14-18 or from GD8-postnatal day (PND2). Fetal and maternal livers on GD18 displayed multiple significantly upregulated genes associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism at all dose levels, while dams displayed significantly increased liver weight (≥3.3 % dose) and reduced serum thyroid hormones (≥33.3 % dose). Maternal exposure from GD8-PND2 significantly reduced pup bodyweights at birth (≥33.3 % dose) and PND2 (all doses), increased neonatal liver weights (≥3.3 % dose), increased pup mortality (≥3.3 % dose), and reduced maternal bodyweights and weight gain at the top dose. Echocardiography of adult F1 males and females identified significantly increased left ventricular anterior wall thickness (~10 % increase), whereas other cardiac morphological, functional, and transcriptomic measures were unaffected. Mixture effects in maternal and neonatal animals conformed to dose addition using a relative potency factor (RPF) analysis. Results support dose addition-based cumulative assessment approaches for estimating combined effects of PFAS co-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Aimen K Farraj
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Jacob Smoot
- ORISE Participant, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel D Grindstaff
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Donna Hill
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - James McCord
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Aaron Dixon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Erin Hines
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Zhang C, Xu Y, Liu W, Zhou H, Zhang N, Fang Z, Gao J, Sun X, Feng D, Sun X. New insights into the degradation mechanism and risk assessment of HFPO-DA by advanced oxidation processes based on activated persulfate in aqueous solutions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115298. [PMID: 37499385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is widely used as a substitute for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). HFPO-DA exhibits high water solubility and low adsorption potential, conferring significant fluidity in aquatic environments. Given that the toxicity of HFPO-DA is similar to PFOA, it is necessary to control its content in aquatic environments. Electrochemical and thermally-activated persulfates have been successfully used to degrade HFPO-DA, but UV-activated persulfates cannot degrade the compound. Given that research on degradation mechanisms is still incomplete and lacks kinetic research, the mechanism and kinetic calculations of oxidative degradation were studied in detail using DFT calculations. And the toxicity of HFPO-DA degradation intermediates and products was evaluated to reveal the feasibility of using advanced oxidation process (AOP) technology based on persulfate to degrade HFPO-DA in wastewater. The results showed that the committed step of HFPO-DA degradation was initiated by the electron transfer reaction of SO4•- radicals. This reaction is not spontaneous at room temperature and requires sufficient electrical or thermal energy to be absorbed from the external environment. The perfluoroalcohol produced during this reaction can subsequently undergo four possible reactions: H atom abstraction from alcohol groups by an OH radical; H atom abstraction by SO4•-; direct HF removal; and HF removal with water as the catalyst. The final degradation products of HFPO-DA mainly include CO2, CF3CF2COOH, CF3COOH, FCOOH and HF, which has been identified through previous experimental analysis. Ecotoxicity assessment indicates that degradation does not produce highly toxic intermediates, and that the final products are non-toxic, supporting the feasibility of persulfate-based AOP technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China; Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Youxin Xu
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China; Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Wenyan Liu
- School of agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Zhihao Fang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Junping Gao
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Xiaoan Sun
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China
| | - Di Feng
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang 262700, China.
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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González-Alvarez ME, Keating AF. Hepatic and ovarian effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure differ in lean and obese adult female mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 474:116614. [PMID: 37422089 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Obesity and overweight cause poor oocyte quality, miscarriage, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and offspring birth defects and affects 40% and 20% of US women and girls, respectively. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), is environmentally persistent and has negative female reproductive effects including endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, altered menstrual cyclicity, and decreased fertility in humans and animal models. PFAS exposure is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease which affects ∼24-26% of the US population. This study investigated the hypothesis that PFOA exposure impacts hepatic and ovarian chemical biotransformation and alters the serum metabolome. At 7 weeks of age, female lean, wild type (KK.Cg-a/a) or obese (KK.Cg-Ay/J) mice received saline (C) or PFOA (2.5 mg/Kg) per os for 15 d. Hepatic weight was increased by PFOA exposure in both lean and obese mice (P < 0.05) and obesity also increased liver weight (P < 0.05) compared to lean mice. The serum metabolome was also altered (P < 0.05) by PFOA exposure and differed between lean and obese mice. Exposure to PFOA altered (P < 0.05) the abundance of ovarian proteins with roles in xenobiotic biotransformation (lean - 6; obese - 17), metabolism of fatty acids (lean - 3; obese - 9), cholesterol (lean - 8; obese - 11), amino acids (lean - 18; obese - 19), glucose (lean - 7; obese - 10), apoptosis (lean - 18; obese - 13), and oxidative stress (lean - 3; obese - 2). Use of qRT-PCR determined that exposure to PFOA increased (P < 0.05) hepatic Ces1 and Chst1 in lean but Ephx1 and Gstm3 in obese mice. Also, obesity basally increased (P < 0.05) Nat2, Gpi and Hsd17b2 mRNA levels. These data identify molecular changes resultant from PFOA exposure that may cause liver injury and ovotoxicity in females. In addition, differences in toxicity induced by PFOA exposure occurs in lean and obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Estefanía González-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States of America.
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Rock KD, Polera ME, Guillette TC, Starnes HM, Dean K, Watters M, Stevens-Stewart D, Belcher SM. Domestic Dogs and Horses as Sentinels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Associated Health Biomarkers in Gray's Creek North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:9567-9579. [PMID: 37340551 PMCID: PMC10802174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01146] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Central North Carolina (NC) is highly contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in part due to local fluorochemical production. Little is known about the exposure profiles and long-term health impacts for humans and animals that live in nearby communities. In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and diagnostic clinical chemistry endpoints were assessed for 31 dogs and 32 horses that reside in Gray's Creek NC at households with documented PFAS contamination in their drinking water. PFAS were detected in every sample, with 12 of the 20 PFAS detected in ≥50% of samples from each species. The average total PFAS concentrations in horses were lower compared to dogs who had higher concentrations of PFOS (dogs 2.9 ng/mL; horses 1.8 ng/mL), PFHxS (dogs 1.43 ng/mL, horses < LOD), and PFOA (dogs 0.37 ng/mL; horses 0.10 ng/mL). Regression analysis highlighted alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and globulin proteins in dogs and gamma glutamyl transferase in horses as potential biomarkers associated with PFAS exposure. Overall, the results of this study support the utility of companion animal and livestock species as sentinels of PFAS exposure differences inside and outside of the home. As in humans, renal and hepatic health in domestic animals may be sensitive to long-term PFAS exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Madison E Polera
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hannah M Starnes
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kentley Dean
- Southern Oaks Animal Hospital, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Mike Watters
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Debra Stevens-Stewart
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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Martin KV, Hilbert TJ, Reilly M, Christian WJ, Hoover A, Pennell KG, Ding Q, Haynes EN. PFAS soil concentrations surrounding a hazardous waste incinerator in East Liverpool, Ohio, an environmental justice community. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:80643-80654. [PMID: 37300732 PMCID: PMC10510938 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27880-8] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products. While PFAS provide product durability, these chemicals are ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. These characteristics make the ultimate disposal of PFAS a challenge. One current disposal method is incineration; however, little research has been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of PFAS incineration. The characteristics of communities with hazardous waste incinerators that have received PFAS shipments indicate that more individuals with lower incomes and individuals with less education than the US average are at higher risk of exposure, which presents important environmental justice and health equity concerns of PFAS incineration. Situated in eastern Ohio, East Liverpool is an Appalachian community that is home to a large hazardous-waste incinerator, operated by Heritage WTI, that began accepting PFAS in 2019. Residents are concerned that the disposal lacks the research necessary to assure safety for the residents. Due to both community interest and data gaps regarding PFAS incineration, our research team conducted a pilot study to examine the distribution and concentration of PFAS in soil samples surrounding the incinerator. All 35 soil samples had measurable amounts of PFAS including perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA)/GenX. PFOS was measured in the majority of soil samples (97%) with a range of 50-8,300 ng/kg. PFOA was measured in 94% of soil samples with a range of 51 ng/kg to 1300 ng/kg. HFPO-DA/GenX was measurable in 12 soil samples with concentrations of ranging from 150 ng/kg to 1500 ng/kg. Further research on PFAS disposal will advance knowledge and action related to regulatory requirements and exposure prevention, ultimately improving individual and community protections and health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Vollet Martin
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- St. Elizabeth College of Natural and Health Sciences, Thomas More University, Crestview Hills, KY, USA
| | | | - Michael Reilly
- Michael Reilly Environmental, Health and Safety Services, Inc., McKeesport, PA, USA
| | - W Jay Christian
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Anna Hoover
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kelly G Pennell
- College of Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Erin N Haynes
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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50
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Niu S, Cao Y, Chen R, Bedi M, Sanders AP, Ducatman A, Ng C. A State-of-the-Science Review of Interactions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with Renal Transporters in Health and Disease: Implications for Population Variability in PFAS Toxicokinetics. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:76002. [PMID: 37418334 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and have been shown to cause various adverse health impacts. In animals, sex- and species-specific differences in PFAS elimination half-lives have been linked to the activity of kidney transporters. However, PFAS molecular interactions with kidney transporters are still not fully understood. Moreover, the impact of kidney disease on PFAS elimination remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This state-of-the-science review integrated current knowledge to assess how changes in kidney function and transporter expression from health to disease could affect PFAS toxicokinetics and identified priority research gaps that should be addressed to advance knowledge. METHODS We searched for studies that measured PFAS uptake by kidney transporters, quantified transporter-level changes associated with kidney disease status, and developed PFAS pharmacokinetic models. We then used two databases to identify untested kidney transporters that have the potential for PFAS transport based on their endogenous substrates. Finally, we used an existing pharmacokinetic model for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in male rats to explore the influence of transporter expression levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum albumin on serum half-lives. RESULTS The literature search identified nine human and eight rat kidney transporters that were previously investigated for their ability to transport PFAS, as well as seven human and three rat transporters that were confirmed to transport specific PFAS. We proposed a candidate list of seven untested kidney transporters with the potential for PFAS transport. Model results indicated PFOA toxicokinetics were more influenced by changes in GFR than in transporter expression. DISCUSSION Studies on additional transporters, particularly efflux transporters, and on more PFAS, especially current-use PFAS, are needed to better cover the role of transporters across the PFAS class. Remaining research gaps in transporter expression changes in specific kidney disease states could limit the effectiveness of risk assessment and prevent identification of vulnerable populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11885.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Niu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yuexin Cao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruiwen Chen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megha Bedi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison P Sanders
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alan Ducatman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Carla Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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