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Phelps DW, Connors AM, Ferrero G, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances alter innate immune function: evidence and data gaps. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2343362. [PMID: 38712868 PMCID: PMC11249028 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2343362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of compounds used in a variety of processes and consumer products. Their unique chemical properties make them ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants while also making them economically viable and socially convenient. To date, several reviews have been published to synthesize information regarding the immunotoxic effects of PFASs on the adaptive immune system. However, these reviews often do not include data on the impact of these compounds on innate immunity. Here, current literature is reviewed to identify and incorporate data regarding the effects of PFASs on innate immunity in humans, experimental models, and wildlife. Known mechanisms by which PFASs modulate innate immune function are also reviewed, including disruption of cell signaling, metabolism, and tissue-level effects. For PFASs where innate immune data are available, results are equivocal, raising additional questions about common mechanisms or pathways of toxicity, but highlighting that the innate immune system within several species can be perturbed by exposure to PFASs. Recommendations are provided for future research to inform hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk management practices for PFASs to protect the immune systems of exposed organisms as well as environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W. Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Ashley M. Connors
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | - Jeffrey A. Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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2
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McCall JR, Sausman KT, Brown AP, Mead RN. In vitro cytotoxicity of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human immune cell lines. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 100:105910. [PMID: 39047989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105910] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent long-lived chemicals with global environmental contamination. The published literature is rife with confusing and sometimes contradictory effects of PFAS on animal and cell models, as well as epidemiological studies. Cytotoxicity studies are often used as an early indicator to guide safety requirements, regulation, and further studies and thus can be useful to understand important toxicity differences by various PFAS. Recent studies have found that PFAS are not equivalently toxic on all cell types, and that not all cell types exhibit the same sensitivity to individual PFAS. However, immune cells have not been well studied. As immune cells are important for regulating responses to environmental toxins, infection, and cancer, we sought to discover the sensitivity of these cells to various PFAS, including legacy and replacement compounds. We assessed a range of concentrations and found that immune cells are generally more robust when exposed to PFAS, and that Jurkat T-cells were more sensitive than THP-1 monocytes. As monocytes are critical for coordinating inflammatory responses to external threats with cell death cascades, we further investigated these cells. We discovered that THP-1 cells do not undergo organized or programmed death, such as apoptosis or pyroptosis, and instead PFAS exposure results in a more necrotic/lytic and unorganized death, likely contributing to potential inflammatory effects downstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R McCall
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA.
| | - Kathryn T Sausman
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ariel P Brown
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
| | - Ralph N Mead
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA; Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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3
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Jackson TW, Lambright CS, Evans N, Wehmas LC, MacMillan DK, Bangma J, Gray LE, Conley JM. Exploring maternal and developmental toxicity of perfluoroalkyl ether acids PFO4DA and PFO5DoA using hepatic transcriptomics and serum metabolomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:175978. [PMID: 39226966 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has shifted from long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids to short-chain compounds and those with ether bonds in the carbon chain. Next-generation perfluoroalkylether PFAS include HFPO-DA ("GenX chemicals"), Nafion Byproducts, and the PFOx homologous series that includes perfluoro-3,5,7,9-butaoxadecanoic acid (PFO4DA) and perfluoro-3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic acid (PFO5DoA). PFO4DA and PFO5DoA have been detected in serum and/or tissues from humans and wildlife proximal to contamination point sources. However, toxicity data are extremely limited, with no in vivo developmental toxicology data. To address these data gaps, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed via oral gavage to vehicle, PFO4DA, or PFO5DoA across a series of doses (0.1 to 62.5 mg/kg/day) from gestation day (GD) 18-22. Hepatic transcriptomics were assayed in dams and fetuses, and serum metabolomics in dams. These data were overlaid with serum PFO4DA and PFO5DoA concentrations to perform dose-response modeling. Both dams and fetuses exhibited dose-responsive disruption of hepatic gene expression in response to PFO4DA or PFO5DoA, with fetal expression disrupted at lower doses than dams. Several differentially expressed genes were upregulated by every dose of PFO5DoA in both maternal and fetal samples, including genes encoding enzymes that hydrolyze acyl-coA to free fatty acids. Maternal serum metabolomics revealed PFO4DA exposure did not induce significant changes at any tested dose, whereas PFO5DoA exposure resulted in dose-dependent differential metabolite abundance for 149 unique metabolites. Multi-omics pathway analyses of integrated maternal liver transcriptomics and serum metabolomics revealed significant convergent changes as low as 3 mg/kg/d PFO4DA and 0.3 mg/kg/d PFO5DoA exposure. Overall, transcriptomic and metabolomic effects of PFO4DA and PFO5DoA appear consistent with other carboxylic acid PFAS, with primary changes related to lipid metabolism, bile acids, cholesterol, and cellular stress. Importantly, PFO5DoA exposure more potently induced changes in maternal and fetal hepatic gene expression and maternal circulating metabolites, despite high structural similarity. Further, we report in vitro PPARα and PPARγ receptor activation for both compounds as putative molecular mechanisms. This work demonstrates the potential developmental toxicity of alternative moiety perfluoroethers and highlights the developing liver as particularly vulnerable to transcriptomic disruption. Synopsis: Developmental exposure to fluoroether carboxylic acids PFO4DA and PFO5DoA result in differential impacts on hepatic transcriptome in dams and offspring and circulating metabolome in dams, with PFO5DoA exhibiting higher potency than PFO4DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Jackson
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Nicola Evans
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Leah C Wehmas
- Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Denise K MacMillan
- Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - L Earl Gray
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Justin M Conley
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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4
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Rudzanova B, Thon V, Vespalcova H, Martyniuk CJ, Piler P, Zvonar M, Klanova J, Blaha L, Adamovsky O. Gene expression patterns associated with PFOA exposure in Czech young men and women. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108879. [PMID: 39008919 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108879] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a member of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), has been widely used in manufacturing for decades. Currently, PFOA is strictly regulated, but due to its high stability and persistence, it is detected in both environmental as well as in human matrices. To elucidate mechanisms of PFOA toxicity in humans, we determined the genome-wide transcriptomic changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responding to PFOA exposure in a sex-stratified analysis. This work employed samples from 145 female and 143 male participants of the CELSPAC: YA study to characterize PFOA-associated transcripts in a broader context using computational analysis. PFOA-associated gene expression differed significantly between men and women, as only 2 % of mapped genes were expressed in both sexes. Disease-specific enrichment analysis revealed cancer and immune-related disease terms as those most enriched in male and female populations. Patterns of enriched terms within the gene set enrichment analysis indicated three main targets of PFOA toxicity: i) lipid metabolism for women; ii) cell cycle regulation for men; and iii) immune system response for both sexes. In summary, our genome-wide transcriptomics analysis described sex-specific differences in PFOA-associated gene expression and provided evidence about biological pathways underlying PFOA toxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Rudzanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Thon
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Vespalcova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, UF Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Pavel Piler
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Zvonar
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sports Studies, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ludek Blaha
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Adamovsky
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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5
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Tang C, Wang Y, Hong H. Unraveling the link between heavy metals, perfluoroalkyl substances and depression: Insights from epidemiological and bioinformatics strategies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116482. [PMID: 38772142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have become particularly important when studying the development of depression, a common illness that severely restricts psychosocial functioning and diminishes quality of life. Therefore, the potential joint effects of heavy metal and PFAS exposure on depression, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved, were investigated by using integrated epidemiological and bioinformatic approaches in the present study. A thorough analysis of 7301 samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles that occurred between 2005 and 2018 was performed. Single-exposure studies have shown that cadmium exposure is positively associated with depression, whereas perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDE) exposure are negatively associated with depression. Furthermore, the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation (QGcomp) models were employed to investigate the collective impact of exposure to mixed metals on depression. Cadmium emerged as the principal contributor to depression. Moreover, the addition of PFAS to the metal mixture had an antagonistic effect on depression, with PFOS having the most prominent influence. Analysis of the effects of co-exposure to cadmium and PFOS confirmed the presence of an antagonistic effect. The inflection points of cadmium and PFOS were determined to be -1.11 and 2.27, respectively. Additionally, exposure to cadmium and PFOS had the opposite effects on two crucial pathways, namely, the rap1 and calcium signaling pathways, which involve core genes related to depression such as ADORA2A, FGF2, and FGFR1. These findings have significant implications for future studies and provide new strategies for exploring the mechanisms underlying co-exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Tang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China; Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Advanced Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Application, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhengjiang 315211, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China
| | - Hang Hong
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
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6
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Chen JC, Goodrich JA, Walker DI, Liao J, Costello E, Alderete TL, Valvi D, Hampson H, Li S, Baumert BO, Rock S, Jones DP, Eckel SP, McConnell R, Gilliland FD, Aung MT, Conti DV, Chen Z, Chatzi L. Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and high-throughput proteomics in Hispanic youth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108601. [PMID: 38537583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108601] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strong epidemiological evidence shows positive associations between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia). However, the underlying cardiometabolic-relevant biological activities of PFAS in humans remain largely unclear. AIM We evaluated the associations of PFAS exposure with high-throughput proteomics in Hispanic youth. MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 312 overweight/obese adolescents from the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk (SOLAR) between 2001 and 2012, along with 137 young adults from the Metabolic and Asthma Incidence Research (Meta-AIR) between 2014 and 2018. Plasma PFAS (i.e., PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFNA) were quantified using liquid-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Plasma proteins (n = 334) were measured utilizing the proximity extension assay using an Olink Explore Cardiometabolic Panel I. We conducted linear regression with covariate adjustment to identify PFAS-associated proteins. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, protein-protein interaction network analysis, and protein annotation were used to investigate alterations in biological functions and protein clusters. RESULTS Results after adjusting for multiple comparisons showed 13 significant PFAS-associated proteins in SOLAR and six in Meta-AIR, sharing similar functions in inflammation, immunity, and oxidative stress. In SOLAR, PFNA demonstrated significant positive associations with the largest number of proteins, including ACP5, CLEC1A, HMOX1, LRP11, MCAM, SPARCL1, and SSC5D. After considering the mixture effect of PFAS, only SSC5D remained significant. In Meta-AIR, PFAS mixtures showed positive associations with GDF15 and IL6. Exploratory analysis showed similar findings. Specifically, pathway analysis in SOLAR showed PFOA- and PFNA-associated activation of immune-related pathways, and PFNA-associated activation of inflammatory response. In Meta-AIR, PFHxS-associated activation of dendric cell maturation was found. Moreover, PFAS was associated with common protein clusters of immunoregulatory interactions and JAK-STAT signaling in both cohorts. CONCLUSION PFAS was associated with broad alterations of the proteomic profiles linked to pro-inflammation and immunoregulation. The biological functions of these proteins provide insight into potential molecular mechanisms of PFAS toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Carmen Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Jesse A Goodrich
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Douglas I Walker
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jiawen Liao
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Costello
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tanya L Alderete
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hailey Hampson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shiwen Li
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brittney O Baumert
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Rock
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dean P Jones
- Clinical Biomarkers Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Frank D Gilliland
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Max T Aung
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David V Conti
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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7
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Rudzanová B, Thon V, Vespalcová H, Martyniuk CJ, Piler P, Zvonař M, Klánová J, Bláha L, Adamovsky O. Altered Transcriptome Response in PBMCs of Czech Adults Linked to Multiple PFAS Exposure: B Cell Development as a Target of PFAS Immunotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:90-98. [PMID: 38112183 PMCID: PMC10785749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05109] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
While the immunomodulation effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are described on the level of clinical signs in epidemiological studies (e.g., suppressed antibody response after vaccination), the underlying mechanism has still not been fully elucidated. To reveal mechanisms of PFAS exposure on immunity, we investigated the genome-wide transcriptomic changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) responding to PFAS exposure (specifically, exposure to PFPA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxS, and PFOS). Blood samples and the chemical load in the blood were analyzed under the cross-sectional CELSPAC: Young Adults study. The overall aim of the study was to identify sensitive gene sets and cellular pathways conserved for multiple PFAS chemicals. Transcriptome networks related to adaptive immunity were perturbed by multiple PFAS exposure (i.e., blood levels of at least four PFASs). Specifically, processes tightly connected with late B cell development, such as B cell receptor signaling, germinal center reactions, and plasma cell development, were shown to be affected. Our comprehensive transcriptome analysis identified the disruption of B cell development, specifically the impact on the maturation of antibody-secreting cells, as a potential mechanism underlying PFAS immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Rudzanová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Thon
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Vespalcová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Department
of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology,
UF Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Pavel Piler
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Zvonař
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department
of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Bláha
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Adamovsky
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Atagi T, Hasegawa K, Motoki N, Inaba Y, Toubou H, Shibazaki T, Nakayama SF, Kamijima M, Tsukahara T, Nomiyama T. Associations between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and wheezing and asthma symptoms in 4-year-old children: The Japan Environment and Children's Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117499. [PMID: 37914018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of early-life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the onset of asthma in children have been unclear. We examined the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and wheezing and asthma symptoms among 4-year-old children in a total of 17,856 mother-child pairs from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Maternal first-trimester serum concentrations of six PFAS were used for the exposure assessment. We defined "wheeze ever," "current wheeze," "current symptoms of severe asthma," and "asthma ever" at the age of 4 years by the responses to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, and "doctor-diagnosed asthma" by the response to a corresponding question. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine exposure-outcome associations. Our findings revealed that doubling of the PFOA concentration was associated with a reduced occurrence of "wheeze ever," yielding an adjusted odds ratio of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.98). Also, doubling in the concentrations of PFOA and PFHxS was associated with a decreased prevalence of "asthma ever," with adjusted odds ratios of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88-1.00) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90-0.99), respectively. However, these associations were not significant after applying the Bonferroni correction. The estimated exposure-response curves were nearly linear with a subtle or flat slope. When stratified by the child's sex or the mother's history of asthma, most of the estimated confidence intervals were overlapped between each pair of strata. Regional stratification analysis indicated low-to-moderate heterogeneity in 12 exposure-outcome pairs and moderate-to-high heterogeneity in 9 out of the 30 examined pairs. This study found no clear associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and the prevalence of wheezing and asthma among children at the age of 4 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Atagi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; First Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Noriko Motoki
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, And Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yuji Inaba
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, And Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; Department of Neurology, Nagano Children's Hospital, 3100 Toyoshina, Azumino, Nagano 399-8288, Japan; Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, 3100 Toyoshina, Azumino, Nagano 399-8288, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Toubou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takumi Shibazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Michihiro Kamijima
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Teruomi Tsukahara
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, And Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; Department of Occupational Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nomiyama
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, And Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan; Department of Occupational Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
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9
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Rabotnick MH, Ehlinger J, Haidari A, Goodrich JM. Prenatal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals: The role of multi-omics in understanding toxicity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112046. [PMID: 37598796 PMCID: PMC10592024 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a diverse group of toxicants detected in populations globally. Prenatal EDC exposures impact birth and childhood outcomes. EDCs work through persistent changes at the molecular, cellular, and organ level. Molecular and biochemical signals or 'omics' can be measured at various functional levels - including the epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and the microbiome. In this narrative review, we introduce each omics and give examples of associations with prenatal EDC exposures. There is substantial research on epigenomic modifications in offspring exposed to EDCs during gestation, and a growing number of studies evaluating the transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, or microbiome in response to these exposures. Multi-omics, integrating data across omics layers, may improve understanding of disrupted function pathways related to early life exposures. We highlight several data integration methods to consider in multi-omics studies. Information from multi-omics can improve understanding of the biological processes and mechanisms underlying prenatal EDC toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H Rabotnick
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jessa Ehlinger
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ariana Haidari
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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10
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Gao XX, Zuo QL, Fu XH, Song LL, Cen MQ, Wu J. Association between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and neurodevelopment in children: Evidence based on birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116812. [PMID: 37536558 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although numerous studies have examined the effect of prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure on neurodevelopment in children, findings have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To better understand the effects of PFAS exposure during pregnancy on offspring neurodevelopment, we conducted a systematic review of prenatal exposure to different types of PFAS and neurodevelopment in children. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE electronic databases up to March 2023. Only birth cohort studies that report a specific association between PFAS exposure during pregnancy and neurodevelopment were included in this review. RESULTS 31 birth cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria were qualitatively integrated. Among these, 14 studies investigated the impact of PFAS exposure during pregnancy on cognition, 13 on neurobehavior, and 4 on both cognition and neurobehavior. Additionally, 4 studies explored the influence of PFAS on children's comprehensive development. CONCLUSION Prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with poor neurodevelopment in children, including psychomotor development, externalizing behavior, and comprehensive development. However, conclusive evidence regarding its effects on other neurological outcomes remains limited. In addition, sex-specific effects on social behavior and sleep problems were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qian-Lin Zuo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xi-Hang Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ling-Ling Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man-Qiu Cen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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11
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Wang X, Si D, Li Y, Chen N, Fang G, Zhu C, Zhou D. Alcohols radicals can efficiently reduce recalcitrant perfluorooctanoic acid. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120557. [PMID: 37703753 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohols are commonly used as eluents for the regeneration of per/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) adsorbents, but their potential effects on the subsequent treatment of these eluates have not been fully explored. This work investigated the effect of alcohols on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation by persulfate (PS) based advanced oxidation processes. The results showed that ethanol significantly promoted PFOA degradation in thermal/PS system. Under anoxic conditions, 25.5±1.4% or 91.2±1.6% of PFOA was degraded within 48 h in the absence or presence of ethanol. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) detection, free radical quenching experiments, and chemical probe studies clearly demonstrated that the sulfate radicals (SO4•-) generated from PS activation would react with ethanol to form alcohol radicals, which could efficiently degrade PFOA. The transformation pathways of PFOA were proposed based on degradation products analysis and density function theory (DFT) calculation. The reaction between SO4•- and other alcohols could also induce the formation of alcohol radicals and facilitate to the degradation of PFOA. This work represents the positive roles of alcohols in the degradation of PFASs, providing new insights into developing simple and efficient treatments for PFASs eluate or PFAS-contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Dunfeng Si
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yuliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Guodong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Changyin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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12
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Dunder L, Salihovic S, Lind PM, Elmståhl S, Lind L. Plasma levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107979. [PMID: 37285711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to immunotoxic and cardiometabolic effects in both experimental and epidemiological studies, but with conflicting results. AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate potential associations between plasma PFAS levels and plasma levels of preselected proteomic biomarkers previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. METHODS Three PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) were measured by non-targeted metabolomics and 249 proteomic biomarkers were measured by the proximity extension assay (PEA) in plasma from 2,342 individuals within the Epidemiology for Health (EpiHealth) study from Sweden (45-75 years old, 50.6 % men). RESULTS After adjustment for age and sex, 92% of the significant associations between PFOS concentrations and proteins were inverse (p < 0.0002, Bonferroni-adjusted). The results were not as clear for PFOA and PFHxS, but still with 80% and 64 % of the significant associations with proteins being inverse. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, education, exercise habits and alcohol consumption, levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and paraoxonase type 3 (PON3) remained positively associated with all three PFAS, while resistin (RETN) and urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (uPAR) showed inverse associations with all three PFAS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that PFAS exposure is cross-sectionally linked to altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dunder
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - P Monica Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Babin É, Cano-Sancho G, Vigneau E, Antignac JP. A review of statistical strategies to integrate biomarkers of chemical exposure with biomarkers of effect applied in omic-scale environmental epidemiology. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121741. [PMID: 37127239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to a growing list of synthetic chemicals, some of them becoming a major public health concern due to their capacity to impact multiple biological endpoints and contribute to a range of chronic diseases. The integration of endogenous (omic) biomarkers of effect in environmental health studies has been growing during the last decade, aiming to gain insight on the potential mechanisms linking the exposures and the clinical conditions. The emergence of high-throughput omic platforms has raised a list of statistical challenges posed by the large dimension and complexity of data generated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to critically review the current state-of-the-science about statistical approaches used to integrate endogenous biomarkers in environmental-health studies linking chemical exposures with health outcomes. The present review specifically focused on internal exposure to environmental chemical pollutants, involving both persistent organic pollutants (POPs), non-persistent pollutants like phthalates or bisphenols, and metals. We identified 42 eligible articles published since 2016, reporting 48 different statistical workflows, mostly focused on POPs and using metabolomic profiling in the intermediate layer. The outcomes were mainly binary and focused on metabolic disorders. A large diversity of statistical strategies were reported to integrate chemical mixtures and endogenous biomarkers to characterize their associations with health conditions. Multivariate regression models were the most predominant statistical method reported in the published workflows, however some studies applied latent based methods or multipollutant models to overcome the specific constraints of omic or exposure of data. A minority of studies used formal mediation analysis to characterize the indirect effects mediated by the endogenous biomarkers. The principles of each specific statistical method and overall workflow set-up are summarized in the light of highlighting their applicability, strengths and weaknesses or interpretability to gain insight into the causal structures underlying the triad: exposure, effect-biomarker and outcome.
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14
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Uhl M, Schoeters G, Govarts E, Bil W, Fletcher T, Haug LS, Hoogenboom R, Gundacker C, Trier X, Fernandez MF, Calvo AC, López ME, Coertjens D, Santonen T, Murínová ĽP, Richterová D, Brouwere KD, Hauzenberger I, Kolossa-Gehring M, Halldórsson ÞI. PFASs: What can we learn from the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative HBM4EU. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 250:114168. [PMID: 37068413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were one of the priority substance groups selected which have been investigated under the ambitious European Joint programme HBM4EU (2017-2022). In order to answer policy relevant questions concerning exposure and health effects of PFASs in Europe several activities were developed under HBM4EU namely i) synthesis of HBM data generated in Europe prior to HBM4EU by developing new platforms, ii) development of a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program covering 12 biomarkers of PFASs, iii) aligned and harmonized human biomonitoring studies of PFASs. In addition, some cohort studies (on mother-child exposure, occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium) were initiated, and literature researches on risk assessment of mixtures of PFAS, health effects and effect biomarkers were performed. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies have generated internal exposure reference levels for 12 PFASs in 1957 European teenagers aged 12-18 years. The results showed that serum levels of 14.3% of the teenagers exceeded 6.9 μg/L PFASs, which corresponds to the EFSA guideline value for a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg for some of the investigated PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS). In Northern and Western Europe, 24% of teenagers exceeded this level. The most relevant sources of exposure identified were drinking water and some foods (fish, eggs, offal and locally produced foods). HBM4EU occupational studies also revealed very high levels of PFASs exposure in workers (P95: 192 μg/L in chrome plating facilities), highlighting the importance of monitoring PFASs exposure in specific workplaces. In addition, environmental contaminated hotspots causing high exposure to the population were identified. In conclusion, the frequent and high PFASs exposure evidenced by HBM4EU strongly suggests the need to take all possible measures to prevent further contamination of the European population, in addition to adopting remediation measures in hotspot areas, to protect human health and the environment. HBM4EU findings also support the restriction of the whole group of PFASs. Further, research and definition for additional toxicological dose-effect relationship values for more PFASs compounds is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Wieneke Bil
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Tony Fletcher
- UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, England, UK
| | | | - Ron Hoogenboom
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | | | | | - Katleen De Brouwere
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
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15
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Runkel AA, Stajnko A, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Horvat M, Přibylová P, Kosjek T. Exposure of children and adolescents from Northeastern Slovenia to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 321:138096. [PMID: 36773682 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138096] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of high concern for the environment, wildlife, and human health due to their persistence and potential to cause adverse health effects. Despite political measures to restrict the production and distribution of PFAS and to limit the exposure of populations, PFAS can be measured at commonly high detection frequencies in human samples. Thus, this pilot study aimed to determine the serum concentrations of PFPA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxS, PFHpS, PFOS, PFHxA, PFDoDA, and PFBS in 113 girls and 112 boys (age 7-10 and 12-15) from Northeastern Slovenia - a rural area characterized by agricultural activities - and to identify potential sources of exposure using questionnaire data. PFAS were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry after phospholipid removal. 9 out of 12 analytes were detected at detection frequencies above 30%, with the highest geometric means (GM) being observed for PFOS (GM 1.9 ng/mL) > PFOA (GM 1.0 ng/mL) > PFHxS (GM 0.3 ng/mL) = PFNA (GM 0.3 ng/mL). We identified the participants' socio-economic status, age, sex, sampling region, public water supply, and the consumption of fish and seafood, cereals, and locally produced fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms as the predominant determinants of exposure. Furthermore, we compared our results with the serum and plasma concentrations reported for similar age groups in other studies and concluded that PFAS exposure in this highly agricultural area in Slovenia is notably low. This is the first study systematic HBM study of PFAS exposure in Slovenia, although it was conducted on a limited number of participants representative of rural and agricultural areas, it represents a good basis for upgrading the approach to a nationwide HBM study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta A Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Stajnko
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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16
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Gong S, McLamb F, Shea D, Vu JP, Vasquez MF, Feng Z, Bozinovic K, Hirata KK, Gersberg RM, Bozinovic G. Toxicity assessment of hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid on morphology, heart physiology, and gene expression during zebrafish (Danio rerio) development. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:32320-32336. [PMID: 36462083 PMCID: PMC10017623 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA) is one of the emerging replacements for the "forever" carcinogenic and toxic long-chain PFAS. HFPO-DA is a polymerization aid used for manufacturing fluoropolymers, whose global distribution and undetermined toxic properties are a concern regarding human and ecological health. To assess embryotoxic potential, zebrafish embryos were exposed to HFPO-DA at concentrations of 0.5-20,000 mg/L at 24-, 48-, and 72-h post-fertilization (hpf). Heart rate increased significantly in embryos exposed to 2 mg/L and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA across all time points. Spinal deformities and edema phenotypes were evident among embryos exposed to 1000-16,000 mg/L HFPO-DA at 72 hpf. A median lethal concentration (LC50) was derived as 7651 mg/L at 72 hpf. Shallow RNA sequencing analysis of 9465 transcripts identified 38 consistently differentially expressed genes at 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, and 10 mg/L HFPO-DA exposures. Notably, seven downregulated genes were associated with visual response, and seven upregulated genes were expressed in or regulated the cardiovascular system. This study identifies biological targets and molecular pathways affected during animal development by an emerging, potentially problematic, and ubiquitous industrial chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Gong
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Flannery McLamb
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | | | - Jeanne P Vu
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miguel F Vasquez
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | - Zuying Feng
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kesten Bozinovic
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ken K Hirata
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Extended Studies, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA
| | | | - Goran Bozinovic
- Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute, San Diego, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0355, USA.
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17
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Ehrlich V, Bil W, Vandebriel R, Granum B, Luijten M, Lindeman B, Grandjean P, Kaiser AM, Hauzenberger I, Hartmann C, Gundacker C, Uhl M. Consideration of pathways for immunotoxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Environ Health 2023; 22:19. [PMID: 36814257 PMCID: PMC9944481 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00958-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of public health concern, because of their ubiquitous and extremely persistent occurrence, and depending on their structure, their bio-accumulative, mobile and toxic properties. Human health effects associated with exposure to PFAS include adverse effects on the immune system. In 2020, EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) defined adverse effects on the immune system as the most critical effect for human health risk assessment, based on reduced antibody responses to childhood vaccines and similar effects observed in experimental animal studies. Likewise, the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) considers PFAS-induced immunotoxicity, especially in children, as the critical effect for risk assessment. However, the mechanisms by which antibody concentrations are impacted are not completely understood. Furthermore, other targets of the immune system functions have been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to explore PFAS-associated immune-related effects. This includes, relevant mechanisms that may underlie the observed effects on the immune system, immunosuppression as well as immunoenhancement, such as i) modulation of cell signalling and nuclear receptors, such as NF-κB and PPARs; ii) alteration of calcium signalling and homoeostasis in immune cells; iii) modulation of immune cell populations; iv) oxidative stress and v) impact on fatty acid metabolism & secondary effects on the immune system. METHODS A literature research was conducted using three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus), which were searched in July 2021 for relevant studies published in the time frame from 2018 to 2021. In total, 487 publications were identified as potentially eligible and following expert-based judgement, articles relevant for mechanisms of PFAS induced immunotoxicity are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we show that there is substantial evidence from both in vitro and in vivo experimental as well as epidemiological studies, supporting that various PFAS, not only PFOA and PFOS, affect multiple aspects of the immune system. Timing of exposure is critical, because the developing immune system is especially vulnerable to toxic insults, resulting in a higher risk of particularly adverse immune effects but also other organs later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Ehrlich
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wieneke Bil
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Vandebriel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Berit Granum
- Division of Climate and Environment Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitte Lindeman
- Division of Climate and Environment Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Andreas-Marius Kaiser
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Hauzenberger
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Hartmann
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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18
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Cao W, Horzmann K, Schemera B, Petrofski M, Kendall T, Spooner J, Rynders PE, VandeBerg JL, Wang X. Blood transcriptome responses to PFOA and GenX treatment in the marsupial biomedical model Monodelphis domestica. Front Genet 2023; 14:1073461. [PMID: 36873954 PMCID: PMC9974665 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1073461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial and consumer products. Due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, PFASs can be found in the blood of humans and wild animals all over the world. Various fluorinated alternatives such as GenX have been developed to replace the long-chain PFASs, but there is limited information about their potential toxicity. Methods:The current study developed blood culture protocols to assess the response to toxic compounds in the marsupial, Monodelphis domestica. After whole-blood culture conditions were tested and optimized, changes in gene expression in response to PFOA and GenX treatment were assessed. Results: More than 10,000 genes were expressed in the blood transcriptomes with and without treatment. Both PFOA and GenX treatment led to significant changes in the whole blood culture transcriptomes. A total of 578 and 148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the PFOA and GenX treatment groups, 32 of which overlapped. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs involved in developmental processes were upregulated after PFOA exposure, while those enriched for metabolic and immune system processes were downregulated. GenX exposure upregulated genes associated with fatty acid transport pathways and inflammatory processes, which is consistent with previous studies using rodent models. Discussion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the effect of PFASs in a marsupial model. The findings provide supportive evidence for significant transcriptomic alterations, suggesting that this mammalian model may provide a mechanism for exploring the potential toxicity of PFOA and GenX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Cao
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Katharine Horzmann
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Bettina Schemera
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Myra Petrofski
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Trisha Kendall
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Jennifer Spooner
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Patricia E Rynders
- Division of Laboratory Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - John L VandeBerg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, United States
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University Center for Advanced Science, Innovation, and Commerce, Auburn, AL, United States.,HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
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19
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Huang Y, Nian M, Yu G, Tian Y, Zhang J, Jiang F, Zhang J. Environmental exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and sleep disturbance in pregnant women: A prospective cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156869. [PMID: 35752248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies on the association between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and sleep patterns in pregnant women are limited. This cohort study aims to assess the associations between PFAS and sleep quality in pregnant women. Of the 4127 women who participated in the Shanghai Birth Cohort, 3174, 3070, and 2887 women in their first, second, and third trimesters of gestation, respectively, were included in our analysis. Sleep measures were taken using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Ten PFAS were measured in blood samples collected in early pregnancy. We first evaluate the associations between individual PFAS and sleep quality in the three trimesters. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were performed to test the overall effect of the PFAS mixture on sleep quality during the three trimesters. Longitudinal analyses throughout pregnancy were performed with generalized estimating equation models. Furthermore, the effect of the PFAS mixture on longitudinal sleep patterns was examined using longitudinal latent class analyses combined with WQS models. The single pollutant analysis suggested that most PFAS were associated with increased sleep disturbance risk, lower sleep efficiency, and shorter sleep duration in the three trimesters. Similarly, the WQS models revealed a significant association between the PFAS mixtures and elevated sleep disturbance risk in pregnant women, with perfluorobutane sulfonate acting as the predominant risk factor. Additionally, the longitudinal analysis confirmed the effects of PFAS exposure on increased sleep disturbance over time. The PFAS mixture was positively associated with higher risks of poor sleep quality and sleep medicine use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.10; 95 % confidence interval (95%CI): 1.01, 1.20; and aOR = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.04, 1.50) respectively] throughout the three trimesters. Our study suggests that PFAS may increase the risk of sleep disturbance in pregnant women. Further studies are needed to confirm our results and elucidate potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Min Nian
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Guoqi Yu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Jingsong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Medical Psychology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Pediatric Translational Medicine Institution, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1678 Dongfang Rd, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, China; School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200052, China.
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20
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Kasten-Jolly J, Lawrence DA. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) modify in vitro mitogen- and antigen-induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) responses. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2022; 85:715-737. [PMID: 35611390 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2022.2075816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are present in human serum at the highest concentration among all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Serum concentrations as high as 500 ng and 3000 ng PFOA/ml have been detected in individuals living near contamination sites and those occupationally exposed, respectively. Animal and human studies indicated that PFOA and PFOS at these serum concentrations perturb the immune system. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to 1, 10, or 100 µM PFOA or PFOS in a medium with serum (RPMI-1640 + 5% human AB serum) on the measurement of proliferation, T cell activation, generation of memory T cells, and cytokine production/secretion. In addition, these immune system parameters were assessed for PBMC in a serum-free medium (OpSFM), which was stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (2.5 µg/ml) or influenza vaccine antigen (0.625 µg/ml Flu Ag). PFOS decreased proliferation stimulated by PHA or Flu Ag. With Flu Ag stimulation, PFOA and PFOS inhibited the generation of memory T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In OpSFM, PFOA and PFOS produced no marked change in proliferation and no inhibition of T cell activation. Cytokines measured in the media with Luminex methodology indicated decreased PBMC secretion of IFN-γ by PFOA and PFOS in medium with serum, but no alteration in OpSFM. The results indicated that changes in immune parameters due to PFOA or PFOS following Flu Ag stimulation are medium (±serum) dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David A Lawrence
- Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Albany, NY, USA
- School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
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21
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Clerbaux LA, Albertini MC, Amigó N, Beronius A, Bezemer GFG, Coecke S, Daskalopoulos EP, del Giudice G, Greco D, Grenga L, Mantovani A, Muñoz A, Omeragic E, Parissis N, Petrillo M, Saarimäki LA, Soares H, Sullivan K, Landesmann B. Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4464. [PMID: 35956081 PMCID: PMC9369763 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure-Alix Clerbaux
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | | | - Núria Amigó
- Biosfer Teslab SL., 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 23204 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Gillina F. G. Bezemer
- Impact Station, 1223 JR Hilversum, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Evangelos P. Daskalopoulos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Giusy del Giudice
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Dario Greco
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Lucia Grenga
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Amalia Muñoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium;
| | - Elma Omeragic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Nikolaos Parissis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Mauro Petrillo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Laura A. Saarimäki
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Helena Soares
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Kristie Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Brigitte Landesmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
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22
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Sun Y, Oulhote Y, Wang YX, Messerlian C. Association between serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances concentrations and common cold among children and adolescents in the United States. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107239. [PMID: 35447424 PMCID: PMC10250187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exert immunosuppressive effects in experimental animals. Few epidemiologic studies investigated PFAS exposure and immune-related clinical outcomes such as common cold, especially during childhood when the immune system is developing. METHODS This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 517 children 3-11 years (2013-2014 cycle) and 2732 adolescents 12-19 years (2003-2016 cycles). Serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were quantified. Common cold was self-reported by the participant or parent as having a head cold or chest cold in the last month. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the covariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) between individual PFAS concentrations and common cold incidence in the past month. The joint effect of PFAS mixtures was evaluated using Probit Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR). RESULTS A doubling of serum PFHxS concentration was associated with a 31% higher odds (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.62) of common cold among children. Serum PFNA (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.98) and PFOA (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.67, 2.62) concentrations were also related to common cold among children, as were serum PFOS concentrations among adolescents (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.32). ORs were higher in male than female children and adolescents. BKMR showed a clear increasing trend of common cold estimates across quantiles of the total PFAS mixture concentration among children, while no obvious pattern emerged in adolescents. DISCUSSION Among children in the United States, serum concentrations of PFAS mixtures, especially PFHxS and PFNA, were associated with higher odds of common cold. Among adolescents, PFOS was associated with increased common cold in the last month. This study contributes to the existing evidence supporting the immunotoxicity of PFAS in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Tachachartvanich P, Singam ERA, Durkin KA, Furlow JD, Smith MT, La Merrill MA. In Vitro characterization of the endocrine disrupting effects of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on the human androgen receptor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128243. [PMID: 35093747 PMCID: PMC9705075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used extensively in a broad range of industrial applications and consumer products. While a few legacy PFASs have been voluntarily phased out, over 5000 PFASs have been produced as replacements for their predecessors. The potential endocrine disrupting hazards of most emerging PFASs have not been comprehensively investigated. In silico molecular docking to the human androgen receptor (hAR) combined with machine learning techniques were previously applied to 5206 PFASs and predicted 23 PFASs bind the hAR. Herein, the in silico results were validated in vitro for the five candidate AR ligands that were commercially available. Three manufactured PFASs namely (9-(nonafluorobutyl)- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H,5 H,11 H-pyrano[2,3-f]pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-11-one (NON), 2-(heptafluoropropyl)- 3-phenylquinoxaline (HEP), and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-N-(4-nitrophenyl)pentanamide (NNN) elicited significant antiandrogenic effects at relatively low concentrations. We further investigated the mechanism of AR inhibition and found that all three PFASs inhibited AR transactivation induced by testosterone through a competitive binding mechanism. We then examined the antiandrogenic effects of these PFASs on AR expression and its responsive genes. Consistently, these PFASs significantly decreased the expression of PSA and FKBP5 and increased the expression of AR, similar to the effects elicited by a known competitive AR inhibitor, hydroxyflutamide. This suggests they are competitive antagonists of AR activity and western blot analysis revealed these PFASs decreased intracellular AR protein in androgen sensitive human prostate cancer cells. Hence, the findings presented here corroborate our published in silico approach and indicate these emerging PFASs may adversely affect the human endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phum Tachachartvanich
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA; Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | | | - Kathleen A Durkin
- Molecular Graphics and Computation Facility, College of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA
| | - J David Furlow
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA
| | - Martyn T Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720, CA, USA
| | - Michele A La Merrill
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis 95616, CA, USA.
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24
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Pappalardo F, Russo G, Corsini E, Paini A, Worth A. Translatability and transferability of in silico models: Context of use switching to predict the effects of environmental chemicals on the immune system. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1764-1777. [PMID: 35495116 PMCID: PMC9035946 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxicity hazard identification of chemicals aims to evaluate the potential for unintended effects of chemical exposure on the immune system. Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are persistent, globally disseminated environmental contaminants known to be immunotoxic. Elevated PFAS exposure is associated with lower antibody responses to vaccinations in children and in adults. In addition, some studies have reported a correlation between PFAS levels in the body and lower resistance to disease, in other words an increased risk of infections or cancers. In this context, modelling and simulation platforms could be used to simulate the human immune system with the aim to evaluate the adverse effects that immunotoxicants may have. Here, we show the conditions under which a mathematical model developed for one purpose and application (e.g., in the pharmaceutical domain) can be successfully translated and transferred to another (e.g., in the chemicals domain) without undergoing significant adaptation. In particular, we demonstrate that the Universal Immune System Simulator was able to simulate the effects of PFAS on the immune system, introducing entities and new interactions that are biologically involved in the phenomenon. This also revealed a potentially exploitable pathway for assessing immunotoxicity through a computational model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pappalardo
- Department of Health and Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Russo
- Department of Health and Drug Sciences, Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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25
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Zhao Y, Jin H, Qu J, Zhang S, Hu S, Xue J, Zhao M. The influences of perfluoroalkyl substances on the rheumatoid arthritis clinic. BMC Immunol 2022; 23:10. [PMID: 35246023 PMCID: PMC8895528 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-022-00483-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of environmental factors on genetically susceptible individuals is a basic link in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of synthetic organic fluorine chemicals, which have been mass-produced and widely used in the past 60 years, and also have been shown to be one of the major pollutants affecting human health. The impact of fluoride on the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is unclear. This study explored the relationship between common fluoride and clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS A cohort of 155 patients with RA and 145 health controls in Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were investigated. Serum concentrations of all fluoride detected were higher in RA patients than in healthy controls. There were 43 male patients and 112 female patients in the RA cohort. Some of perfluoroalkyl substances (perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorotrdecanoate (PFTrA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)) were correlated negatively with the Body Mass Index (BMI); some of them (PFOA, PFNA, PFTrA, PFOS, 8:2 Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (8:2Cl-PFESA)) were correlated positively with the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28); two (PFOA, PFOS) of them were correlated positively with the white blood cell count, and one (Perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA)) of them was correlated negatively with the hemoglobin; two (Perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), PFUnA) of them were correlated negatively with the presence of interstitial lung disease. CONCLUSION These data suggest that exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances may promote the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis and the visceral lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianli Qu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sunzhao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shilei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Second Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meirong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Wang Z, Shi R, Ding G, Yao Q, Pan C, Gao Y, Tian Y. Association between maternal serum concentration of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at delivery and acute infectious diseases in infancy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 289:133235. [PMID: 34896425 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent and bio-accumulative compounds that have been recognized as important immune hazards by animal studies. However, epidemiological studies regarding the impact on infant infections were inconsistent. OBJECTIVES We investigated the associations between prenatal exposure to PFASs and acute infectious diseases including common cold, bronchitis/pneumonia, and diarrhea in early childhood. METHODS Participating 235 mother-infant pairs were recruited from the Laizhou Wan (Bay) birth cohort (LWBC), a prospective study in Shandong, China between September 2010 and 2013. Ten selected PFASs congeners including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUA, PFDoA, PFHxS, PFBS, PFHpA, and PFOSA were measured from maternal serum by HPLC-MS/MS. Detailed information on parent-reported frequency of acute infectious diseases was collected from questionnaires at 1-year follow-up, which was confirmed by the medical records. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used on binary health outcomes (yes/no) and the number of episodes of outcomes, which were reported as odds ratio (OR) and incidence rate-ratio (IRR), respectively. RESULTS The risk of diarrhea increased by 4.99 (95% CI = 1.86, 13.39) per log-unit increase in PFOA. The frequencies of diarrhea increased by 97%-116% for each 10-fold increase in PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA. Moreover, when stratified by exclusively breastfeeding duration (at least 4 months or not), the adverse effects of PFASs exposures on diarrhea were more pronounced among the breastfed infants. There were no associations between prenatal PFASs exposure and common cold or bronchitis/pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PFASs was associated with increased risks of diarrhea during the first year of life, and these effects were stronger among the breastfed infants. Due to the small sample size, our results should be interpreted with caution and additional studies on larger populations are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixia Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1400 West Beijing Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengyu Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Qu A, Cao T, Li Z, Wang W, Liu R, Wang X, Nie Y, Sun S, Liu X, Zhang X. The association between maternal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and early attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:67066-67081. [PMID: 34244930 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have shown that maternal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may be associated with early attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to verify this association by reviewing existing studies and to provide a strong basis for preventing ADHD. The researchers searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase for all studies published before October 2020. Finally, we included nine articles for analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that maternal exposure to PFASs was not significantly associated with the prevalence rate of early childhood ADHD (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), odds ratio (OR) = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.75-1.25; perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.88-1.14; perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.80-1.09; perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.99-1.28; perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.15-2.32). Due to significant heterogeneity, we subsequently performed subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Through subgroup analysis, we found that PFOS concentration of children's blood and the prevalence rate of early childhood ADHD were statistically positively correlated, and there was also a positive correlation between PFOS exposure and the prevalence rate of early childhood ADHD in the America. Moreover, there was also a statistically positive correlation between PFNA concentration in maternal blood and the prevalence rate of early childhood ADHD. Sensitivity analysis showed that the final results did not change much, the sensitivity was low, and the results were relatively stable. In conclusion, a causal relationship between maternal PFASs exposure and ADHD in children was unlikely. Among them, PFOS, PFNA, and ADHD might have positive associations worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aibin Qu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengrui Cao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixuan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxiong Nie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Suju Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Hygienic Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehui Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Hygienic Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Zhongshan East Road 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Shih YH, Blomberg AJ, Bind MA, Holm D, Nielsen F, Heilmann C, Weihe P, Grandjean P. Serum vaccine antibody concentrations in adults exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A birth cohort in the Faroe Islands. J Immunotoxicol 2021; 18:85-92. [PMID: 34143710 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2021.1922957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are highly persistent in the environment and may cause depressed immune function. Previous studies have linked PFAS exposure to lower vaccine responses in children, but research in adults is limited. Therefore, the present study evaluated the associations between exposure to PFASs and serum antibody concentrations in adults vaccinated at age 28 years in the Faroe Islands. PFAS concentrations were determined from cord-blood collected at birth and serum samples collected at ages 7, 14, 22, and 28 years. Serum antibody concentrations against hepatitis type A and B, diphtheria, and tetanus were analyzed from blood samples collected about 6 mo after the first vaccine inoculation at age 28 years. Linear regression models were used to estimate changes in antibody concentration for each doubling of PFAS concentration. Potential effect modification by sex was assessed by including an interaction term between PFAS and sex. Although the 95% confidence intervals contain the null value, inverse trends were observed between serum perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) at ages 14 and 28 years and hepatitis type A antibody (anti-HAV) concentrations, as revealed by an estimated decrease of 0.71 (95% CI: -1.52, 0.09) and 0.24 (95% CI: -0.59, 0.10) signal-to-cutoff ratio for each doubling of exposure, respectively. Inverse trends were also observed between serum PFOA at ages 22 and 28 years and hepatitis type B antibody (anti-HBs) concentration, with an estimated decrease of 21% (95% CI: -42.20%, 7.34%) and of 17% (95% CI: -35.47%, 7.35%) in anti-HBs for each doubling of exposure, respectively. Sex-specific associations with anti-HAV were observed for cord-blood PFASs and serum PFAS concentrations at ages 7 and 14 years. No inverse associations of PFAS exposure were found with diphtheria and tetanus antibody concentrations. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and further investigate the effects of PFASs on adult immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Shih
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Annelise J Blomberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie-Abèle Bind
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dorte Holm
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Carsten Heilmann
- Pediatric Clinic, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pál Weihe
- Centre of Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, Faroe Islands.,Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Papadopoulou E, Stratakis N, Basagaña X, Brantsæter AL, Casas M, Fossati S, Gražulevičienė R, Småstuen Haug L, Heude B, Maitre L, McEachan RRC, Robinson O, Roumeliotaki T, Sabidó E, Borràs E, Urquiza J, Vafeiadi M, Zhao Y, Slama R, Wright J, Conti DV, Vrijheid M, Chatzi L. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to PFAS and cardiometabolic factors and inflammation status in children from six European cohorts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106853. [PMID: 34500361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Developing children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of endocrine disrupting chemicals. We hypothesized that early life exposure to PFASs is associated with poor metabolic health in children. We studied the association between prenatal and postnatal PFASs mixture exposure and cardiometabolic health in children, and the role of inflammatory proteins. In 1,101 mothers-child pairs from the Human Early Life Exposome project, we measured the concentrations of PFAS in blood collected in pregnancy and at 8 years (range = 6-12 years). We applied Bayesian Kernel Machine regression (BKMR) to estimate the associations between exposure to PFAS mixture and the cardiometabolic factors as age and sex- specific z-scores of waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP), and concentrations of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol. We measured thirty six inflammatory biomarkers in child plasma and examined the underlying role of inflammatory status for the exposure-outcome association by integrating the three panels into a network. Exposure to the PFAS mixture was positively associated with HDL-C and systolic BP, and negatively associated with WC, LDL-C and TG. When we examined the independent effects of the individual chemicals in the mixture, prenatal PFHxS was negatively associated with HDL-C and prenatal PFNA was positively associated with WC and these were opposing directions from the overall mixture. Further, the network consisted of five distinct communities connected with positive and negative correlations. The selected inflammatory biomarkers were positively, while the postnatal PFAS were negatively related with the included cardiometabolic factors, and only prenatal PFOA was positively related with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta and WC. Our study supports that prenatal, rather than postnatal, PFAS exposure might contribute to an unfavorable lipidemic profile and adiposity in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA; Department of Complex Genetics and Epidemiology, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Maribel Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Fossati
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Barbara Heude
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, INSERM, Université de Paris, INRAe, Paris, France
| | - Léa Maitre
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosemary R C McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Oliver Robinson
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Urquiza
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Yinqi Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Rémy Slama
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Inserm, CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Joint research center (U1209), La Tronche, Grenoble, France
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - David V Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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von Holst H, Nayak P, Dembek Z, Buehler S, Echeverria D, Fallacara D, John L. Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and immunity, allergic response, infection, and asthma in children: review of epidemiologic studies. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08160. [PMID: 34712855 PMCID: PMC8529509 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increased exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) potentially affects infant and childhood health through immunosuppression. Given rapidly evolving research on PFAS, it is important to comprehensively examine the impact of PFAS exposure among the pediatric population as new research becomes available due to potential fragility of the developing immune system. Objectives This review assessed the effects of PFAS fetal, infant and childhood exposures upon the development of immune function during early life stages. Methods Researchers completed a literature review, searching PubMed for human studies published since 2010 for PFAS and health outcomes among infants and children. Included articles incorporated key search terms in the title or abstract; non-research reports and non-English papers were excluded. The search identified 518 studies for possible inclusion. Following hands-on review, 34 were determined relevant. Subsequent analyses found 8 additional relevant articles, totaling 42 studies. Results Major immune-related sequelae from PFAS exposures on infant and child health outcomes documented in recent literature include: • Strong indication of immunosuppression, with diminished childhood antibody response to vaccination, particularly with PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS exposures. • Some indication of increased risks of childhood infectious diseases/infections, particularly from PFOS exposures. • Limited indication of an effect of PFAS exposure on allergic reactions/allergen specific IgE antibodies. • Limited indication of an effect of PFAS exposure on atopic dermatitis (AD). • Limited indication of an effect of PFAS exposure on asthma and lung function. Conclusion This review summarizes recent findings of PFAS effects on infant and childhood immune health. Evidence of immunosuppression, diminished vaccine efficacy, and increased risk of infections, allergies, asthma and AD were described following in utero, infant, and early childhood PFAS exposures. Further investigation is warranted to characterize PFAS exposure pathways and potential modes of action in relation to PFAS effects on the developing immune system. Incontrovertible proof of PFAS immunotoxic effects could optimally be obtained by a large prospective study cohort of mothers and children from infancy through school-age. Regular assessments of circulating antibodies and response to infant and childhood vaccines during growth years could prove invaluable. This review summarizes findings of PFAS effects on infant and child immune health. In utero, infant, and early childhood PFAS exposures were examined. Strong evidence of PFAS exposure on diminished childhood antibody vaccination response. Moderate evidence of PFAS exposure on increased risk of childhood infectious diseases. Limited evidence of PFAS exposure on allergic reactions, atopic dermatitis, asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley von Holst
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Pratibha Nayak
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Zygmunt Dembek
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | | | - Diana Echeverria
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Dawn Fallacara
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | - Lisa John
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
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Omoike OE, Pack RP, Mamudu HM, Liu Y, Strasser S, Zheng S, Okoro J, Wang L. Association between per and polyfluoroalkyl substances and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110361. [PMID: 33131681 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the association of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. METHODS Using data (n = 6652) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012, generalized linear models were used to examine the association between PFAS and inflammatory (ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein, absolute neutrophil count and lymphocyte count) and oxidative stress (serum bilirubin, albumin and iron) per unit exposure to PFAS while adjusting for covariates. Study participants were those ≥20 years of age. Outcome variables were markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and exposure variables were PFAS. RESULLTS Percentage change in Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were all significantly associated with percentage increases in lymphocyte counts, beta (95% confidence interval); 0.04(0.02,0.05), 0.04(0.02,0.05), 0.05(0.03, 0.07), 0.04(0.03,0.05), 0.03(0.13,1.23) and with percentage increases in serum iron 0.07(0.05,0.09), 0.04(0.02,0.07), 0.10(0.07,0.12), 0.05(0.03,0.07), 0.04(0.02,0.06) and increased serum albumin 0.02(0.02,0.02), 0.02(0.02,0.03), 0.03(0.03,0.04), 0.02(0.017, 0.025), 0.01 (0.01, 0.05). Only PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA and PFOS were associated with percentage increases in serum total bilirubin 0.04(0.03,0.05), 0.02(0.00,0.03), 0.06(0.04,0.08), 0.03(0.02,0.05). Similar results were obtained for categorical quintile analysis with PFOA showing a significant trend (P < 0.001) with lymphocyte count, serum iron, serum total bilirubin and serum albumin. Trend for neutrophil count was not significant (p = 0.183). CONCLUSION Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances are associated with markers of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased exposure leads to increase in serum concentration of these markers meaning these chemicals are associated with both chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogbebor Enaholo Omoike
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
| | - Robert P Pack
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Hadii M Mamudu
- Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Sheryl Strasser
- School of Public Health/Partnership for Urban Health Research, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shimin Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Joy Okoro
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Liang Wang
- Baylor University, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, USA
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32
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Bulka CM, Avula V, Fry RC. Associations of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances individually and in mixtures with persistent infections: Recent findings from NHANES 1999-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116619. [PMID: 33578314 PMCID: PMC7957906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Certain viruses and parasites can cause persistent infections that often co-occur and have been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Separate lines of research indicate exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) suppress the immune system. We hypothesized that PFAS exposures might systematically increase susceptibility to persistent infections resulting in a higher pathogen burden. We used data from 8778 individuals (3189 adolescents, 5589 adults) in the nationally-representative U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016 to examine cross-sectional associations between serum concentrations of four highly detected PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA) with the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis C and E, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, T. gondii, and Toxocara spp. Seropositivity was summed to calculate a pathogen burden score reflecting the total number of infections. Separate survey-weighted multivariable regression models were fitted to analyze PFAS individually and quantile g-computation was used to analyze PFAS mixtures. Among adolescents, 38.7% had at least one persistent infection while 14.9% had two or more; among adults, these percentages were 48.0% and 19.7%. Each PFAS was individually associated with significantly higher pathogen burdens and the most pronounced associations were observed in adolescents [e.g., among adolescents, a doubling of PFOS was associated with 30% (95% CI: 25-36%) higher pathogen burden]. Quantile g-computation revealed PFAS mixtures as a whole were also associated with higher pathogen burdens. Taken together, these results suggest PFAS exposure may increase susceptibility to and foster the clustering of persistent infections, particularly among adolescents. Since persistent infections are important contributors to long-term health, prospective data are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vennela Avula
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Quinete N, Hauser-Davis RA. Drinking water pollutants may affect the immune system: concerns regarding COVID-19 health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:1235-1246. [PMID: 33156499 PMCID: PMC7644792 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The current coronavirus pandemic is leading to significant impacts on the planet, changing our way of life. Although the COVID-19 virus mechanisms of action and pathogenesis are still under extensive research, immune system effects are evident, leading, in many cases, to respiratory distress. Although apparent pollution reduction has been noticed by the population, environmental and human health impacts due to the increased use of plastic waste and disinfectants is concerning. One of the main routes of human exposure to pollutants is through drinking water. Thus, this point of view discusses some major contaminants in drinking water known to be immunotoxic, exploring sources and drinking water routes and emphasizing the known mechanisms of action that could likely compromise the effective immune response of humans, particularly raising concerns regarding people exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Based on a literature review, metals, plastic components, plasticizers, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances may display the potential to exacerbate COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, although epidemiological studies are still required to confirm the synergistic effects between these pollutants and the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Quinete
- Institute of Environment & Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Av. Brazil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
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DeLuca NM, Angrish M, Wilkins A, Thayer K, Cohen Hubal EA. Human exposure pathways to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from indoor media: A systematic review protocol. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106308. [PMID: 33395950 PMCID: PMC8118191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been primarily attributed to contaminated food and drinking water. However, additional PFAS exposure pathways have been raised by a limited number of studies reporting correlations between commercial and industrial products and PFAS levels in human media and biomonitoring. Systematic review (SR) methodologies have been widely used to evaluate similar questions using an unbiased approach in the fields of clinical medicine, epidemiology, and toxicology, but the deployment in exposure science is ongoing. Here we present a systematic review protocol that adapts existing systematic review methodologies and study evaluation tools to exposure science studies in order to investigate evidence for important PFAS exposure pathways from indoor media including consumer products, household articles, cleaning products, personal care products, plus indoor air and dust. OBJECTIVES We will systematically review exposure science studies that present both PFAS concentrations from indoor exposure media and PFAS concentrations in blood serum or plasma. Exposure estimates will be synthesized from the evidence to answer the question, "For the general population, what effect does exposure from PFAS chemicals via indoor media have on blood, serum or plasma concentrations of PFAS?" We adapt existing systematic review methodologies and study evaluation tools from the U.S. EPA's Systematic Review Protocol for the PFBA, PFHxA, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA IRIS Assessments and the Navigation Guide for exposure science studies, as well as present innovative developments of exposure pathway-specific search strings for use in artificial intelligence screening software. DATA SOURCES We will search electronic databases for potentially relevant literature, including Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest. Literature search results will be stored in EPA's Health and Environmental Research Online (HERO) database. STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA Included studies will present exposure measures from indoor media including consumer products, household articles, cleaning products, personal care products, plus indoor air and dust, paired with PFAS concentrations in blood, serum or plasma from adults and/or children in the general population. We focus on a subset of PFAS chemicals including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Studies will be prefiltered at the title and abstract level using computationally intelligent search strings to expedite the screening process for reviewers. Two independent reviewers will screen the prefiltered studies against inclusion criteria at the title/abstract level and then full-text level, after which the reviewers will assess the studies' risk of bias using an approach modified from established systematic review tools for exposure studies. Exposure estimates will be calculated to investigate the proportion of blood, serum or plasma) PFAS concentrations that can be explained by exposure to PFAS in indoor media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M DeLuca
- US EPA, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
| | - Michelle Angrish
- US EPA, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Amina Wilkins
- US EPA, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Kris Thayer
- US EPA, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Elaine A Cohen Hubal
- US EPA, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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Salihovic S, Lind L, Larsson A, Lind PM. Plasma perfluoroalkyls are associated with decreased levels of proteomic inflammatory markers in a cross-sectional study of an elderly population. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106099. [PMID: 32916415 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to immunotoxicity in experimental studies. Although PFAS exposure is associated with altered immune response in epidemiological studies of children, it is less known whether this is observed also in elderly adults. Eight PFAS and 86 proteins were measured in plasma from 965 elderly individuals from Sweden (all aged 70, 50% women). PFAS were measured using isotope-dilution ultra-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins were measured using a multiplex proximity extension assay (PEA) and covered among others inflammatory marker proteins such as monocyte chemoattractant proteins, tumor necrosis factors, and interleukins. We examined cross-sectional associations using multivariable linear regression at two levels of adjustment. We observed significant decreases in levels of 24 proteins in relation to a ln-unit increase in PFAS concentrations following adjustment for sex, sample storage time in freezer, and correction for multiple testing. Associations of PFAS and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) remained significant (p-value <0.05) following full covariate adjustment for smoking, exercise habits, education, energy, and alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), glomular filtration rate (GFR) as well as corticoid- and COX-inhibitor treatment. CSF-1 was inversely associated with perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) β: -0.08: 95% confidence interval (CI); -0.13, -0.02), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) β: -0.04: 95% CI; -0.07, -0.006, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) β: -0.04: 95% CI; -0.08, -0.003, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) β: -0.03: 95% CI; -0.06, -0.003, and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) β: -0.05: 95% CI; -0.08, -0.02. The magnitude and direction of PFAS vs protein relationships were similar also for HGF. Our findings implicate PFAS exposure with decreased levels of proteomic markers of inflammation in elderly humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Salihovic
- School of Medical Sciences, Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; School of Science and Technology, MTM Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - L Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Larsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P M Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Ayotte P, Blanchette C, Muckle G, Avard E, Ricard S, Lemire M. Perfluoroalkyl acids in pregnant women from Nunavik (Quebec, Canada): Trends in exposure and associations with country foods consumption. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106169. [PMID: 33041046 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants that potentially disrupt endocrine system functions. While some PFAAs (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)) are regulated, currently used fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) can be transported to the Arctic and are degraded in a number of PFAAs which biomagnify in Arctic wildlife (e.g. perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA)). OBJECTIVES From 2004 to 2017, 279 pregnant Inuit women were recruited as part of biomonitoring projects in Nunavik. Our goal was to evaluate: (i) time-trends in plasma/serum PFAAs levels in pregnant Nunavimmiut women between 2004 and 2017; (ii) compare plasma/serum PFAAs levels in Nunavimmiut women in 2016-2017 to those measured in women of childbearing age in the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS); and (iii) evaluate the associations of PFAAs levels with the consumption of country foods and pregnancy and maternal characteristics during pregnancy in the 97 participants recruited in 2016-2017. METHODS Individual blood sample were collected for serum or plasma PFAAs (PFOS, PFOA, pentafluorobenzoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid (PFHxS), PFNA, PFDA, PFUdA) analyses. Socio-demographic data, pregnancy and maternal characteristics and country foods consumption were documented using a questionnaire. Omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were measured in red blood cell membranes and their ratio used as a biomarker of marine country foods consumption. Time-trends in PFAAs levels were evaluated using ANCOVA models adjusted for relevant co-variables. Serum/plasma levels of PFAAs in the 97 pregnant women aged 16 to 40 years old and recruited in 2016-2017 were compared to those measured in women aged 18 to 40 years old from the CHMS cycle 5 (2016-2017) using the geometric means (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine associations between concentrations of PFAAs and country foods consumption data. RESULTS Statistically-significant downward time trends were noted for concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS in pregnant Nunavik women between 2004 and 2017. Conversely, between 2011 and 2016-2017, PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA maternal serum levels increased by 19, 13 and 21% respectively. Among participants in 2016-2017, mean concentrations for PFNA (GM: 2.4 μg/L), PFDA (0.53 μg/L) and PFUdA (0.61 μg/L) were higher than those measured in women aged 18-40 years old in the Cycle 5 (2016-2017) of the CHMS. PFOA (0.53 μg/L) and PFHxS (0.26 μg/L) were lower than in CHMS, whereas PFBA, PFHxA and PFBS were not detected in 2016-2017. Ratios of serum/plasma levels of PFNA/PFOA, PFNA/PFOS, PFNA/PFHxS and PFUdA/PFDA were significantly higher in the 97 pregnant women from Nunavik recruited in 2016-2017 compared to CHMS, highlighting their distinct exposure profile. In multivariate models, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA levels in 2016-2017 were strongly associated with the omega-3/omega-6 PUFA ratio, indicating a positive association between marine country foods consumption and higher exposure to PFAAs. CONCLUSIONS The exposure of pregnant women to long-chain PFAAs (PFNA, PFDA and PFUdA) increased from 2004 to 2017 in Nunavik. Associations noted between PFAAs levels and the omega-3/omega-6 ratio highlights the importance of implementing additional strict regulations on PFAAs and their precursors to protect the high nutritional quality and cultural importance of country foods in Nunavik.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, VCH Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Caty Blanchette
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; École de psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ellen Avard
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Ricard
- Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Kuujjuaq, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Ceccatelli S, Cravedi J, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, Knutsen HK, Rose M, Roudot A, Van Loveren H, Vollmer G, Mackay K, Riolo F, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06223. [PMID: 32994824 PMCID: PMC7507523 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food. Based on several similar effects in animals, toxicokinetics and observed concentrations in human blood, the CONTAM Panel decided to perform the assessment for the sum of four PFASs: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These made up half of the lower bound (LB) exposure to those PFASs with available occurrence data, the remaining contribution being primarily from PFASs with short half-lives. Equal potencies were assumed for the four PFASs included in the assessment. The mean LB exposure in adolescents and adult age groups ranged from 3 to 22, the 95th percentile from 9 to 70 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week. Toddlers and 'other children' showed a twofold higher exposure. Upper bound exposure was 4- to 49-fold higher than LB levels, but the latter were considered more reliable. 'Fish meat', 'Fruit and fruit products' and 'Eggs and egg products' contributed most to the exposure. Based on available studies in animals and humans, effects on the immune system were considered the most critical for the risk assessment. From a human study, a lowest BMDL 10 of 17.5 ng/mL for the sum of the four PFASs in serum was identified for 1-year-old children. Using PBPK modelling, this serum level of 17.5 ng/mL in children was estimated to correspond to long-term maternal exposure of 0.63 ng/kg bw per day. Since accumulation over time is important, a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was established. This TWI also protects against other potential adverse effects observed in humans. Based on the estimated LB exposure, but also reported serum levels, the CONTAM Panel concluded that parts of the European population exceed this TWI, which is of concern.
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Koelmel JP, Napolitano MP, Ulmer CZ, Vasiliou V, Garrett TJ, Yost RA, Prasad MNV, Godri Pollitt KJ, Bowden JA. Environmental lipidomics: understanding the response of organisms and ecosystems to a changing world. Metabolomics 2020; 16:56. [PMID: 32307636 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-020-01665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the interaction between organisms and the environment is important for predicting and mitigating the effects of global phenomena such as climate change, and the fate, transport, and health effects of anthropogenic pollutants. By understanding organism and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors at the molecular level, mechanisms of toxicity and adaptation can be determined. This information has important implications in human and environmental health, engineering biotechnologies, and understanding the interaction between anthropogenic induced changes and the biosphere. One class of molecules with unique promise for environmental science are lipids; lipids are highly abundant and ubiquitous across nearly all organisms, and lipid profiles often change drastically in response to external stimuli. These changes allow organisms to maintain essential biological functions, for example, membrane fluidity, as they adapt to a changing climate and chemical environment. Lipidomics can help scientists understand the historical and present biofeedback processes in climate change and the biogeochemical processes affecting nutrient cycles. Lipids can also be used to understand how ecosystems respond to historical environmental changes with lipid signatures dating back to hundreds of millions of years, which can help predict similar changes in the future. In addition, lipids are direct targets of environmental stressors, for example, lipids are easily prone to oxidative damage, which occurs during exposure to most toxins. AIM OF REVIEW This is the first review to summarize the current efforts to comprehensively measure lipids to better understand the interaction between organisms and their environment. This review focuses on lipidomic applications in the arenas of environmental toxicology and exposure assessment, xenobiotic exposures and health (e.g., obesity), global climate change, and nutrient cycles. Moreover, this review summarizes the use of and the potential for lipidomics in engineering biotechnologies for the remediation of persistent compounds and biofuel production. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPT With the preservation of certain lipids across millions of years and our ever-increasing understanding of their diverse biological roles, lipidomic-based approaches provide a unique utility to increase our understanding of the contemporary and historical interactions between organisms, ecosystems, and anthropogenically-induced environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P Koelmel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, 125 Buckman Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Michael P Napolitano
- CSS, Inc., under contract to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Candice Z Ulmer
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Ft. Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Timothy J Garrett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, 125 Buckman Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Richard A Yost
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, 125 Buckman Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - M N V Prasad
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500046, India
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Zeng X, Chen Q, Zhang X, Li H, Liu Q, Li C, Ma M, Zhang J, Zhang W, Zhang J, Huang L. Association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and asthma-related diseases in preschool children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29639-29648. [PMID: 31399834 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thus far, the few studies on the associations between perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and asthma in children have yielded inconsistent results. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether and to what extent prenatal PFASs exposure is associated with childhood asthmatic diseases. Eight PFASs were measured in cord blood drawn from 358 children in the Shanghai Allergy Birth Cohort, and a 5-year follow-up plan was completed. Asthma was diagnosed and reported by pediatric respiratory physicians via repeated symptoms (wheezing and coughing) and laboratory examination (Immunoglobulin E level test and skin prick test). A total of 26.6% and 17.4% subjects were diagnosed with wheezing and asthma, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression and piecewise linear regression were applied, and no association was found between PFASs and asthma or wheezing. However, cord serum PFOA, PFOS, and PFDA were positively correlated with serum total IgE in 5-year-old children as the level of the former beyond the turning point (4.37 ng/mL, 2.95 ng/mL, and 0.42 ng/mL, respectively), but negatively with IgE before it reach turnning point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huajun Li
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Quanhua Liu
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Dermatological, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ming Ma
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Lisu Huang
- Department of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Zhu S, Kuek V, Bennett S, Xu H, Rosen V, Xu J. Protein Cytl1: its role in chondrogenesis, cartilage homeostasis, and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3515-3523. [PMID: 31089746 PMCID: PMC6697716 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine-like protein 1 (Cytl1), also named Protein C17 or C4orf4 is located on human chromosome 4p15-p16 and encodes a polypeptide of 126 amino acid residues that displays characteristics of a secretory protein. Cytl1 is expressed by a sub-population of CD34+ human mononuclear cells from bone marrow and cord blood, and by chondrocytes (cartilage-forming cells). In this review, we explore evidence suggesting that Cytl1 may be involved in the regulation of chondrogenesis, cartilage homeostasis and osteoarthritis progression, accompanied by the modulation of Sox9 and insulin-like growth factor 1 expression. In addition, Cytl1 exhibits chemotactic and pro-angiogenic biological effects. Interestingly, CCR2 (C-C chemokine receptor type 2) has been identified as a likely receptor for Cytl1, which mediates the ERK signalling pathway. Cytl1 also appears to mediate the TGF-beta-Smad signalling pathway, which is hypothetically independent of the CCR2 receptor. More recently, studies have also potentially linked Cytl1 with a variety of conditions including cardiac fibrosis, smoking, alcohol dependence risk, and tumours such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, lung squamous cell carcinoma, neuroblastoma and familial colorectal cancer. Defining the molecular structure of Cytl1 and its role in disease pathogenesis will help us to design therapeutic approaches for Cytl1-associated pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipin Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
- Molecular Laboratory, Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Vincent Kuek
- Molecular Laboratory, Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Samuel Bennett
- Molecular Laboratory, Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Huazi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vicki Rosen
- Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jiake Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
- Molecular Laboratory, Division of Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
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Manzano-Salgado CB, Granum B, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Ballester F, Iñiguez C, Gascón M, Martínez D, Guxens M, Basterretxea M, Zabaleta C, Schettgen T, Sunyer J, Vrijheid M, Casas M. Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances, immune-related outcomes, and lung function in children from a Spanish birth cohort study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:945-954. [PMID: 31262703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been associated with impaired immune and respiratory health during childhood but the evidence is inconsistent and limited for lung function. We studied the association between prenatal PFASs exposure and immune and respiratory health, including lung function, up to age 7 years in the Spanish INMA birth cohort study. METHODS We assessed four PFASs in maternal plasma samples collected during the 1st trimester of pregnancy (years: 2003-2008): perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA). Mothers reported the occurrence (yes/no) of lower respiratory tract infections, wheezing, asthma, and eczema in the previous 12 months at 1.5 and 4 years of the child (n = 1188) and at 7 years (n = 1071). At ages 4 (n = 503) and 7 (n = 992) years lung function was assessed using spirometry tests. RESULTS The most abundant PFASs were PFOS and PFOA (geometric means: 5.80 and 2.31 ng/mL, respectively). The relative risk of asthma during childhood per each doubling in PFNA concentration was 0.74 (95 CI%: 0.57, 0.96). The relative risk of eczema during childhood per every doubling in PFOS concentration was 0.86 (95 CI%: 0.75, 0.98). Higher PFOA concentrations were associated with lower forced vital capacity and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s z-scores at 4 years [β (95 CI %): -0.17 (-0.34, -0.01) and -0.13 (-0.29, 0.03), respectively], but not at 7 years. CONCLUSION This longitudinal study suggests that different PFASs may affect the developing immune and respiratory systems differently. Prenatal exposure to PFNA and PFOS may be associated with reduced risk of respiratory and immune outcomes, particularly asthma and eczema whereas exposure to PFOA may be associated with reduced lung function in young children. These mixed results need to be replicated in follow-up studies at later ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyntia B Manzano-Salgado
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Berit Granum
- Dept. of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Department of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Gascón
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - David Martínez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mikel Basterretxea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Public Health Department of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Health Research Institute BIODONOSTIA, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Carlos Zabaleta
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Public Health Department of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Health Research Institute BIODONOSTIA, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
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42
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Everson TM, Marsit CJ. Integrating -Omics Approaches into Human Population-Based Studies of Prenatal and Early-Life Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:328-337. [PMID: 30054820 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We present the study design and methodological suggestions for population-based studies that integrate molecular -omics data and highlight recent studies that have used such data to examine the potential impacts of prenatal environmental exposures on fetal health. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiologic studies have observed numerous relationships between prenatal exposures (smoking, toxic metals, endocrine disruptors) and fetal and early-life molecular profiles, though such investigations have so far been dominated by epigenomic association studies. However, recent transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies have demonstrated their promise for the identification of exposure and response biomarkers. Molecular -omics have opened new avenues of research in environmental health that can improve our understanding of disease etiology and contribute to the development of exposure and response biomarkers. Studies that incorporate multiple -omics data from different molecular domains in longitudinally collected samples hold particular promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Everson
- Departments of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Departments of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Claudia Nance Rollins Room 2021, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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43
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Zeng XW, Bloom MS, Dharmage SC, Lodge CJ, Chen D, Li S, Guo Y, Roponen M, Jalava P, Hirvonen MR, Ma H, Hao YT, Chen W, Yang M, Chu C, Li QQ, Hu LW, Liu KK, Yang BY, Liu S, Fu C, Dong GH. Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances is associated with lower hand, foot and mouth disease viruses antibody response in infancy: Findings from the Guangzhou Birth Cohort Study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 663:60-67. [PMID: 30708217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals widely used in industry and for commercial products. Their immunomodulatory effects are a growing health concern in children. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood viral infection, and increased incidence of which has parallel the rise in PFAS exposure in the Asia-Pacific region. OBJECTIVE We conducted the first study to assess whether prenatal exposure to PFAS was associated with a reduction in HFMD virus antibodies in infants. METHODS We enrolled 201 mother-infant pairs from the Guangzhou Birth Cohort Study from July to October 2013. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine concentrations of specific PFAS isomers in cord blood. Neutralizing antibodies titers were measured against two HFMD viruses, enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A 16 (CA16), in cord blood serum and blood serum at three months of age. RESULTS Higher umbilical cord blood PFAS concentrations were associated with lower EV71 and CA16 antibody concentrations. A doubling in the composite sum of cord blood PFASs in three month old infants was associated with significant increase in the risk of HFMD antibody concentration below clinical protection level (≥1:8 titers) for CA16 (odds ratio, OR: 2.74 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33, 5.61] and for EV71 (OR = 4.55, 95% CI: 1.45, 4.28). This association was higher in boys at three months of age for CA16. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that cord blood PFAS exposure is associated with lower HFMD antibody in infancy. Given the widespread nature of PFAS exposures and the high global incidence of HFMD globally, these findings have substantial public health implications and therefore, these associations need to be replicated in a larger study to more definitively address the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Michael S Bloom
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Departments of Environmental Health Sciences & Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York 12144, USA
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio FI 70211, Finland
| | - Pasi Jalava
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio FI 70211, Finland
| | - Maija-Riitta Hirvonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio FI 70211, Finland
| | - Huimin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yuan-Tao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mo Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kang-Kang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chuanxi Fu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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44
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Lowe AJ, Dharmage SC, Abramson MJ, Vijayasarathy S, Erbas B, Mueller JF, Lodge CJ. Cord-serum per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and atopy and eczema at 12-months. Allergy 2019; 74:812-815. [PMID: 30428139 DOI: 10.1111/all.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J. Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) The University of Queensland Woolloongabba Queensland Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
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45
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Developmental Exposures to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): An Update of Associated Health Outcomes. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:1-19. [PMID: 29556975 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed and summarized the epidemiological evidence for the influence that pre- and postnatal exposures to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may have on health outcomes in offspring, with a particular focus on birth outcomes and postnatal growth, immunomodulatory effects and neurodevelopment. RECENT FINDINGS PFASs are persistent organic pollutants that have been widely produced and used in a range of commercial products since the 1950s. Human exposures to PFASs are nearly ubiquitous globally, but studies that addressed potential health effects of PFASs have only begun to accumulate in recent years. Animal studies suggest adverse effects resulting from developmental encompasses prenatal exposures to PFASs. In humans, the developing fetus is exposed to PFASs via active or passive placenta transfer, while newborns might be exposed via breastfeeding or PFAS in the home environment. Overall, epidemiological findings are consistent and suggest possible associations with fetal and postnatal growth and immune function, while the findings on neurodevelopmental endpoints to date are rather inconclusive. Methodological challenges and future directions for PFASs-focused research are discussed.
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46
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Rychlik KA, Sillé FCM. Environmental exposures during pregnancy: Mechanistic effects on immunity. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:178-196. [PMID: 30708400 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In human studies, it is well established that exposures during embryonic and fetal development periods can influence immune health. Coupled with genetic predisposition, these exposures can alter lifetime chronic and infectious disease trajectory, and, ultimately, life expectancy. Fortunately, as research advances, mechanisms governing long-term effects of prenatal exposures are coming to light and providing the opportunity for intervention and risk reduction. For instance, human association studies have provided a foundation for the association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter with early immunosuppression and later allergic disease in the offspring. Only recently, the mechanisms mediating this response have been revealed and there is much we have yet to discover. Although cellular immune response is understood for many exposure scenarios, molecular pathways are still unidentified. This review will provide commentary and synthesis of the current literature regarding environmental exposures during pregnancy and mechanisms determining immune outcomes. Shared mechanistic features and current gaps in the state of the science are identified and discussed. To such purpose, we address exposures by their immune effect type: immunosuppression, autoimmunity, inflammation and tissue damage, hypersensitivity, and general immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal A Rychlik
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fenna C M Sillé
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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47
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Knudsen AKS, Long M, Pedersen HS, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Persistent organic pollutants and haematological markers in Greenlandic pregnant women: the ACCEPT sub-study. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 77:1456303. [PMID: 29595373 PMCID: PMC5912198 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2018.1456303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Arctic populations have high blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Exposure to POPs was related to adverse health effects e.g. immune, neurological and reproductive systems. This study investigates associations between serum POP levels and haematological markers in Greenlandic pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 189 women enrolled in 2010–2011 at the Greenlandic West coast by the inclusion criteria ≥18 years of age and had lived for 50% or more of their life in Greenland. The associations between the sum of the POP variables polychlorinated biphenyls (sumPCBs), organochlorine pesticides (sumOCPs), perfluoroalkylated substances (sumPFASs) and 24 haematological markers were analysed using linear regression adjusted for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, gestation week, plasma-cotinine and alcohol intake. It showed a significantly inverse association between several haematological markers (eosinophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil and white blood cells) and sumPCBs, sumOCPs and sumPFASs. In addition, the monocyte, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, plateletcrit and platelet count markers were significantly inversely associated with sumPFASs, but the haematocrit and mean erythrocyte corpuscular volume were positively associated with sumPFASs. In conclusion, exposure to POPs influenced several haematological markers, especially cell count parameters, suggesting immunosuppressive potential of POPs in Greenlandic pregnant women. The data need further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane-Kersti Skaarup Knudsen
- a Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark.,b Emergency Department , Regional Hospital of Randers , Randers , Denmark
| | - Manhai Long
- a Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | | | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- a Centre for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark.,d Greenland Center for Health Research , University of Greenland , Nuuk , Greenland
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48
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Koponen J, Winkens K, Airaksinen R, Berger U, Vestergren R, Cousins IT, Karvonen AM, Pekkanen J, Kiviranta H. Longitudinal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in children's serum. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:591-599. [PMID: 30308470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest negative health impacts from early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, information on longitudinal exposure to PFASs during childhood is scarce for background-exposed individuals. This study sought to fill this gap by investigating children's longitudinal exposure trends through measurement of PFAS serum concentrations and calculation of body burdens (μg, total in body). Blood of 54 Finnish children was sampled 2005-2015 and analyzed for 20 PFASs at 1, 6 and 10.5 years of age. The body burden was calculated by multiplying the serum concentration by the volume of distribution and the bodyweight for each individual. Associations between serum concentrations or body burdens and parameters, such as sex, breastfeeding duration, body mass index as well as indoor dust and air PFAS concentrations, were evaluated. Serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with age. In contrast to serum concentrations, body burdens stayed unchanged or even increased significantly (p < 0.05), except for PFOA in female children. Breastfeeding duration was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with serum concentrations of PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA and PFNA at 1 year of age. Some associations were found at 10.5 years with sex and indoor PFAS concentrations. Observations of longitudinal decreasing trends of serum concentrations can be misleading for understanding exposure levels from external media during childhood, as the serum concentration is influenced by parallel temporal changes and growth dilution. Body burdens account for growth dilution and thus better reflect differences in early-life to adolescence exposure than serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Koponen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Kerstin Winkens
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Riikka Airaksinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Urs Berger
- Department Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robin Vestergren
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, SE-10031 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne M Karvonen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
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49
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Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Barregård L, Bignami M, Brüschweiler B, Ceccatelli S, Cottrill B, Dinovi M, Edler L, Grasl-Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom LR, Nebbia CS, Oswald IP, Petersen A, Rose M, Roudot AC, Vleminckx C, Vollmer G, Wallace H, Bodin L, Cravedi JP, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, van Loveren H, Gergelova P, Mackay K, Levorato S, van Manen M, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in food. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05194. [PMID: 32625773 PMCID: PMC7009575 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food. Regarding PFOS and PFOA occurrence, the final data set available for dietary exposure assessment contained a total of 20,019 analytical results (PFOS n = 10,191 and PFOA n = 9,828). There were large differences between upper and lower bound exposure due to analytical methods with insufficient sensitivity. The CONTAM Panel considered the lower bound estimates to be closer to true exposure levels. Important contributors to the lower bound mean chronic exposure were 'Fish and other seafood', 'Meat and meat products' and 'Eggs and egg products', for PFOS, and 'Milk and dairy products', 'Drinking water' and 'Fish and other seafood' for PFOA. PFOS and PFOA are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, excreted in urine and faeces, and do not undergo metabolism. Estimated human half-lives for PFOS and PFOA are about 5 years and 2-4 years, respectively. The derivation of a health-based guidance value was based on human epidemiological studies. For PFOS, the increase in serum total cholesterol in adults, and the decrease in antibody response at vaccination in children were identified as the critical effects. For PFOA, the increase in serum total cholesterol was the critical effect. Also reduced birth weight (for both compounds) and increased prevalence of high serum levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (for PFOA) were considered. After benchmark modelling of serum levels of PFOS and PFOA, and estimating the corresponding daily intakes, the CONTAM Panel established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 13 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week for PFOS and 6 ng/kg bw per week for PFOA. For both compounds, exposure of a considerable proportion of the population exceeds the proposed TWIs.
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50
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Grandjean P, Heilmann C, Weihe P, Nielsen F, Mogensen UB, Timmermann A, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Estimated exposures to perfluorinated compounds in infancy predict attenuated vaccine antibody concentrations at age 5-years. J Immunotoxicol 2018; 14:188-195. [PMID: 28805477 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2017.1360968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) are highly persistent and may cause immunotoxic effects. PFAS-associated attenuated antibody responses to childhood vaccines may be affected by PFAS exposures during infancy, where breastfeeding adds to PFAS exposures. Of 490 members of a Faroese birth cohort, 275 and 349 participated in clinical examinations and provided blood samples at ages 18 months and 5 years. PFAS concentrations were measured at birth and at the clinical examinations. Using information on duration of breastfeeding, serum-PFAS concentration profiles during infancy were estimated. As outcomes, serum concentrations of antibodies against tetanus and diphtheria vaccines were determined at age 5. Data from a previous cohort born eight years earlier were available for pooled analyses. Pre-natal exposure showed inverse associations with the antibody concentrations five years later, with decreases by up to about 20% for each two-fold higher exposure, while associations for serum concentrations at ages 18 months and 5 years were weaker. Modeling of serum-PFAS concentration showed levels for age 18 months that were similar to those measured. Concentrations estimated for ages 3 and 6 months showed the strongest inverse associations with antibody concentrations at age 5 years, particularly for tetanus. Joint analyses showed statistically significant decreases in tetanus antibody concentrations by 19-29% at age 5 for each doubling of the PFAS exposure in early infancy. These findings support the notion that the developing adaptive immune system is particularly vulnerable to immunotoxicity during infancy. This vulnerability appears to be the greatest during the first 6 months after birth, where PFAS exposures are affected by breast-feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Grandjean
- a Department of Environmental Health , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA.,b Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
| | - Carsten Heilmann
- c Pediatric Clinic , Rigshospitalet - National University Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Pal Weihe
- d Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health , Faroese Hospital System , Torshavn , Faroe Islands
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- b Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
| | - Ulla B Mogensen
- e Department of Biostatistics , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Amalie Timmermann
- b Department of Environmental Medicine , University of Southern Denmark , Odense , Denmark
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