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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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Bangma J, Pu S, Robuck A, Boettger J, Guillette T, McCord J, Rock KD, Sobus J, Jackson TW, Belcher SM. Combined screening and retroactive data mining for emerging perfluoroethers in wildlife and pets in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142898. [PMID: 39032729 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The recent application of non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques in environmental monitoring has revealed numerous novel fluorinated species in surface water, wildlife, and humans in the Cape Fear River (CFR) region of North Carolina. In this study, we have re-examined archived alligator, striped bass, horse, and dog serum as well as archived seabird tissue data from previously reported exposure studies in order to extend the panel of detected novel PFAS. In this study, the compounds CF3-(OCF2)x-COOH, x = 6, 7, 8 (Abbreviated PFO6TeDA, PFO7HxDA, PFO8OcDA, respectively), and 6H-Perfluoro-3-oxa,4-methylhexanesulfonic acid (Nafion byproduct 6) were detected for the first time in environmental tissues even though these analytes were not previously detected in the CFR. Analytical standards were available for PFO6TeDA and Nafion Byproduct 6, and therefore, were quantitated in investigated tissues. PFO7HxDA and PFO8OcDA had no available standards and were semi-quantitated using NTA techniques. Of note, PFO6TeDA, PFO7HxDA, and PFO8OcDA were observed in alligator, bass, and seabird but not horse and dog. PFO6TeDA was detected at the highest frequency in all investigated tissues with PFO7HxDA and PFO8OcDA detected at lower frequencies. No Nafion Byproduct 6 values are reported in serum due to poor analytical reproducibility of the measurements. Seabird tissue to blood ratios suggests PFO6TeDA is highest in the heart, kidney, and liver and lowest in the brain. Overall, additional studies are needed to fully understand the potential impact of these additional novel PFAS on both wildlife and humans in the CFR region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Bangma
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | - Shirley Pu
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA.
| | - Anna Robuck
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | - Jason Boettger
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | | | - James McCord
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Jon Sobus
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | - Thomas W Jackson
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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3
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Weed RA, Campbell G, Brown L, May K, Sargent D, Sutton E, Burdette K, Rider W, Baker ES, Enders JR. Non-Targeted PFAS Suspect Screening and Quantification of Drinking Water Samples Collected through Community Engaged Research in North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. TOXICS 2024; 12:403. [PMID: 38922083 PMCID: PMC11209479 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
A community engaged research (CER) approach was used to provide an exposure assessment of poly- and perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds in North Carolina residential drinking water. Working in concert with community partners, who acted as liaisons to local residents, samples were collected by North Carolina residents from three different locations along the Cape Fear River basin: upper, middle, and lower areas of the river. Residents collected either drinking water samples from their homes or recreational water samples from near their residence that were then submitted by the community partners for PFAS analysis. All samples were processed using weak anion exchange (WAX) solid phase extraction and analyzed using a non-targeted suspect screening approach as well as a quantitative approach that included a panel of 45 PFAS analytes, several of which are specific to chemical industries near the collection site locations. The non-targeted approach, which utilized a suspect screening list (obtained from EPA CompTox database) identified several PFAS compounds at a level two confidence rating (Schymanski scale); compounds identified included a fluorinated insecticide, a fluorinated herbicide, a PFAS used in polymer chemistry, and another that is used in battery production. Notably, at several locations, PFOA (39.8 ng/L) and PFOS (205.3 ng/L) were at levels that exceeded the mandatory EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L. Additionally, several sites had detectable levels of PFAS that are unique to a local chemical manufacturer. These findings were communicated back to the community partners who then disseminated this information to the local residents to help empower and aid in making decisions for reducing their PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Weed
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Grace Campbell
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Lacey Brown
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Katlyn May
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Dana Sargent
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Kemp Burdette
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Wayne Rider
- Sustainable Sandhills, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA;
| | - Erin S. Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Jeffrey R. Enders
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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4
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Kikanme KN, Dennis NM, Orikpete OF, Ewim DRE. PFAS in Nigeria: Identifying data gaps that hinder assessments of ecotoxicological and human health impacts. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29922. [PMID: 38694092 PMCID: PMC11061687 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29922] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the extensive use and environmental consequences of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on a global scale, specifically emphasizing their potential impact in Nigeria. Recognized for their resistance to water and oil, PFAS are under increased scrutiny for their persistent nature and possible ecotoxicological risks. Here, we consolidate existing knowledge on the ecological and human health effects of PFAS in Nigeria, focusing on their neurological effects and the risks they pose to immune system health. We seek to balance the advantages of PFAS with their potential ecological and health hazards, thereby enhancing understanding of PFAS management in Nigeria and advocating for more effective policy interventions and the creation of safer alternatives. The review concludes with several recommendations: strengthening regulatory frameworks, intensifying research into the ecological and health impacts of PFAS, developing new methodologies and longitudinal studies, fostering collaborative efforts for PFAS management, and promoting public awareness and education to support sustainable environmental practices and healthier communities in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole M. Dennis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Ochuko Felix Orikpete
- Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (COHSE), University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
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5
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Witt CC, Gadek CR, Cartron JLE, Andersen MJ, Campbell ML, Castro-Farías M, Gyllenhaal EF, Johnson AB, Malaney JL, Montoya KN, Patterson A, Vinciguerra NT, Williamson JL, Cook JA, Dunnum JL. Extraordinary levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in vertebrate animals at a New Mexico desert oasis: Multiple pathways for wildlife and human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118229. [PMID: 38325785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118229] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment pose persistent and complex threats to human and wildlife health. Around the world, PFAS point sources such as military bases expose thousands of populations of wildlife and game species, with potentially far-reaching implications for population and ecosystem health. But few studies shed light on the extent to which PFAS permeate food webs, particularly ecologically and taxonomically diverse communities of primary and secondary consumers. Here we conducted >2000 assays to measure tissue-concentrations of 17 PFAS in 23 species of mammals and migratory birds at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, USA, where wastewater catchment lakes form biodiverse oases. PFAS concentrations were among the highest reported in animal tissues, and high levels have persisted for at least three decades. Twenty of 23 species sampled at Holloman AFB were heavily contaminated, representing middle trophic levels and wetland to desert microhabitats, implicating pathways for PFAS uptake: ingestion of surface water, sediments, and soil; foraging on aquatic invertebrates and plants; and preying upon birds or mammals. The hazardous long carbon-chain form, perfluorooctanosulfonic acid (PFOS), was most abundant, with liver concentrations averaging >10,000 ng/g wet weight (ww) in birds and mammals, respectively, and reaching as high 97,000 ng/g ww in a 1994 specimen. Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) averaged thousands of ng/g ww in the livers of aquatic birds and littoral-zone house mice, but one order of magnitude lower in the livers of upland desert rodent species. Piscivores and upland desert songbirds were relatively uncontaminated. At control sites, PFAS levels were strikingly lower on average and different in composition. In sum, legacy PFAS at this desert oasis have permeated local aquatic and terrestrial food webs across decades, severely contaminating populations of resident and migrant animals, and exposing people via game meat consumption and outdoor recreation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Witt
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Chauncey R Gadek
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Environmental Stewardship, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Jean-Luc E Cartron
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., 6020 Academy Road NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM, 87109, USA
| | - Michael J Andersen
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Mariel L Campbell
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Marialejandra Castro-Farías
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Ethan F Gyllenhaal
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew B Johnson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jason L Malaney
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, USA
| | - Kyana N Montoya
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, CA, 95605, USA
| | - Nicholas T Vinciguerra
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jessie L Williamson
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Joseph A Cook
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jonathan L Dunnum
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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6
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Starnes HM, Jackson TW, Rock KD, Belcher SM. Quantitative cross-species comparison of serum albumin binding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from five structural classes. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:132-149. [PMID: 38518100 PMCID: PMC11057469 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 8000 chemicals, many of which are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Serum protein binding affinity is instrumental in understanding PFAS toxicity, yet experimental binding data is limited to only a few PFAS congeners. Previously, we demonstrated the usefulness of a high-throughput, in vitro differential scanning fluorimetry assay for determination of relative binding affinities of human serum albumin for 24 PFAS congeners from 6 chemical classes. In the current study, we used this assay to comparatively examine differences in human, bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin binding of 8 structurally informative PFAS congeners from 5 chemical classes. With the exception of the fluorotelomer alcohol 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanol (6:2 FTOH), each PFAS congener bound by human serum albumin was also bound by bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin. The critical role of the charged functional headgroup in albumin binding was supported by the inability of albumin of each species tested to bind 6:2 FTOH. Significant interspecies differences in serum albumin binding affinities were identified for each of the bound PFAS congeners. Relative to human albumin, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids were bound with greater affinity by porcine and rat serum albumin, and the perfluoroalkyl ether acid congener bound with lower affinity to porcine and bovine serum albumin. These comparative affinity data for PFAS binding by serum albumin from human, experimental model, and livestock species reduce critical interspecies uncertainty and improve accuracy of predictive bioaccumulation and toxicity assessments for PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Starnes
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Thomas W Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA
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7
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Andrews DQ, Stoiber T, Temkin AM, Naidenko OV. Discussion. Has the human population become a sentinel for the adverse effects of PFAS contamination on wildlife health and endangered species? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165939. [PMID: 37769722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Global contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) poses a threat to both human health and the environment, with significant implications for ecological conservation policies. A growing list of peer-reviewed publications indicates that PFAS can harm wildlife health and that the adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure in wildlife are in concordance with human epidemiological studies. The correlation of cross-species data supports a unique perspective that humans can be regarded as a sentinel for PFAS effects in other species. The health harms due to PFAS are potentially most concerning for populations of endangered and threatened species that are simultaneously exposed to PFAS and other toxic pollutants, and also face threats to their survival due to habitat loss, degradation of ecosystems, and over-harvesting. Human epidemiological studies on the PFAS doses associated with health harm present a rich source of information about potential impacts on wildlife health due to PFAS. Our analysis suggests that national and international efforts to restrict the discharges of PFAS into the environment and to clean up PFAS-contaminated sites present an opportunity to protect wildlife from chemical pollution and to advance species conservation worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Q Andrews
- Environmental Working Group, 1250 I Street NW Suite 1000, Washington DC 20005, United States of America.
| | - Tasha Stoiber
- Environmental Working Group, 1250 I Street NW Suite 1000, Washington DC 20005, United States of America
| | - Alexis M Temkin
- Environmental Working Group, 1250 I Street NW Suite 1000, Washington DC 20005, United States of America
| | - Olga V Naidenko
- Environmental Working Group, 1250 I Street NW Suite 1000, Washington DC 20005, United States of America
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8
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Starnes HM, Jackson TW, Rock KD, Belcher SM. Quantitative Cross-Species Comparison of Serum Albumin Binding of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Five Structural Classes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.10.566613. [PMID: 38014292 PMCID: PMC10680784 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.566613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 8,000 chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Serum protein binding affinity is instrumental in understanding PFAS toxicity, yet experimental binding data is limited to only a few PFAS congeners. Previously, we demonstrated the usefulness of a high-throughput, in vitro differential scanning fluorimetry assay for determination of relative binding affinities of human serum albumin for 24 PFAS congeners from 6 chemical classes. In the current study, we used this differential scanning fluorimetry assay to comparatively examine differences in human, bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin binding of 8 structurally informative PFAS congeners from 5 chemical classes. With the exception of the fluorotelomer alcohol 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanol (6:2 FTOH), each PFAS congener bound by human serum albumin was also bound by bovine, porcine, and rat serum albumin. The critical role of the charged functional headgroup in albumin binding was supported by the inability of serum albumin of each species tested to bind 6:2 FTOH. Significant interspecies differences in serum albumin binding affinities were identified for each of the bound PFAS congeners. Relative to human albumin, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids were bound with greater affinity by porcine and rat serum albumin, and perfluoroalkyl ether congeners bound with lower affinity to porcine and bovine serum albumin. These comparative affinity data for PFAS binding by serum albumin from human, experimental model and livestock species reduce critical interspecies uncertainty and improve accuracy of predictive toxicity assessments for PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Starnes
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Thomas W. Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Current address: Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Kylie D. Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Current address: Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Scott M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, 127 David Clark Labs Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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9
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Kirkwood-Donelson KI, Dodds JN, Schnetzer A, Hall N, Baker ES. Uncovering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with nontargeted ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry analyses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj7048. [PMID: 37878714 PMCID: PMC10599621 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Because of environmental and health concerns, legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been voluntarily phased out, and thousands of emerging PFAS introduced as replacements. Traditional analytical methods target a limited number of mainly legacy PFAS; therefore, many species are not routinely assessed in the environment. Nontargeted approaches using high-resolution mass spectrometry methods have therefore been used to detect and characterize unknown PFAS. However, their ability to elucidate chemical structures relies on generation of informative fragments, and many low concentration species are not fragmented in typical data-dependent acquisition approaches. Here, a data-independent method leveraging ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and size-dependent fragmentation was developed and applied to characterize aquatic passive samplers deployed near a North Carolina fluorochemical manufacturer. From the study, 11 PFAS structures for various per- and polyfluorinated ether sulfonic acids and multiheaded perfluorinated ether acids were elucidated in addition to 36 known PFAS. Eight of these species were previously unreported in environmental media, and three suspected species were validated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James N. Dodds
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Astrid Schnetzer
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC,, USA
| | - Nathan Hall
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, NC, USA
| | - Erin S. Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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10
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Rock KD, Polera ME, Guillette TC, Starnes HM, Dean K, Watters M, Stevens-Stewart D, Belcher SM. Domestic Dogs and Horses as Sentinels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Associated Health Biomarkers in Gray's Creek North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:9567-9579. [PMID: 37340551 PMCID: PMC10802174 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Central North Carolina (NC) is highly contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in part due to local fluorochemical production. Little is known about the exposure profiles and long-term health impacts for humans and animals that live in nearby communities. In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and diagnostic clinical chemistry endpoints were assessed for 31 dogs and 32 horses that reside in Gray's Creek NC at households with documented PFAS contamination in their drinking water. PFAS were detected in every sample, with 12 of the 20 PFAS detected in ≥50% of samples from each species. The average total PFAS concentrations in horses were lower compared to dogs who had higher concentrations of PFOS (dogs 2.9 ng/mL; horses 1.8 ng/mL), PFHxS (dogs 1.43 ng/mL, horses < LOD), and PFOA (dogs 0.37 ng/mL; horses 0.10 ng/mL). Regression analysis highlighted alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and globulin proteins in dogs and gamma glutamyl transferase in horses as potential biomarkers associated with PFAS exposure. Overall, the results of this study support the utility of companion animal and livestock species as sentinels of PFAS exposure differences inside and outside of the home. As in humans, renal and hepatic health in domestic animals may be sensitive to long-term PFAS exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Madison E Polera
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Theresa C Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Hannah M Starnes
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Kentley Dean
- Southern Oaks Animal Hospital, Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Mike Watters
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Debra Stevens-Stewart
- Gray's Creek Residents United against PFAS in Our Wells & Rivers, Gray's Creek, North Carolina 28348, United States
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
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Ehsan MN, Riza M, Pervez MN, Khyum MMO, Liang Y, Naddeo V. Environmental and health impacts of PFAS: Sources, distribution and sustainable management in North Carolina (USA). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163123. [PMID: 37001657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of manufactured chemicals that have recently attracted a great deal of attention from environmental regulators and the general public because of their high prevalence, resistance to degradation, and potential toxicity. This review summarizes the current state of PFAS and its effects on the environment of North Carolina, USA. Specific emphasis has been placed to identify i) the sources of PFAS in North Carolina ii) distribution of PFAS in different environmental segments of North Carolina, including surface water, groundwater, air, and sediment iii) drinking water contamination iv) impact of PFAS on human health v) PFAS accumulation in fish and other biota vi) status of PFAS removal from drinking water and finally vi) socioeconomic impact of PFAS uncertainties. Continuous discharges of PFAS occur in the North Carolina environment from direct and indirect sources, including manufacturing sites, firefighting foam, waste disposal and treatment plants, landfill leachate, and industrial emissions. PFAS are widespread in many environmental segments of North Carolina. They are more likely to be detected in surface and groundwater sediments and can enter aquatic bodies through direct discharge and wet and dry deposition of emissions. Eventually, some adverse effects of PFAS have already been reported in North Carolina residents who could have been exposed to the chemicals through contaminated drinking water. Furthermore, PFAS were also found in blood samples from fish and alligators. PFAS were confirmed to be present in water, sediment, organic compounds, and aquatic species at all levels of the food web. However, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the actual contamination by PFAS in North Carolina comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mumtahina Riza
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7617, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617, USA.
| | - Md Nahid Pervez
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, 66 University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy; Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | | | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Vincenzo Naddeo
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED), Department of Civil Engineering, 66 University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, Italy.
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