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Wang X, Lv Y, Qiang X, Liang S, Li R, Zhan J, Liu J. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its alternative perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) alter hepatic bile acid profiles via different pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175312. [PMID: 39122034 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The disruption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on bile acid (BA) homeostasis has raised public concerns, making the evaluation of their effects and underlying mechanisms a high priority. Although the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been restricted, it remains a widespread legacy PFAS in the environment. Concurrently, the use of its prevalent short-chain alternative, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), is increasing, yet the toxicity assessment of PFBA remains inadequate. In this study, C57BL/6N mice were exposed to PFOA and PFBA (0.4 or 10 mg/kg body weight) by gavage for 28 days. The results showed that both PFOA and PFBA significantly increased hepatic weight, although PFBA exhibited lower bioaccumulation than PFOA in the liver. Targeted metabolomics revealed that PFOA significantly decreased total BA levels and altered their composition. Conversely, PFBA, without significantly altering total BA levels, notably changed their composition, such as increasing the proportion of cholic acid. Further investigations using in vivo and in vitro assays suggested that PFOA inhibited the expression of Cyp7A1, a key BA synthetase, potentially via PPARα activation, thereby reducing BA levels. In contrast, PFBA enhanced Cyp7A1 expression, associated with the inhibition of intestinal Farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FXR-FGF15) pathway. This study evaluated the differences in the BA-interfering effects of PFOA and PFBA and shed light on the potential mechanisms, which will provide new insights into the health risks of legacy PFASs and their alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yinchuan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xin Qiang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shumin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ruosi Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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2
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Kotta-Loizou I, Pritsa A, Antasouras G, Vasilopoulos SN, Voulgaridou G, Papadopoulou SK, Coutts RHA, Lechouritis E, Giaginis C. Fetus Exposure to Drugs and Chemicals: A Holistic Overview on the Assessment of Their Transport and Metabolism across the Human Placental Barrier. Diseases 2024; 12:114. [PMID: 38920546 PMCID: PMC11202568 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12060114] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta exerts a crucial role in fetus growth and development during gestation, protecting the fetus from maternal drugs and chemical exposure. However, diverse drugs and chemicals (xenobiotics) can penetrate the maternal placental barrier, leading to deleterious, adverse effects concerning fetus health. Moreover, placental enzymes can metabolize drugs and chemicals into more toxic compounds for the fetus. Thus, evaluating the molecular mechanisms through which drugs and chemicals transfer and undergo metabolism across the placental barrier is of vital importance. In this aspect, this comprehensive literature review aims to provide a holistic approach by critically summarizing and scrutinizing the potential molecular processes and mechanisms governing drugs and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier, which may lead to fetotoxicity effects, as well as analyzing the currently available experimental methodologies used to assess xenobiotics placental transfer and metabolism. METHODS A comprehensive and in-depth literature review was conducted in the most accurate scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by using relevant and effective keywords related to xenobiotic placental transfer and metabolism, retrieving 8830 published articles until 5 February 2024. After applying several strict exclusion and inclusion criteria, a final number of 148 relevant published articles were included. RESULTS During pregnancy, several drugs and chemicals can be transferred from the mother to the fetus across the placental barrier by either passive diffusion or through placental transporters, resulting in fetus exposure and potential fetotoxicity effects. Some drugs and chemicals also appear to be metabolized across the placental barrier, leading to more toxic products for both the mother and the fetus. At present, there is increasing research development of diverse experimental methodologies to determine the potential molecular processes and mechanisms of drug and chemical placental transfer and metabolism. All the currently available methodologies have specific strengths and limitations, highlighting the strong demand to utilize an efficient combination of them to obtain reliable evidence concerning drug and chemical transfer and metabolism across the placental barrier. To derive the most consistent and safe evidence, in vitro studies, ex vivo perfusion methods, and in vivo animal and human studies can be applied together with the final aim to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects. CONCLUSIONS Research is being increasingly carried out to obtain an accurate and safe evaluation of drug and chemical transport and metabolism across the placental barrier, applying a combination of advanced techniques to avoid potential fetotoxic effects. The improvement of the currently available techniques and the development of novel experimental protocols and methodologies are of major importance to protect both the mother and the fetus from xenobiotic exposure, as well as to minimize potential fetotoxicity effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Agathi Pritsa
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Spyridon N. Vasilopoulos
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| | - Gavriela Voulgaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Sousana K. Papadopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (G.V.); (S.K.P.)
| | - Robert H. A. Coutts
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;
| | - Eleftherios Lechouritis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81400 Lemnos, Greece; (G.A.); (E.L.); (C.G.)
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3
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Lu M, Liu Y, Zheng X, Liu W, Liu Y, Bao J, Feng A, Bao Y, Diao J, Liu H. Amino Group-Driven Adsorption of Sodium p-Perfluorous Nonenoxybenzene Sulfonate in Water by the Modified Graphene Oxide. TOXICS 2024; 12:343. [PMID: 38787122 PMCID: PMC11125578 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) is one of the key alternatives to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Its widespread tendency has increased extensive contamination in the aquatic environment. However, the present treatment technology for OBS exhibited insignificant adsorption capacity and long adsorption time. In this study, three proportions (1:5, 3:5, and 10:1) of chitosan-modified amino-driven graphene oxide (CS-GO) were innovated to strengthen the OBS adsorption capacity, compared with graphene oxide (GO) and graphene (GH). Through the characterization of SEM, BET, and FTIR, it was discovered that CS was synthetized on GO surfaces successfully with a low specific surface area. Subsequently, batch single influence factor studies on OBS removal from simulated wastewater were investigated. The optimum removal efficiency of OBS could be achieved up to 95.4% within 2 h when the adsorbent was selected as CS-GO (10:1), the dosage was 2 mg, and the pH was 3. The addition of inorganic ions could promote the adsorption efficiency of OBS. In addition, CS-GO presented the maximum adsorption energy due to additional functional groups of -NH3, and electrostatic interaction was the foremost motive for improving the adsorption efficiency of OBS. Moreover, OBS exhibited the fastest diffusion coefficient in the CS-GO-OBS solution, which is consistent with the fitting results of adsorption kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China; (M.L.); (A.F.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China; (M.L.); (A.F.); (Y.B.)
| | - Xinning Zheng
- Shenyang Zhenxing Sewage Treatment Co., Ltd., Shenyang 110143, China;
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- Dalian Xigang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dalian 116021, China;
| | - Yang Liu
- Shenyang Hoper Group Co., Ltd., Shenyang 110112, China;
| | - Jia Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China; (M.L.); (A.F.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ao Feng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China; (M.L.); (A.F.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yueyao Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China; (M.L.); (A.F.); (Y.B.)
| | - Jiangyong Diao
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.D.); (H.L.)
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; (J.D.); (H.L.)
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Liao Q, Huang H, Tang P, Liang J, Chen J, Mu C, Pan D, Lv F, Zhou L, Long J, Chen Q, Zeng X, Liu S, Huang D, Qiu X. Associations of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and fetal sex hormones in the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort Study: Greater effect of long-chain PFAS. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116054. [PMID: 38310819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Fetal sex hormone homeostasis disruption could lead to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association of maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure with fetal sex hormone levels. A total of 277 mother-infant pairs from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort Study between 2015 and 2019 were selected. We quantified nine PFAS in maternal serum in early pregnancy, and detected three sex hormones, namely, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (TT), in cord blood. The generalized linear model (GLM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used for single- and multiple-exposure analyses, respectively. In the GLM, there was no significant association between an individual PFAS and any hormone level or the E2/TT ratio, but a negative association between perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) exposure and P4 levels in female infants was observed after stratification by sex. In the BKMR, a mixture of nine PFAS was positively associated with E2 levels and the E2/TT ratio, with the same main contributors, i.e., perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA). And PFAS mixtures were not associated with P4 or TT levels. After stratification by infant sex, positive associations of PFAS mixtures with E2 levels and the E2/TT ratio were observed only in male infants, with the same main contributors, i.e., PFUnA. There was a positive association between PFAS mixtures and P4 levels in male infants, in which PFUnA was the main contributor; but a reverse association between PFAS mixtures and P4 levels in female infants, in which PFDoA was the main contributor. This study suggested that prenatal exposure to PFAS mixtures is associated with fetal sex hormones, and long-chain PFAS may play an important role in this association. Furthermore, sex differences in the association of maternal PFAS exposure with E2 and P4 levels need additional attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Tang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Changhui Mu
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongxiang Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Fangfang Lv
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lihong Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghua Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541001, Guangxi, China
| | - Shun Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Chen X, Lv Z, Yang Y, Yang R, Shan G, Zhu L. Screening Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Blood Based on Nontarget Analysis and Underestimated Potential Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:150-159. [PMID: 38153813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Nontarget analysis has gained prominence in screening novel perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment, yet remaining limited in human biological matrices. In this study, 155 whole blood samples were collected from the general population in Shijiazhuang City, China. By nontarget analysis, 31 legacy and novel PFASs were assigned with the confidence level of 3 or above. For the first time, 11 PFASs were identified in human blood, including C1 and C3 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), C4 ether PFSA, C8 ether perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (ether PFCA), C4-5 unsaturated perfluoroalkyl alcohols, C9-10 carboxylic acid-perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (CA-PFSMs), and C1 perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide. It is surprising that the targeted PFASs were the highest in the suburban population which was impacted by industrial emission, while the novel PFASs identified by nontarget analysis, such as C1 PFSA and C9-11 CA-PFSMs, were the highest in the rural population who often drank contaminated groundwater. Combining the toxicity prediction results of the bioaccumulation potential, lethality to rats, and binding affinity to target proteins, C3 PFSA, C4 and C7 ether PFSAs, and C9-11 CA-PFSMs exhibit great health risks. These findings emphasize the necessity of broadening nontarget analysis in assessing the PFAS exposure risks, particularly in rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Zixuan Lv
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Rongyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P. R. China
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Wu Y, Bao J, Liu Y, Wang X, Lu X, Wang K. In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of the Bindings between Legacy and Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Human Serum Albumin. TOXICS 2024; 12:46. [PMID: 38251003 PMCID: PMC10818824 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants of concern that can enter the human body through a variety of pathways and thereby cause harmful effects. Exposure of pregnant women to PFASs could even affect both the mother and the child. Human serum albumin (HSA) is considered to be the primary transport protein for a variety of substances in body fluids. It can be bound to different contaminants and might result in possible effects on human health. Yet, few studies are available on the binding affinity of legacy PFASs and their novel alternatives to HSA. In this study, the binding mechanisms of HSA to both legacy PFASs and their novel alternatives were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, together with further molecular docking. The results show that all the target PFASs were statically quenched against HSA with binding ratios of 1:1. The binding constants of long-chain PFASs and novel alternatives of perfluoroalkanesulfonic acids (PFSAs) were greater than 102, whereas those of short-chain PFASs alternatives and novel alternatives of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were less than 102. In general, the binding affinities of PFCAs on HSA were less than that of PFSAs, while the binding affinities of short-chain PFASs alternatives on HSA were smaller than those of long-chain PFASs and their novel alternatives. Therefore, bindings to HSA could be considered as an important influencing factor for the bioaccumulation of legacy and novel PFASs in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Jia Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
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7
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Xu Z, Du B, Wang H, Li Z, Wu Y, Wang Q, Niu Y, Zhang Q, Sun K, Wang J, Chen S. Perfluoroalkyl substances in umbilical cord blood and blood pressure in offspring: a prospective cohort study. Environ Health 2023; 22:72. [PMID: 37858165 PMCID: PMC10585876 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are widely exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been found to be associated with various adverse birth outcomes. As blood pressure (BP) is an important parameter reflecting cardiovascular health in early life, it is necessary to investigate the association of PFAS exposure during early lifetime and BP in childhood. Therefore, we investigated the potential association between PFAS levels in umbilical cord blood and BP of the offspring at 4 years of age in a prospective cohort study. METHODS PFAS in umbilical cord blood samples after birth were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in the Shanghai Birth Cohort. BP was measured at 4 years of age in the offspring. Multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the association between individual PFAS level and BP of the offspring. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to analyze the relationship between the PFAS mixture and BP of the offspring, while weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS A total of 129 mother-child pairs were included in our analysis. In multiple linear regressions, we observed that long-chain PFAS, mainly including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA), was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). BKMR showed that an increase in umbilical cord blood PFAS mixture levels was significantly associated with a decrease in SBP, DBP and MAP [Estimated differences (SD): -0.433 (0.161); -0.437 (0.176); -0.382 (0.179), respectively]. The most important component in the association with SBP, DBP, and MAP was PFUA. PFDoA was found to be positively associated with SBP, DBP and MAP in both models. Sensitivity analysis with WQS regression showed consistent results. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that umbilical blood PFAS exposure was negatively associated with BP in offspring at 4 years of age, including SBP, DBP, and MAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhikang Xu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bowen Du
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hualin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhuoyan Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yujian Wu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qianchuo Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yiwei Niu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Sun Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665, Kongjiang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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8
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Boisacq P, De Keuster M, Prinsen E, Jeong Y, Bervoets L, Eens M, Covaci A, Willems T, Groffen T. Assessment of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercially available drinking straws using targeted and suspect screening approaches. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2023; 40:1230-1241. [PMID: 37619405 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Many food contact materials (FCMs) and reusable plastics in the food industry contain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic pollutants that are known to be potentially harmful for wildlife, humans, and the environment. PFAS may migrate from FCMs to food consumed by humans. As a replacement for plastics, often paper and other plant-based materials are used in commercial settings. This also applies to drinking straws, where plant-based and other presumably eco-friendly straws are increasingly used to reduce plastic pollution. In order to make these materials water-repellent, PFAS are added during manufacturing but can also already be present early in the supply chain due to the use of contaminated raw materials. In the present study, we examined the PFAS concentrations in 39 different brands of straws, made from five materials (i.e. paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic) commercially available on the Belgian market. We combined both targeted and suspect-screening approaches to evaluate a wide range of PFAS. PFAS were found to be present in almost all types of straws, except for those made of stainless steel. PFAS were more frequently detected in plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo. We did not observe many differences between the types of materials, or the continents of origin. The presence of PFAS in plant-based straws shows that they are not necessarily biodegradable and that the use of such straws potentially contributes to human and environmental exposure of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Boisacq
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Keuster
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Prinsen
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Division for Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tim Willems
- Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Zhuchen HY, Wang JY, Liu XS, Shi YW. Research Progress on Neurodevelopmental Toxicity in Offspring after Indirect Exposure to PFASs in Early Life. TOXICS 2023; 11:571. [PMID: 37505537 PMCID: PMC10386615 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental pollutants. There is increasing evidence that PFASs have various adverse health effects, including renal toxicity, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity. PFASs have been found to accumulate in the placenta, and some PFASs can cross the placental barrier and subsequently accumulate in the fetus via the maternal-fetal circulation. An increasing number of studies have shown that early life exposure to PFASs can affect fetal neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the characteristics of indirect exposure to PFASs in early life, the effects on neurodevelopment in offspring, and the possible mechanisms of toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Yu Zhuchen
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie-Yu Wang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yan-Wei Shi
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Delatour T, Theurillat X, Eriksen B, Mujahid C, Mottier P. Inadequate definition of the limit of quantification used for the analysis of perfluoroalkyl substances in food by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry may compromise the reliability of the data requested by the European regulation. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9507. [PMID: 36951453 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a widespread technology used for the quantitative determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foodstuff. Specifically, LC-MS/MS offers an attractive performance by combining the sensitivity and selectivity required by the European Union for testing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid with maximum limits of quantification (LOQ) in the sub-parts-per-billion (μg/kg) or the parts-per-trillion (ng/kg) domains. In this article, we highlight the important diversity in LOQ definitions applied in LC-MS/MS methods described in the literature that raise concerns about the capability of some of those to generate reliable data requested by the European regulation. Here, we point out the risk of false response or misquantification if the criteria for assessing LOQ suffer from a lack of rigor. We emphasize the need to use PFAS-free samples spiked with the analyte(s) of interest and the application of identification criteria according to official documents for a sound measurement of the LOQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Delatour
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Bjørn Eriksen
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Mujahid
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mottier
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Liu Y, Lu MY, Bao J, Shao LX, Yu WJ, Hu XM, Zhao X. Periodically reversing electrocoagulation technique for efficient removal of short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances from contaminated groundwater around a fluorochemical facility. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:138953. [PMID: 37196788 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Widespread distributions of short-chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been recognized as a crucial environmental issue. However, multiple treatment techniques were ineffective due to their high polarity and mobility, contributing to a never-ending existence in the aquatic environment ubiquitously. The present study revealed potential technique of periodically reversing electrocoagulation (PREC) to perform efficient removal of short-chain PFASs including experimental factors (in the conditions of 9 V for voltage, 600 r/min of stirring speed, 10 s of reversing period, and 2 g/L of NaCl electrolyte), orthogonal experiments, actual application, and removal mechanism. Accordingly, based upon the orthogonal experiments, the removal efficiencies of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) in simulated solution could achieve 81.0% with the optimal parameters of Fe-Fe electrode materials, addition of 665 μL H2O2 per 10 min, and pH at 3.0. The PREC was further applied for treating the actual groundwater around a fluorochemical facility, consequently the removal efficiencies for typical short-chain perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), PFBS, and perfluoropentane sulfonate (PFPeS) were 62.5%, 89.0%, 96.4%, 90.0%, and 97.5%, respectively. The other long-chain PFASs contaminants had superior removal with the removal efficiencies up to 97%-100%. In addition, a comprehensive removal mechanism related to electric attraction adsorption for short-chain PFASs could be verified through the morphological analysis of ultimate flocs composition. The oxidation degradation was further revealed as the other removal mechanism by suspect and nontarget screening of intermediates formed in simulated solution, as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculation theory. Moreover, the degradation pathways about one CF2O molecule or CO2 eliminated with one C atom removed in PFBS by ·OH generated from the PREC oxidation process were further proposed. As a result, the PREC would be a promising technique for the efficient removal of short-chain PFASs from severely contaminated water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China.
| | - Meng-Yuan Lu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
| | - Jia Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China.
| | - Li-Xin Shao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang, 110870, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yu
- School of Water Resources & Environment, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiao-Min Hu
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, China
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Wu Y, Bao J, Liu Y, Wang X, Qu W. A Review on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Pregnant Women: Maternal Exposure, Placental Transfer, and Relevant Model Simulation. TOXICS 2023; 11:430. [PMID: 37235245 PMCID: PMC10224256 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are important and ubiquitous environmental contaminants worldwide. These novel contaminants can enter human bodies via various pathways, subsequently posing risks to the ecosystem and human health. The exposure of pregnant women to PFASs might pose risks to the health of mothers and the growth and development of fetuses. However, little information is available about the placental transfer of PFASs from mothers to fetuses and the related mechanisms through model simulation. In the present study, based upon a review of previously published literature, we initially summarized the exposure pathways of PFASs in pregnant women, factors affecting the efficiency of placental transfer, and mechanisms associated with placental transfer; outlined simulation analysis approaches using molecular docking and machine learning to reveal the mechanisms of placental transfer; and finally highlighted future research emphases that need to be focused on. Consequently, it was notable that the binding of PFASs to proteins during placental transfer could be simulated by molecular docking and that the placental transfer efficiency of PFASs could also be predicted by machine learning. Therefore, future research on the maternal-fetal transfer mechanisms of PFASs with the benefit of simulation analysis approaches is warranted to provide a scientific basis for the health effects of PFASs on newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia Bao
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Shenyang 110870, China
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Qin W, Henneberger L, Huchthausen J, König M, Escher BI. Role of bioavailability and protein binding of four anionic perfluoroalkyl substances in cell-based bioassays for quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolations. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107857. [PMID: 36881956 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent and pose a risk to human health. High throughput screening (HTS) cell-based bioassays may inform risk assessment of PFAS provided that quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) can be developed. The QIVIVE ratio is the ratio of nominal (Cnom) or freely dissolved concentration (Cfree) in human blood to Cnom or Cfree in the bioassays. Considering that the concentrations of PFAS in human plasma and in vitro bioassays may vary by orders of magnitude, we tested the hypothesis that anionic PFAS bind to proteins concentration-dependently and therefore the binding differs substantially between human plasma and bioassays, which has an impact on QIVIVE. Solid phase microextraction (SPME) with C18-coated fibers served to quantify the Cfree of four anionic PFAS (perfluorobutanoate (PFBA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)) in the presence of proteins and lipid, medium components, cells and human plasma over five orders of magnitude in concentrations. The C18-SPME method was used to quantify the non-linear binding to proteins, human plasma and medium, and the partition constants to cells. These binding parameters were used to predict Cfree of PFAS in cell bioassays and human plasma by a concentration-dependent mass balance model (MBM). The approach was illustrated with a reporter gene assay indicating activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ-GeneBLAzer). Blood plasma levels were collected from literature for occupational exposure and the general population. The QIVIVEnom ratios were higher than the QIVIVEfree ratios due to the strong affinity to proteins and large differences in protein contents between human blood and bioassays. For human health risk assessment, the QIVIVEfree ratios of many in vitro assays need to be combined to cover all health relevant endpoints. If Cfree cannot be measured, they can be estimated with the MBM and concentration-dependent distribution ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Qin
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr, 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luise Henneberger
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Huchthausen
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr, 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr, 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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