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Qiao JC, Li ZH, Ma YB, Ma HY, Zhang MY, Zhang XJ, Hu CY. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their mixture with risk of rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. adult population. Environ Health 2024; 23:38. [PMID: 38609943 PMCID: PMC11015572 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01073-3] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known environmental contaminants with immunosuppressive properties. Their connection to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition influenced by the immune system, is not well studied. This research explores the association between PFAS exposure and RA prevalence. METHODS This research utilized data from the NHANES, encompassing a sample of 10,496 adults from the 2003-2018 cycles, focusing on serum levels of several PFAS. The presence of RA was determined based on self-reports. This study used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between individual PFAS and RA risk, adjusting for covariates to calculate odds ratios (ORs). The combined effects of PFAS mixtures were evaluated using BKMR, WQS regression, and quantile g-computation. Additionally, sex-specific associations were explored through stratified analysis. RESULTS Higher serum PFOA (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.98), PFHxS (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.00), PFNA (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98), and PFDA (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.99) concentration was related to lower odds of RA. Sex-specific analysis in single chemical models indicated the significant inverse associations were only evident in females. BKMR did not show an obvious pattern of RA estimates across PFAS mixture. The outcomes of sex-stratified quantile g-computation demonstrated that an increase in PFAS mixture was associated with a decreased odds of RA in females (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.92). We identified a significant interaction term of the WQS*sex in the 100 repeated hold out WQS analysis. Notably, a higher concentration of the PFAS mixture was significantly associated with reduced odds of RA in females (mean OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates potential sex-specific associations of exposure to various individual PFAS and their mixtures with RA. Notably, the observed inverse relationships were statistically significant in females but not in males. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence indicating that PFAS may have immunosuppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Chao Qiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu-Bo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hui-Ya Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
- Management & Checkup Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, China
| | - Meng-Yue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1057, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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2
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Wang YF, Li L, Wang X, Yun YN, Wang XL, He EY, Song MK, Xia XH, Zou YX. Environmental exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances mixture and asthma in adolescents. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:331-339. [PMID: 38411670 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02047-1] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiological studies about the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations and adolescent asthma have typically examined single PFAS, without considering the mixtures effects of PFAS. METHODS Using data from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 886 adolescents aged 12-19 years were included in this study. We explored the association between PFAS mixture concentrations and adolescent asthma using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models, respectively. RESULTS After adjusting for confounders, the results of the WQS regression and BKMR models were consistent, with mixed exposure to the five PFAS not significantly associated with asthma in all adolescents. The association remained nonsignificant in the subgroup analysis by sex. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated no significant association between mixed exposure to PFAS and adolescent asthma, and more large cohort studies are needed to confirm this in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Wang
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Li Li
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Ya-Nan Yun
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Xue-Lin Wang
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - En-Yang He
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming-Kun Song
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xue-Hong Xia
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying-Xue Zou
- Department of Pulmonology, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Machang Compus, 225 Machang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300074, China.
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3
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Mueller R, Salvatore D, Brown P, Cordner A. Quantifying Disparities in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Levels in Drinking Water from Overburdened Communities in New Jersey, 2019-2021. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:47011. [PMID: 38656167 PMCID: PMC11041625 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policymakers have become increasingly concerned regarding the widespread exposure and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While concerns exist about unequal distribution of PFAS contamination in drinking water, research is lacking. OBJECTIVES We assess the scope of PFAS contamination in drinking water in New Jersey (NJ), the first US state to develop regulatory levels for PFAS in drinking water. We test for inequities in PFAS concentrations by community sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS We use PFAS testing data for community water systems (CWS) (n = 491 ) from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) from 2019 to 2021 and demographic data at the block group level from the US Census to estimate the demographics of the NJ population served by CWS. We use difference in means tests to determine whether CWSs serving "overburdened communities" (OBCs) have a statistically significant difference in likelihood of PFAS detections. OBCs are defined by the NJDEP to be census block groups in which: a) at least 35% of the households qualify as low-income, b) at least 40% of the residents identify as people of color, or c) at least 40% of the households have limited English proficiency. We calculate statewide summary statistics to approximate the relative proportions of sociodemographic groups that are served by CWSs with PFAS detections. RESULTS We find that 63% of all CWSs tested by NJDEP from 2019 to 2021 had PFAS detections in public drinking water, collectively serving 84% of NJ's population receiving water from CWSs. Additionally, CWSs serving OBCs had a statistically significant higher likelihood of PFAS detection and a higher likelihood of exposure above state MCLs. We also find that a larger proportion of people of color lived in CWS service areas with PFAS detections compared to the non-Hispanic white population. DISCUSSION These findings quantitatively identify disparities in PFAS contamination of drinking water by CWS service area and highlight the extent of PFAS drinking water contamination and the importance of PFAS remediation efforts for protecting environmental health and justice. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12787.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Mueller
- Department of Economics, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
| | | | - Phil Brown
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alissa Cordner
- Department of Sociology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, USA
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4
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Weatherly LM, Shane HL, Jackson LG, Lukomska E, Baur R, Cooper MP, Anderson SE. Systemic and immunotoxicity induced by topical application of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in a murine model. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114578. [PMID: 38458531 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114578] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of stable synthetic surfactants that are incorporated into numerous products for their water and oil resistance and have been associated with adverse health effects. The present study evaluated the systemic and immunotoxicity of sub-chronic 28- or 10-day dermal exposure of PFHxS (0.625-5% or 15.63-125 mg/kg/dose) in a murine model. Elevated levels of PFHxS were detected in the serum and urine, suggesting that absorption is occurring through the dermal route. Liver weight (% body) significantly increased and spleen weight (% body) significantly decreased with PFHxS exposure, which was supported by histopathological changes. Additionally, PFHxS significantly reduced the humoral immune response and altered immune subsets in the spleen, suggesting immunosuppression. Gene expression changes were observed in the liver, skin, and spleen with genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, necrosis, and inflammation. Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant decreases in B-cells, NK cells, and CD11b+ monocyte/macrophages in the spleen along with increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the skin. These findings support dermal PFHxS-induced liver damage and immune suppression. Overall, data support PFHxS absorption through the skin and demonstrate immunotoxicity via this exposure route, suggesting the need for further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Weatherly
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Hillary L Shane
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Laurel G Jackson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ewa Lukomska
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rachel Baur
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Madison P Cooper
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stacey E Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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5
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Averina M, Huber S, Almås B, Brox J, Jacobsen BK, Furberg AS, Grimnes G. Early menarche and other endocrine disrupting effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in adolescents from Northern Norway. The Fit Futures study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117703. [PMID: 37984785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in the environment and include recognized persistent organic pollutants. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate possible endocrine disrupting effects of different PFAS in adolescents. METHODS Serum concentrations of PFAS, thyroid, parathyroid and steroid hormones were measured in 921 adolescents aged 15-19 years in the Fit Futures study, Northern Norway. The questionnaire included data on self-reported age at menarche and puberty development score (PDS). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses and principle component analyses (PCA) were used to assess associations of PFAS with hormones concentrations and puberty indices. RESULTS In girls, total PFAS (∑PFAS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) were positively associated with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and negatively associated with 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC)/DHEAS ratio. In boys, the associations with 11-DOC/DHEAS ratio were positive for ∑PFAS, perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS), PFOA, and PFOS. Perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) was negatively associated with free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) in boys. PFNA and PFDA were also negatively associated with fT3 in boys. Serum parathyroid hormone concentration (PTH) was negatively associated with ∑PFAS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) in girls, and with PFOS in boys. PFDA and PFUnDA were positively associated with early menarche, while ∑PFAS and PFOA were positively associated with PDS in boys. No associations of PFAS with serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone were found in either sex. In girls, PFOA was positively associated with free testosterone index (FTI). In boys, PFOA was positively associated with androstendione and 17-OH-progesterone, while PFHpA was positively associated with estradiol. CONCLUSIONS Serum concentrations of several PFAS were associated with parathyroid and steroid hormones in both sexes, and with thyroid hormones in boys, as well as with early menarche in girls and higher PDS in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Averina
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 67, 9019, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Endocrinological and Geriatric Research Group, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 67, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørg Almås
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Haukelandsveien 22, 5009, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Brox
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 67, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjarne K Jacobsen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway; Center for Sami Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne-Sofie Furberg
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 67, 9019, Tromsø, Norway; Molde University College, Britvegen 2, 6410, Molde, Norway
| | - Guri Grimnes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Endocrinological and Geriatric Research Group, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019, Tromsø, Norway; Division of Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Hansine Hansens veg 67, 9019, Tromsø, Norway
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6
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Iwata H, Kobayashi S, Itoh M, Itoh S, Mesfin Ketema R, Tamura N, Miyashita C, Yamaguchi T, Yamazaki K, Masuda H, Ait Bamai Y, Saijo Y, Ito Y, Nakayama SF, Kamijima M, Kishi R. The association between prenatal per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance levels and Kawasaki disease among children of up to 4 years of age: A prospective birth cohort of the Japan Environment and Children's study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108321. [PMID: 38061246 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is common among pediatric patients and is associated with an increased risk of later cardiovascular complications, though the precise pathophysiology of KD remains unknown. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gathered notoriety as the causal pathogens of numerous diseases as well as for their immunosuppressive effects. The present epidemiological study aims to assess whether PFAS may affect KD risk. We evaluated research participants included in the ongoing prospective nationwide birth cohort of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Among the over 100,000 pregnant women enrolled in the JECS study, 28 types of PFAS were measured in pregnancy in a subset of participants (N = 25,040). The JECS followed their children born between 2011 and 2014 (n total infants = 25,256; n Kawasaki disease infants = 271), up to age four. Among the 28 types of PFAS, those which were detected in >60 % of participants at levels above the method reporting limit (MRL) were eligible for analyses. Multivariable logistic regressions were implemented on the seven eligible PFAS, adjusting for multiple comparison effects. Finally, we conducted Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the effects of the PFAS mixture on KD. Therefore, we ran the BKMR model using kernel mechanical regression equations to examine PFAS exposure and the outcomes of KD. Upon analysis, the adjusted multivariable regression results did not reach statistical significance for the seven eligible substances on KD, while odds ratios were all under 1.0. WQS regression was used to estimate the mixture effect of the seven eligible PFAS, revealing a negative correlation with KD incidence; similarly, BKMR implied an inverse association between the PFAS mixture effect and KD incidence. In conclusion, PFAS exposure was not associated with increased KD incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Iwata
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Sumitaka Kobayashi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Division of Epidemiological Research for Chemical Disorders, Research Center for Chemical Information and Management, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 6-21-1, Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan
| | - Mariko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Rahel Mesfin Ketema
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Naomi Tamura
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamaguchi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Keiko Yamazaki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Masuda
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shinmachi, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, University Square 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Yasuaki Saijo
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Social Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 1-1-1 Midorigaoka-higashi-2-jo, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ito
- Faculty of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing, 664-1 Akebono-cho, Kitami 090-0011, Japan
| | - Shoji F Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children's Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 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
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, North-12, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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Zell-Baran LM, Venter C, Dabelea D, Norris JM, Glueck DH, Adgate JL, Brown JM, Calafat AM, Pickett-Nairne K, Starling AP. Prenatal exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances and the incidence of asthma in early childhood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117311. [PMID: 37805178 PMCID: PMC10843093 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117311] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
EXPOSURE TO POLY: and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in early life may increase the risk of childhood asthma, but evidence has been inconsistent. We estimated associations between maternal serum concentrations of PFAS during pregnancy and clinician-diagnosed asthma incidence in offspring through age eight. We included 597 mother-child pairs with PFAS quantified in mid-pregnancy serum and childhood medical records reviewed for asthma diagnoses. We used separate Cox proportional hazards models to assess the relationship between log-transformed concentrations of five PFAS and the incidence of asthma. We estimated associations between the PFAS mixture and clinician-diagnosed asthma incidence using quantile-based g-computation. PFAS concentrations were similar to those among females in the US general population. Seventeen percent of children (N = 104) were diagnosed with asthma during follow-up. Median (interquartile range) duration of follow-up was 4.7 (4.0, 6.2) years, and median age at asthma diagnosis was 1.7 (0.9, 2.8) years. All adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were elevated, but all 95% confidence intervals (CI) included the null. The HR (95% CI) of asthma for a one-quartile increase in the PFAS mixture was 1.17 (0.86, 1.61). In this cohort of children followed to eight years of age, prenatal PFAS concentrations were not significantly associated with incidence of clinician-diagnosed asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Zell-Baran
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Carina Venter
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jill M Norris
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deborah H Glueck
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jared M Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kaci Pickett-Nairne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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8
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Phelps DW, Palekar AI, Conley HE, Ferrero G, Driggers JH, Linder KE, Kullman SW, Reif DM, Sheats MK, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances suppress the neutrophil respiratory burst. J Immunotoxicol 2023; 20:2176953. [PMID: 36788734 PMCID: PMC10361455 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2023.2176953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a multitude of processes and products, including nonstick coatings, food wrappers, and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals are environmentally-persistent, ubiquitous, and can be detected in the serum of 98% of Americans. Despite evidence that PFASs alter adaptive immunity, few studies have investigated their effects on innate immunity. The report here presents results of studies that investigated the impact of nine environmentally-relevant PFASs [e.g. perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid potassium salt (PFOS-K), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), ammonium perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX), 7H-perfluoro-4-methyl-3,6-dioxa-octane sulfonic acid (Nafion byproduct 2), and perfluoromethoxyacetic acid sodium salt (PFMOAA-Na)] on one component of the innate immune response, the neutrophil respiratory burst. The respiratory burst is a key innate immune process by which microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) are rapidly induced by neutrophils in response to pathogens; defects in the respiratory burst can increase susceptibility to infection. The study here utilized larval zebrafish, a human neutrophil-like cell line, and primary human neutrophils to ascertain whether PFAS exposure inhibits ROS production in the respiratory burst. It was observed that exposure to PFHxA and GenX suppresses the respiratory burst in zebrafish larvae and a human neutrophil-like cell line. GenX also suppressed the respiratory burst in primary human neutrophils. This report is the first to demonstrate that these PFASs suppress neutrophil function and support the utility of employing zebrafish larvae and a human cell line as screening tools to identify chemicals that may suppress human immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W. Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Anika I. Palekar
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Haleigh E. Conley
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Jacob H. Driggers
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Keith E. Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Seth W. Kullman
- 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 Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - David M. Reif
- 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 Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - M. Katie Sheats
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 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 Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Jeffrey A. Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
- 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
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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9
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Wilsey MK, Taseska T, Meng Z, Yu W, Müller AM. Advanced electrocatalytic redox processes for environmental remediation of halogenated organic water pollutants. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:11895-11922. [PMID: 37740361 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03176d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Halogenated organic compounds are widespread, and decades of heavy use have resulted in global bioaccumulation and contamination of the environment, including water sources. Here, we introduce the most common halogenated organic water pollutants, their classification by type of halogen (fluorine, chlorine, or bromine), important policies and regulations, main applications, and environmental and human health risks. Remediation techniques are outlined with particular emphasis on carbon-halogen bond strengths. Aqueous advanced redox processes are discussed, highlighting mechanistic details, including electrochemical oxidations and reductions of the water-oxygen system, and thermodynamic potentials, protonation states, and lifetimes of radicals and reactive oxygen species in aqueous electrolytes at different pH conditions. The state of the art of aqueous advanced redox processes for brominated, chlorinated, and fluorinated organic compounds is presented, along with reported mechanisms for aqueous destruction of select PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Future research directions for aqueous electrocatalytic destruction of organohalogens are identified, emphasizing the crucial need for developing a quantitative mechanistic understanding of degradation pathways, the improvement of analytical detection methods for organohalogens and transient species during advanced redox processes, and the development of new catalysts and processes that are globally scalable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine K Wilsey
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
| | - Teona Taseska
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - Ziyi Meng
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
| | - Wanqing Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
| | - Astrid M Müller
- Materials Science Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA
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10
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Dragon J, Hoaglund M, Badireddy AR, Nielsen G, Schlezinger J, Shukla A. Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Affect Inflammation in Lung Cells and Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8539. [PMID: 37239886 PMCID: PMC10218140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108539] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse lung outcomes from exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known; however, the mechanism of action is poorly understood. To explore this, human bronchial epithelial cells were grown and exposed to varied concentrations of short-chain (perfluorobutanoic acid, perflurobutane sulfonic acid and GenX) or long-chain (PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)) PFAS, alone or in a mixture to identify cytotoxic concentrations. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of PFAS from this experiment were selected to assess NLRP3 inflammasome activation and priming. We found that PFOA and PFOS alone or in a mixture primed and activated the inflammasome compared with vehicle control. Atomic force microscopy showed that PFOA but not PFOS significantly altered the membrane properties of cells. RNA sequencing was performed on the lungs of mice that had consumed PFOA in drinking water for 14 weeks. Wild type (WT), PPARα knock-out (KO) and humanized PPARα (KI) were exposed to PFOA. We found that multiple inflammation- and immune-related genes were affected. Taken together, our study demonstrated that PFAS exposure could alter lung biology in a significant manner and may contribute to asthma/airway hyper-responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dragon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Michael Hoaglund
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Appala Raju Badireddy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
| | - Greylin Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer Schlezinger
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Arti Shukla
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (J.D.); (M.H.); (A.R.B.); (G.N.); (J.S.)
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11
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Burbank AJ, Fry RC, Keet CA. Associations between serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and asthma morbidity in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-18). THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2023; 2:100078. [PMID: 37274185 PMCID: PMC10237357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2023.100078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals widely used in manufacturing and are highly resistant to degradation, so they accumulate in the environment. Serum concentrations of these so-called forever chemicals have been associated with impairment of innate and adaptive immune responses. The relationship between serum PFAS levels and asthma morbidity has not been studied. Objective We tested the association between serum PFAS concentration and asthma exacerbations. Methods We performed secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-18). We fit multivariable logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for asthma exacerbation in the prior 12 months, given serum concentrations of PFAS. Models were adjusted for relevant covariates. Results Of 1101 participants with self-reported current asthma and available serum PFAS data, we observed that higher serum perfluorooctanoic and perfluorodecanoic acids were associated with greater odds of asthma attacks in the previous 12 months (respectively, adjusted odds ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.01, 1.33; and adjusted odds ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.03, 1.43). After stratification by age, the association between perfluorooctanoic acid and asthma attacks was significant in the 12-18-year-old group only (adjusted odds ratio 1.56, 95% CI 1.06, 2.31). No significant relationships were observed between PFAS and asthma-related emergency department visits. After correction for multiple comparison testing, none of the associations reached the threshold of significance. Conclusion The role of these bioaccumulative forever chemicals in susceptibility to asthma attacks warrants further examination in longitudinal studies. (J Allergy Clin Immunol Global 2023;2:100078.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison J. Burbank
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Corinne A. Keet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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12
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Rudzanova B, Vlaanderen J, Kalina J, Piler P, Zvonar M, Klanova J, Blaha L, Adamovsky O. Impact of PFAS exposure on prevalence of immune-mediated diseases in adults in the Czech Republic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115969. [PMID: 37116680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging environmental contaminants with multiple hazardous properties including immunomodulation potency. Human exposure to PFASs has been associated with various immune-mediated diseases and outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between PFAS exposure and immune-mediated diseases such as allergies, eczemas, and autoimmune diseases in a population of adults in the Czech Republic. METHODS This study included 309 adults from the Central European Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children: Young Adults (CELSPAC: YA). 12 PFASs were measured in participants' serum by HPLC-MS/MS, 3 PFASs were removed from the subsequent analyses due to low detection frequency. The associations of 9 PFASs with 9 immune-mediated diseases were assessed by logistic regression. Furthermore, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to estimate the effect of the PFAS mixture on immune-mediated diseases. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, BMI, smoking, education, and family history of immune-mediated diseases. In cases of a statistically significant interaction of PFASs and sex, stratified analyses were performed for men and women. RESULTS Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were negatively associated with both atopic eczema (OR per IQR increase 0.58 (95% CI 0.37-0.90) for PFOA and 0.56 (0.32-0.95) for PFOS) and contact dermatitis (0.37 (0.16-0.85) for PFOA and 0.33 (0.11-0.94) for PFOS). Perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) was negatively associated with pollen, dust, and mite allergy (0.62 (0.43-0.89)). BKMR modelling showed a negative tendency in the overall effect of PFAS mixture on immune-health outcomes. Based on the stratified analysis, sex was suggested to be an effect modifier in the association of PFOS and atopic eczema. CONCLUSION Our results contribute to the body of literature that observes the immunosuppressive effect of PFAS exposure during eczemas and allergies, both for PFASs individually and as a mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Rudzanova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jelle Vlaanderen
- Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, Utrecht, 3584CM, Netherlands
| | - Jiří Kalina
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - 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 Physical Activity and Health, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, 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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13
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Pan Z, Guo Y, Zhou Q, Wang Q, Pan S, Xu S, Li L. Perfluoroalkyl substance exposure is associated with asthma and innate immune cell count in US adolescents stratified by sex. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:52535-52548. [PMID: 36840869 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26065-7] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be harmful to humans; however, previous studies have been inconsistent regarding the potential for PFAS-induced immunosuppresion. This study explored the relationship between PFAS exposure and risks of asthma, wheezing, and immunosuppression in 12-19 year-olds using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Logistic regression models were used to reveal associations between serum PFAS levels and risks of asthma, wheezing, asthma attack, and emergency department visits. Pearson's correlation was used to determine the relationship between serum PFAS levels and leukocyte count. Data were also stratified by sex. We found that medium-low levels of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (6.90-12.40 ng/mL) and serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (2.43-3.60 ng/mL) were negatively related, respectively, to current asthma and wheezing in boys, and to wheezing in girls. Meanwhile, boys with medium-high levels (1.50-3.00 ng/mL) of serum perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) had a high risk of wheezing. Among asthmatic participants, both medium-high levels (3.75-5.07 ng/mL) of serum PFOA and high levels (> 3.92 ng/mL) of PFHxS correlated with asthma attacks in boys; likewise, medium-low levels (0.70-0.99 ng/mL) of serum PFNA correlated with asthma attacks in girls. Also, PFOA and PFNA levels were weakly positively correlated with basophil count, whereas PFOS levels were weakly negatively correlated with eosinophils in asthmatic boys, indicating that basophils may be important in the immune response to PFAS exposure among asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Pan
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun Guo
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shanshan Pan
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shiyao Xu
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Jiangnan University, No. 299-1 at Qingyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, China.
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14
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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: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [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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15
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Richterová D, Govarts E, Fábelová L, Rausová K, Rodriguez Martin L, Gilles L, Remy S, Colles A, Rambaud L, Riou M, Gabriel C, Sarigiannis D, Pedraza-Diaz S, Ramos JJ, Kosjek T, Snoj Tratnik J, Lignell S, Gyllenhammar I, Thomsen C, Haug LS, Kolossa-Gehring M, Vogel N, Franken C, Vanlarebeke N, Bruckers L, Stewart L, Sepai O, Schoeters G, Uhl M, Castaño A, Esteban López M, Göen T, Palkovičová Murínová Ľ. PFAS levels and determinants of variability in exposure in European teenagers - Results from the HBM4EU aligned studies (2014-2021). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114057. [PMID: 36327670 PMCID: PMC9758614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made fluorinated chemicals, widely used in various types of consumer products, resulting in their omnipresence in human populations. The aim of this study was to describe current PFAS levels in European teenagers and to investigate the determinants of serum/plasma concentrations in this specific age group. METHODS PFAS concentrations were determined in serum or plasma samples from 1957 teenagers (12-18 years) from 9 European countries as part of the HBM4EU aligned studies (2014-2021). Questionnaire data were post-harmonized by each study and quality checked centrally. Only PFAS with an overall quantification frequency of at least 60% (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA) were included in the analyses. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were analysed together with food consumption frequencies to identify determinants of PFAS exposure. The variables study, sex and the highest educational level of household were included as fixed factors in the multivariable linear regression models for all PFAS and each dietary variable was added to the fixed model one by one and for each PFAS separately. RESULTS The European exposure values for PFAS were reported as geometric means with 95% confidence intervals (CI): PFOS [2.13 μg/L (1.63-2.78)], PFOA ([0.97 μg/L (0.75-1.26)]), PFNA [0.30 μg/L (0.19-0.45)] and PFHxS [0.41 μg/L (0.33-0.52)]. The estimated geometric mean exposure levels were significantly higher in the North and West versus the South and East of Europe. Boys had significantly higher concentrations of the four PFAS compared to girls and significantly higher PFASs concentrations were found in teenagers from households with a higher education level. Consumption of seafood and fish at least 2 times per week was significantly associated with 21% (95% CI: 12-31%) increase in PFOS concentrations and 20% (95% CI: 10-31%) increase in PFNA concentrations as compared to less frequent consumption of seafood and fish. The same trend was observed for PFOA and PFHxS but not statistically significant. Consumption of eggs at least 2 times per week was associated with 11% (95% CI: 2-22%) and 14% (95% CI: 2-27%) increase in PFOS and PFNA concentrations, respectively, as compared to less frequent consumption of eggs. Significantly higher PFOS concentrations were observed for participants consuming offal (14% (95% CI: 3-26%)), the same trend was observed for the other PFAS but not statistically significant. Local food consumption at least 2 times per week was associated with 40% (95% CI: 19-64%) increase in PFOS levels as compared to those consuming local food less frequently. CONCLUSION This work provides information about current levels of PFAS in European teenagers and potential dietary sources of exposure to PFAS in European teenagers. These results can be of use for targeted monitoring of PFAS in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Richterová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - E Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L Fábelová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - K Rausová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - L Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - S Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - A Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L Rambaud
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Santé Publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - M Riou
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Santé Publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - C Gabriel
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Greece
| | - D Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Greece; Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Advanced Study, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Pedraza-Diaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - J J Ramos
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - T Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J Snoj Tratnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Lignell
- Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - C Thomsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - L S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - N Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), GerES V-sub, Germany
| | - C Franken
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - L Bruckers
- BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - L Stewart
- Public Health England, Chilton, United Kingdom
| | - O Sepai
- Public Health England, Chilton, United Kingdom
| | - G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - M Uhl
- Umweltbundesamt, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Esteban López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - T Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ľ Palkovičová Murínová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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16
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Fernández-González M, Ribeiro H, Rodríguez-Rajo FJ, Cruz A, Abreu I. Short-Term Exposure of Dactylis glomerata Pollen to Atmospheric Gaseous Pollutants Is Related to an Increase in IgE Binding in Patients with Grass Pollen Allergies. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:76. [PMID: 36616204 PMCID: PMC9823458 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in urban and industrial site atmospheres are considered key factors associated with pollen-related respiratory allergies. This work studies the effects of NO2 and O3 on the protein expression profile and IgE binding in patients with grass allergies to Dactylis glomerata pollen extracts. Pollens were collected during the flowering season and were exposed to NO2 and O3 in a controlled environmental chamber. The amount of soluble protein was examined using the Bradford method, and the protein expression profile and antigenic properties were analysed using the immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Our results showed apparent inter-sera differences concerning the number and intensity of IgE reactivity, with the most prominent at bands of 55 kDa, 35, 33, and 13 kDa. In the 13 kDa band, both gases tend to induce an increase in IgE binding, the band at 33 kDa showed a tendency towards a reduction, particularly pollen exposed to O3. Reactive bands at 55 and 35 kDa presented an increase in the IgE binding pattern for all the patient sera samples exposed to NO2, but the samples exposed to O3 showed an increase in some sera and in others a decrease. Regarding the ELISA results, out of the 21 tested samples, only 9 showed a statistically significant increase in total IgE reactivity after pollen exposure to the pollutants. Our study revealed that although airborne pollen allergens might be affected by air pollution, the possible impacts on allergy symptoms might vary depending on the type of pollutant and the patient's sensitisation profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández-González
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fco. Javier Rodríguez-Rajo
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Ana Cruz
- Clinical Pathology Service, Immunology Laboratory Vila Nova de Gaia Hospitalar Centre, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Ilda Abreu
- Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Pole of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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17
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Association of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Allergy in US Adolescents. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:737-741. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Popli S, Badgujar PC, Agarwal T, Bhushan B, Mishra V. Persistent organic pollutants in foods, their interplay with gut microbiota and resultant toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155084. [PMID: 35395291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have become immensely prevalent in the environment as a result of their unique chemical properties (persistent, semi-volatile and bioaccumulative nature). Their occurrence in the soil, water and subsequently in food has become a matter of concern. With food being one of the major sources of exposure, the detrimental impact of these chemicals on the gut microbiome is inevitable. The gut microbiome is considered as an important integrant for human health. It participates in various physiological, biochemical and immunological activities; thus, affects the metabolism and physiology of the host. A myriad of studies have corroborated an association between POP-induced gut microbial dysbiosis and prevalence of disorders. For instance, ingestion of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers or organochlorine pesticides influenced bile acid metabolism via alteration of bile salt hydrolase activity of Lactobacillus, Clostridium or Bacteroides genus. At the same time, some chemicals such as DDE have the potential to elevate Proteobacteria and Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio influencing their metabolic activity leading to enhanced short-chain fatty acid synthesis, ensuing obesity or a pre-diabetic state. This review highlights the impact of POPs exposure on the gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, along with an account of its corresponding consequences on the host physiology. The critical role of gut microbiota in impeding the POPs excretion out of the body resulting in their prolonged exposure and consequently, enhanced degree of toxicity is also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Popli
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana 131 028, India
| | - Prarabdh C Badgujar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana 131 028, India.
| | - Tripti Agarwal
- Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana 131 028, India
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana 131 028, India
| | - Vijendra Mishra
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli, Sonepat, Haryana 131 028, India.
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19
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Li J, Li Q, Li J, Zhang Y. Simultaneous determination of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances and organophosphorus flame retardants in serum by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9312. [PMID: 35411655 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are two types of emerging organic pollutants with potential human health hazards. Here, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for the determination of sixteen PFASs and seven OPFRs in human serum by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS). METHODS After optimizing the chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions, respectively, 100 μL of serum sample was liquid-liquid extracted using 8 mL of methyl tert-butyl ether. The 23 targets were quantified within 8 min. All targets were quantified by the isotope-internal standard method in both negative- and positive-ion mode by UPLC/MS/MS. RESULTS The method was validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The limit of detection ranged between 0.004 and 0.650 ng/mL. Recoveries ranged from70.0% to 118.9% with a relative standard deviation lower than 20%. The developed method was successfully applied to analyze targeted analytes in human serum samples. A total of 13 of 23 analytes were detected in over 50% of samples. CONCLUSIONS A sensitive and rapid method was developed to quantify sixteen PFASs and seven OPFRs in serum. Sensitivity, linearity, recovery, and precision were validated and found to be satisfactory. This method can be a valuable tool for evaluation of exposure to both PFASs and OPFRs with high separation efficiency and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Physical and Chemical Detection, Shanghai Putuo District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiufeng Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Borud EK, Fadum EA, Carlsen EØ, Håberg SE. Health at age 17 in Norwegian adolescents: Mental and physical status in the national cohort born in 2001. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:1148-1154. [PMID: 35799464 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221108244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We present self-reported data on physical and mental health at age 17 years from 82% of Norwegians born in 2001. METHODS In Norway, the Armed Forces require that each resident who reaches the age of 17 years completes a self-administered declaration of health that is used for military selection. The declaration collects information on height and weight, various clinically diagnosed diseases, mental and behavioural disorders, and other health conditions where clinical diagnosis is not required. In 2018, there were 65,913 adolescents born in 2001 living in Norway, of whom 10,223 were exempt from completing the declaration; declarations were therefore sent to 55,690 participants. We included 54,132 participants who completed the declaration (response rate 97.2%): 27,220 male and 26,912 female respondents. RESULTS We found that 18% of male and 28% of female respondents reported at least one clinically diagnosed disease, mental disorder or behavioural disorder. Among health condition where clinical diagnosis was not required, 19% of male and 37% of female respondents reported anxiety/depression affecting daily life and 10 versus 18% reported migraines/recurring headaches. The respondents probably represent the healthiest part of the total cohort of 17-year-old Norwegians because those who are exempt from completing the declaration are already considered unfit for military service. CONCLUSIONS These data represent a rich resource for further research. Similar data exist for the birth cohorts in 1993-2003. We encourage further research that can help decision-makers identify areas of concern that should be targeted for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Øen Carlsen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Siri Eldevik Håberg
- The Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Norway.,Centre for Fertility and Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
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21
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Marques-da-Silva D, Videira PA, Lagoa R. Registered human trials addressing environmental and occupational toxicant exposures: Scoping review of immunological markers and protective strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 93:103886. [PMID: 35598754 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to pollution is a worldwide societal challenge participating in the etiology and progression of different diseases. However, the scarce information hinders our understanding of the actual level of human exposure and its specific effects. Inadequate and excessive immune responses underlie diverse chronic diseases. Yet, it is unclear which and how toxicant exposures affect the immune system functions. There is a multiplicity of immunological outcomes and biomarkers being studied in human trials related to exposure to different toxicants but still without clear evidence of their value as biomarkers of exposure or effect. The main aim of this study was to collect scientific evidence and identify relevant immunological biomarkers used at the clinical level for toxicant exposures. We used the platform clinical trials.gov as a database tool. First, we performed a search combining research items related to toxicants and immunological parameters. The resulting117 clinical trials were examined for immune-related outcomes and specific biomarkers evaluated in subjects exposed to occupational and environmental toxicants. After categorization, relevant immunological outcomes and biomarkers were identified related to systemic and airway inflammation, modulation of immune cells, allergy and autoimmunity. In general, the immune markers related to inflammation are more frequently investigated for exposure to pollutants, namely IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO). Nevertheless, the data also indicated that prospective biomarkers of effect are gaining ground and a guiding representation of the established and novel biomarkers is suggested for upcoming trials. Finally, potential protective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of specific toxicants are underlined for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorinda Marques-da-Silva
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Alexandra Videira
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Lagoa
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2819-516 Caparica, Portugal
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22
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Lee HY, You DJ, Taylor-Just AJ, Linder KE, Atkins HM, Ralph LM, De la Cruz G, Bonner JC. Pulmonary exposure of mice to ammonium perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX) suppresses the innate immune response to carbon black nanoparticles and stimulates lung cell proliferation. Inhal Toxicol 2022; 34:244-259. [PMID: 35704474 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2022.2086651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been associated with respiratory diseases in humans, yet the mechanisms through which PFAS cause susceptibility to inhaled agents is unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of ammonium perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX), an emerging PFAS, on the pulmonary immune response of mice to carbon black nanoparticles (CBNP). We hypothesized that pulmonary exposure to GenX would increase susceptibility to CBNP through suppression of innate immunity. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to vehicle, 4 mg/kg CBNP, 10 mg/kg GenX, or CBNP and GenX by oropharyngeal aspiration. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected at 1 and 14 days postexposure for cytokines and total protein. Lung tissue was harvested for histopathology, immunohistochemistry (Ki67 and phosphorylated (p)-STAT3), western blotting (p-STAT3 and p-NF-κB), and qRT-PCR for cytokine mRNAs. RESULTS CBNP increased CXCL-1 and neutrophils in BALF at both time points evaluated. However, GenX/CBNP co-exposure reduced CBNP-induced CXCL-1 and neutrophils in BALF. Moreover, CXCL-1, CXCL-2 and IL-1β mRNAs were increased by CBNP in lung tissue but reduced by GenX. Western blotting showed that CBNP induced p-NF-κB in lung tissue, while the GenX/CBNP co-exposed group displayed decreased p-NF-κB. Furthermore, mice exposed to GenX or GenX/CBNP displayed increased numbers of BALF macrophages undergoing mitosis and increased Ki67 immunostaining. This was correlated with increased p-STAT3 by western blotting and immunohistochemistry in lung tissue from mice co-exposed to GenX/CBNP. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary exposure to GenX suppressed CBNP-induced innate immune response in the lungs of mice yet promoted the proliferation of macrophages and lung epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Young Lee
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorothy J You
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Alexia J Taylor-Just
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Keith E Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hannah M Atkins
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren M Ralph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gabriela De la Cruz
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James C Bonner
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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23
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Liang L, Pan Y, Bin L, Liu Y, Huang W, Li R, Lai KP. Immunotoxicity mechanisms of perfluorinated compounds PFOA and PFOS. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132892. [PMID: 34780734 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds (PFASs) are a class of synthetic chemical substances that are widely used in human production and life, such as fire-fighting foams, textiles and clothing, surfactants, and surface protective agents. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most abundant and common perfluorinated compounds in biota and humans. Currently, PFOA and PFOS have been listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and their production has been halted in many countries. However, because the high-energy carbon-fluorine bond can make it resistant to hydrolysis, photolysis, microbial degradation, and vertebrate metabolism, PFOA and PFOS show environmental persistence and bioaccumulation and hence, are of great concern to humans and wildlife. PFOA and PFOS have toxic effects on the immune system of the body. This article reviewed the effects of PFOA and PFOS on immune organs such as the spleen, bone marrow, and thymus of mice and zebrafish, and the effects on non-specific immune functions such as the skin barrier, intestinal mucosal barrier, and humoral immunity. We also reviewed the influence of specific immune functions based on cellular immunity, and further summarized the possible immune toxicity mechanisms such as AIM2 inflammasome activation, gene dysregulation, and signal pathway disorders caused by PFOA and PFOS. The aim of this review was to provide a reference for further understanding of the immunotoxicity and the responsible mechanism of PFOA and PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyun Liang
- School of Lingui Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Yongling Pan
- School of Lingui Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Lihua Bin
- School of Lingui Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Lingui Clinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China; Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China.
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China.
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24
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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] [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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25
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Savvaides T, Koelmel JP, Zhou Y, Lin EZ, Stelben P, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Bowden JA, Godri Pollitt KJ. Prevalence and Implications of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Settled Dust. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 8:323-335. [PMID: 34985714 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-021-00326-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 7,000 fluorinated compounds. The carbon-fluorine bond of PFAS provides desirable hydrophobic and oleophobic properties and stability that has led to widespread usage in consumer products and industrial applications. The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond also prevents appreciable degradation once released into the environment. Consequently, various household products can release volatile and nonvolatile PFAS into the indoor environment that often concentrate in dust. We discuss the diversity of PFAS in settled dust, emission sources of these chemicals, changes in PFAS profiles in dust over the past century, and the implications for human health. RECENT FINDINGS Sources of PFAS found in dust include building materials and furnishings and consumer products used in typical indoor spaces. Daycares and workplaces are emphasized as locations with widespread exposure due to the presence of treated carpeting and industrial-strength cleaners. Comparison and interpretation of findings across studies are complicated by the different ways in which PFAS are screened across studies. We further discuss recent developments in non-targeted software for the comprehensive annotation of PFAS in indoor dust and emphasize the need for comprehensive and harmonized analytical workflows. We highlight the detection and diversity of PFAS in settled dust collected from various indoor spaces, including locations with vulnerable subpopulations. There are opportunities for future research to leverage settled dust as a sentinel environmental matrix to evaluate the link between inhalation and ingestion routes of PFAS exposure to adverse health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Savvaides
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jeremy P Koelmel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Yakun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Elizabeth Z Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Paul Stelben
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Juan J Aristizabal-Henao
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Krystal J Godri Pollitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Room 510, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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26
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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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Baralić K, Bozic D, Živančević K, Milenković M, Javorac D, Marić Đ, Antonijević Miljaković E, Buha Djordjevic A, Vukomanović P, Ćurčić M, Bulat Z, Antonijević B, Đukić-Ćosić D. Integrating in silico with in vivo approach to investigate phthalate and bisphenol A mixture-linked asthma development: Positive probiotic intervention. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 158:112671. [PMID: 34793900 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms of bis(2- ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bisphenol A (BPA) mixture-induced asthma development and test probiotic as a potential positive intervention. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and ToppGene Suite were used as the main tools for in silico analysis. In vivo 28-day experiment was conducted on rats - seven groups (n = 6): (1) Control: corn oil, (2) P: probiotic (8.78 * 108 CFU/kg/day); (3) DEHP: 50 mg/kg b.w./day, (4) DBP: 50 mg/kg b.w./day, (5) BPA: 25 mg/kg b.w./day; (6) MIX: DEHP + DBP + BPA; (7) MIX + P. Lungs, thymus and kidneys were extracted and prepared for redox status and essential metals analysis. By conducting additional in vitro experiment, probiotic phthalate and BPA binding ability was explored. There were 24 DEHP, DBP and BPA asthma-related genes, indicating the three most probable mechanisms - apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. In vivo experiment confirmed that significant changes in redox status/essential metal parameters were either prominent, or only present in the MIX group, indicating possible additive effects. In vitro experiment confirmed the ability of the multy-strain probiotic to bind DEHP/DBP/BPA mixture, while probiotic administration ameliorated mixture-induced changes in rat tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Baralić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dragica Bozic
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Živančević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Milenković
- Department of Drug Analysis, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Public Health of Serbia Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut, dr Subotića 5, 112113, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Javorac
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Đurđica Marić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Evica Antonijević Miljaković
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Djordjevic
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Predrag Vukomanović
- Medical Sanitary School of Applied Sciences "Visan", 11080, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Ćurčić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Đukić-Ćosić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
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28
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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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29
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Park SJ, Sim KH, Shrestha P, Yang JH, Lee YJ. Perfluorooctane sulfonate and bisphenol A induce a similar level of mast cell activation via a common signaling pathway, Fyn-Lyn-Syk activation. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112478. [PMID: 34363875 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) as food contaminants are widely distributed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and have been suggested to induce immune dysfunction. However, their effects on immune function are not conclusive. Mast cells play a central role in allergic and non-allergic inflammatory responses. Therefore, we have examined the effects of PFCs (PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS) on mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses using in vitro mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and human mast cells (HMC-1) and in vivo mice model. The effects of PFCs were compared with those of bisphenol A (BPA), a well-studied environmental pollutant. Among PFCs tested, PFOS had the highest effects. Both PFOS and BPA increased degranulation and production of inflammatory eicosanoids in mast cells at a similar level, which subsequently led to increased skin edema and serum LTC4 and PGD2 in mice. Both PFOS and BPA increased not only downstream signaling (PLCγ1, AKT, ERK), but also upstream signaling (Fyn, Lyn, Syk/LAT) in mast cells. Taken together, PFOS and BPA induce mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses via a common signaling pathways. Our results may help establish the scientific basis for understanding the etiology of mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses and improve the immune dysfunction risk assessment for emerging POPs such as PFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Park
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Prafulla Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Yang
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Xu H, Mao Y, Hu Y, Xu B. Association between exposure to polyfluoroalkyl chemicals and increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide in adults. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:110450. [PMID: 33188757 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110450] [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: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) are widely detected in the environment and human body, and they have been linked to asthma and a number of respiratory responses in children and mice. However, no previous studies have investigated the association between exposure to PFCs and airway inflammation in adults. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the associations between serum PFCs and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a biomarker of airway inflammation, in adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 3630 adults aged 20-79 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007-2012) was conducted. Serum concentrations of five major PFCs were measured using SPE-HPLC-TIS-MS/MS method, including perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDE). The detection rates of them were all >85%. Weighted multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses were applied to examine the associations between serum PFCs and FeNO. RESULTS After adjusted for potential confounding factors, linear regression analyses found that compared with their lowest tertiles, highest tertiles of PFOS, PFDE and PFOA were significantly associated with 5.02% (95% CI: 1.40%, 8.77%), 3.77% (95% CI: 0.30%, 7.36%) and 6.34% (95% CI: 2.81%, 10.01%) increases in FeNO, respectively. The second tertile of PFNA was significantly correlated with a 4.79% (95% CI: 1.41%, 8.29%) increase in FeNO compared with the lowest tertile. In the BKMR analysis, the mixture effect of PFCs on FeNO increased significantly when the PFC levels were at or above the 60th percentiles compared to those at their medians. PFOS and PFOA displayed significant positive single-exposure effects on FeNO when all the other PFCs are set at a particular threshold. CONCLUSIONS This study provided preliminary evidence that serum PFCs were positively associated with increased FeNO in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huadong Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yanan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.288 Nanjing Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Bucai Xu
- The Longgang People's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, No.238 Longxiang Road, Longgang City, Zhejiang, 325800, China.
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31
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Wang LQ, Liu T, Yang S, Sun L, Zhao ZY, Li LY, She YC, Zheng YY, Ye XY, Bao Q, Dong GH, Li CW, Cui J. Perfluoroalkyl substance pollutants activate the innate immune system through the AIM2 inflammasome. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2915. [PMID: 34006824 PMCID: PMC8131593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in various manufacturing processes. Accumulation of these chemicals has adverse effects on human health, including inflammation in multiple organs, yet how PFAS are sensed by host cells, and how tissue inflammation eventually incurs, is still unclear. Here, we show that the double-stranded DNA receptor AIM2 is able to recognize perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a common form of PFAS, to trigger IL-1β secretion and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, PFOS activates the AIM2 inflammasome in a process involving mitochondrial DNA release through the Ca2+-PKC-NF-κB/JNK-BAX/BAK axis. Accordingly, Aim2-/- mice have reduced PFOS-induced inflammation, as well as tissue damage in the lungs, livers, and kidneys in both their basic condition and in an asthmatic exacerbation model. Our results thus suggest a function of AIM2 in PFOS-mediated tissue inflammation, and identify AIM2 as a major pattern recognition receptor in response to the environmental organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qiu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yao Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Yue Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan-Chu She
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Bao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chun-Wei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jun Cui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Investigating Molecular Mechanisms of Immunotoxicity and the Utility of ToxCast for Immunotoxicity Screening of Chemicals Added to Food. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073332. [PMID: 33804855 PMCID: PMC8036665 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-throughput screening methodologies may decrease the need for laboratory animals for toxicity testing. Here, we investigate the potential of assessing immunotoxicity with high-throughput screening data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ToxCast program. As case studies, we analyzed the most common chemicals added to food as well as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) shown to migrate to food from packaging materials or processing equipment. The antioxidant preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) showed activity both in ToxCast assays and in classical immunological assays, suggesting that it may affect the immune response in people. From the PFAS group, we identified eight substances that can migrate from food contact materials and have ToxCast data. In epidemiological and toxicological studies, PFAS suppress the immune system and decrease the response to vaccination. However, most PFAS show weak or no activity in immune-related ToxCast assays. This lack of concordance between toxicological and high-throughput data for common PFAS indicates the current limitations of in vitro screening for analyzing immunotoxicity. High-throughput in vitro assays show promise for providing mechanistic data relevant for immune risk assessment. In contrast, the lack of immune-specific activity in the existing high-throughput assays cannot validate the safety of a chemical for the immune system.
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Mattila T, Santonen T, Andersen HR, Katsonouri A, Szigeti T, Uhl M, Wąsowicz W, Lange R, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Kolossa-Gehring M, Sarigiannis DA, Tolonen H. Scoping Review-The Association between Asthma and Environmental Chemicals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031323. [PMID: 33535701 PMCID: PMC7908498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide affecting all age groups from children to the elderly. In addition to other factors such as smoking, air pollution and atopy, some environmental chemicals are shown or suspected to increase the risk of asthma, exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause other respiratory symptoms. In this scoping review, we report environmental chemicals, prioritized for investigation in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), which are associated or possibly associated with asthma. The substance groups considered to cause asthma through specific sensitization include: diisocyanates, hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and possibly p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA). In epidemiological studies, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organophosphate insecticides are associated with asthma, and phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), pyrethroid insecticides, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead are only potentially associated with asthma. As a conclusion, exposure to PAHs and some pesticides are associated with increased risk of asthma. Diisocyanates and Cr(VI) cause asthma with specific sensitization. For many environmental chemicals, current studies have provided contradicting results in relation to increased risk of asthma. Therefore, more research about exposure to environmental chemicals and risk of asthma is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Mattila
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Heart and Lung Center, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Meilahti Triangle Hospital, 6th Floor, PO Box 372, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence:
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, 00032 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Helle Raun Andersen
- Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | | | - Tamás Szigeti
- National Public Health Center, 1097 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | | | - Rosa Lange
- German Environment Agency, 14195 Berlin, Germany; (R.L.); (M.K.-G.)
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (F.R.)
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.B.); (F.R.)
| | | | - Denis A. Sarigiannis
- Technologies Division, Environmental Engineering Laboratory Department of Chemical Engineering and HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Hanna Tolonen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, PO Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland;
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Ait Bamai Y, Goudarzi H, Araki A, Okada E, Kashino I, Miyashita C, Kishi R. Effect of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on childhood allergies and common infectious diseases in children up to age 7 years: The Hokkaido study on environment and children's health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105979. [PMID: 32717646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used bio-accumulative chemicals in many industrial and household products. Experimental studies reported that exposure to PFAS results in immunotoxicity. We have previously reported that prenatal exposure to PFAS decreased the risk of allergies, while it increased the risk of infectious diseases at ages 2 and 4 years. However, it remains unclear whether the adverse effects of PFAS on allergies and infectious diseases continue until a reliable age of diagnosing allergies. This study aimed at investigating the effects of prenatal exposure to PFAS on the prevalence of allergies and infectious diseases in children up to age 7, from the Hokkaido Study. Among mother-child pairs enrolled in the Hokkaido study and followed up until the age of 7 years, 2689 participants with maternal PFAS, 1st trimester of pregnancy and 7-year-old questionnaire survey data were included in this study. Eleven PFAS in the 3rd-trimester plasma were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Wheeze, rhino-conjunctivitis, and eczema were defined using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies on Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. History childhood infectious diseases diagnosed by a doctor was assessed by a mother-reported questionnaire at child's age 7. The relative risk of childhood allergies was calculated by generalized estimating equation models. The odds ratio of an episode of infectious diseases was calculated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders. The prevalence of various allergies and infectious diseases was: wheeze, 11.9%; rhino-conjunctivitis, 11.3%; eczema, 21.0%; chickenpox, 61.5%; otitis media, 55.7%; pneumonia, 30.6%; and respiratory syncytial virus infection, 16.8%. Prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) was inversely associated with rhino-conjunctivitis, while that for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFUnDA, perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), and perfluorotridecanoic acid was inversely associated with eczema. For infectious diseases, PFDA and PFDoDA were associated with increased risk of pneumonia and PFOA was associated with increased risk of RSV infection among children not having any siblings (only-one-child). Our results corroborate the hypothesis on immunosuppressive and immunomodulating effects of PFAS on allergies and infectious diseases in children. These effects observed previously at 2 and 4 years continued until the age of 7 years. However, additional studies assessing inflammatory biomarkers along with ISAAC questionnaires, doctor-diagnosed allergies, and longer follow-ups are necessary to better assess the effects of exposure to chemicals on human immune outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ait Bamai
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan; Hokkaido University Center for Medical Education and International Relations, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Emiko Okada
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan; National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ikuko Kashino
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan.
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35
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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: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [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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Jackson-Browne MS, Eliot M, Patti M, Spanier AJ, Braun JM. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and asthma in young children: NHANES 2013-2014. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 229:113565. [PMID: 32485600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent chemicals used as industrial surfactants, fire-fighting foams, and textile treatments. Early childhood exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) may affect the immune system to increase the risk of allergic and respiratory diseases. However, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge about the relationship between PFAS and immune-mediated outcomes such as asthma in children. Thus, we examined the cross-sectional associations of serum PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS concentrations with childhood asthma. We used data from children aged 3-11 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014). Serum PFAS concentrations were measured in serum using analytical chemistry methods. Asthma was assessed by parent-reported, doctor-diagnosed, asthma using a standardized questionnaire. Controlling for covariates, we estimated odds ratios for asthma per standard deviation increase in ln-transformed serum PFAS concentrations (n = 607). We also examined effect measure modification by child age, sex, and race/ethnicity. PFOA (1.1; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.4), PFOS (1.2; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.7), PFNA (1.1; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.6), and PFHxS (1.1; 95% CI: 0.9, 1.6) were weakly associated with an increased odds of asthma. Age modified associations between serum PFOS, but not other serum PFAS concentrations, and odds of asthma (age x PFOS interaction term p-value = 0.03). Sex and race/ethnicity did not modify these associations. We observed some evidence that serum PFAS concentrations are weakly associated with increased asthma prevalence in US children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Eliot
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Marisa Patti
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Adam J Spanier
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Barton KE, Starling AP, Higgins CP, McDonough CA, Calafat AM, Adgate JL. Sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a community highly exposed to aqueous film-forming foam contaminants in drinking water. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 223:256-266. [PMID: 31444118 PMCID: PMC6878185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a chemical class widely used in industrial and commercial applications because of their unique physical and chemical properties. Between 2013 and 2016 PFAS were detected in public water systems and private wells in El Paso County, Colorado. The contamination was likely due to aqueous film forming foams used at a nearby Air Force base. OBJECTIVE To cross-sectionally describe the serum concentrations of PFAS in a highly exposed community, estimate associations with drinking water source, and explore potential demographic and behavioral predictors. METHODS In June 2018, serum PFAS concentrations were quantified and questionnaires administered in 213 non-smoking adult (ages 19-93) participants residing in three affected water districts. Twenty PFAS were quantified and those detected in >50% of participants were analyzed: perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS). Unadjusted associations were estimated between serum PFAS concentrations and several predictors, including water consumption, demographics, personal behaviors and employment. A multiple linear regression model estimated adjusted associations with smoking history. RESULTS Study participants' median PFHxS serum concentration (14.8 ng/mL) was approximately 12 times as high as the U.S. national average. Median serum concentrations for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHpS were 9.7 ng/mL, 3.0 ng/mL, 0.4 ng/mL and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. Determinants of PFHxS serum concentrations were water district of residence, frequency of bottled water consumption, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking history. Determinants of serum concentrations for the other four PFAS evaluated included: water district of residence, bottled water consumption, age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking history, and firefighter or military employment. CONCLUSIONS Determinants of serum concentrations for multiple PFAS, including PFHxS, included water district of residence and frequency of bottled water consumption. Participants' dominant PFAS exposure route was likely consumption of PFAS-contaminated water, but certain demographic and behavioral characteristics also predicted serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Barton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Carrie A McDonough
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Kvalem HE, Nygaard UC, Lødrup Carlsen KC, Carlsen KH, Haug LS, Granum B. Perfluoroalkyl substances, airways infections, allergy and asthma related health outcomes - implications of gender, exposure period and study design. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105259. [PMID: 31733527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has been inconsistently associated with asthma, allergic diseases and airways infections in early childhood. The aim of the study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of childhood exposure to PFASs on asthma and allergy related outcomes and on airways infections before and during puberty using the prospective birth cohort Environment and Childhood Asthma (ECA) Study. Aspects of gender, exposure period and study design (cross-sectional and longitudinal) were also taken into consideration. MATERIAL AND METHODS Included in the study was 378 participants with PFAS measurements at age 10 years and follow-up data at ages 10 years (cross sectional data) and 16 years (longitudinal data). Eight PFASs with at least 70% of measurements above the limit of quantification (LOQ) in the child's serum were included in the present study: perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluourononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The PFAS levels were converted into interquartile range (IQR). In addition, perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) detected in 60% of the samples, was recoded into "not detected /detected". Binomial, multinomial and linear regression were used, followed by Bonferroni adjustment to correct for multiple comparisons. Sensitivity analyses evaluating the effect of extreme PFAS values and gender were performed. RESULTS In the cross sectional data at 10 years a positive statistically significant association was seen between PFHpA and asthma in girls. In the longitudinal data, PFNA, PFDA and PFUnDA were inversely associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) in girls and with PFHxS in all participants and in boys. Further, PFNA and PFHpS were positively associated with rhinitis in girls and with PFOA in all participants. There seems to be a suggestive pattern of increased risk of allergic sensitisation in all participants and a decreased risk in boys, but due to different results in main and sensitivity analyses these findings should be interpreted with caution. No associations were found between PFASs and lung function. For airways infections and longitudinal data, PFDA was inversely associated with common cold, while positive association was found for PFHpA, PFOA, PFHpS and PFOS and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results lend further support for an immunosuppressive effect of PFASs on AD and LRTI. Gender seems to be important for some exposure-health associations. No clear pattern in exposure-health associations was observed with regard to exposure period or study design, with the exception of asthma where significant findings have mostly been reported in cross-sectional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Kvalem
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - U C Nygaard
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - K C Lødrup Carlsen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - K H Carlsen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - L S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Granum
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway.
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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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