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Phelps DW, Connors AM, Ferrero G, DeWitt JC, Yoder JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances alter innate immune function: evidence and data gaps. J Immunotoxicol 2024; 21:2343362. [PMID: 38712868 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2024.2343362] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of compounds used in a variety of processes and consumer products. Their unique chemical properties make them ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants while also making them economically viable and socially convenient. To date, several reviews have been published to synthesize information regarding the immunotoxic effects of PFASs on the adaptive immune system. However, these reviews often do not include data on the impact of these compounds on innate immunity. Here, current literature is reviewed to identify and incorporate data regarding the effects of PFASs on innate immunity in humans, experimental models, and wildlife. Known mechanisms by which PFASs modulate innate immune function are also reviewed, including disruption of cell signaling, metabolism, and tissue-level effects. For PFASs where innate immune data are available, results are equivocal, raising additional questions about common mechanisms or pathways of toxicity, but highlighting that the innate immune system within several species can be perturbed by exposure to PFASs. Recommendations are provided for future research to inform hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk management practices for PFASs to protect the immune systems of exposed organisms as well as environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake W Phelps
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ashley M Connors
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Giuliano Ferrero
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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2
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Tessmann JW, Deng P, Durham J, Li C, Banerjee M, Wang Q, Goettl RA, He D, Wang C, Lee EY, Evers BM, Hennig B, Zaytseva YY. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid exposure leads to downregulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 expression and upregulation of markers associated with intestinal carcinogenesis in mouse intestinal tissues. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142332. [PMID: 38754493 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a widely recognized environment pollutant known for its high bioaccumulation potential and a long elimination half-life. Several studies have shown that PFOS can alter multiple biological pathways and negatively affect human health. Considering the direct exposure to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to environmental pollutants, PFOS can potentially disrupt intestinal homeostasis. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of PFOS exposure on normal intestinal tissues, and its contribution to GI-associated diseases remains to be determined. In this study, we examined the effect of PFOS exposure on the gene expression profile of intestinal tissues of C57BL/6 mice using RNAseq analysis. We found that PFOS exposure in drinking water significantly downregulates mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), a rate-limiting ketogenic enzyme, in intestinal tissues of mice. We found that diets containing the soluble fibers inulin and pectin, which are known to be protective against PFOS exposure, were ineffective in reversing the downregulation of HMGCS2 expression in vivo. Analysis of intestinal tissues also demonstrated that PFOS exposure leads to upregulation of proteins implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis, including β-catenin, c-MYC, mTOR and FASN. Consistent with the in vivo results, PFOS exposure leads to downregulation of HMGCS2 in mouse and human normal intestinal organoids in vitro. Furthermore, we show that shRNA-mediated knockdown of HMGCS2 in a human normal intestinal cell line resulted in increased cell proliferation and upregulation of key proliferation-associated proteins such as cyclin D, survivin, ERK1/2 and AKT, along with an increase in lipid accumulation. In summary, our results suggest that PFOS exposure may contribute to pathological changes in normal intestinal cells via downregulation of HMGCS2 expression and upregulation of pro-carcinogenic signaling pathways that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiane Weber Tessmann
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Pan Deng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Jerika Durham
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Chang Li
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Moumita Banerjee
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Qingding Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Ryan A Goettl
- Markey Cancer Center Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Daheng He
- Markey Cancer Center Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Eun Y Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - B Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Bernhard Hennig
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Yekaterina Y Zaytseva
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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3
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Bline AP, DeWitt JC, Kwiatkowski CF, Pelch KE, Reade A, Varshavsky JR. Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:118-127. [PMID: 38526771 PMCID: PMC11081924 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00441-y] [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] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment and humans worldwide has ignited scientific research, government inquiry, and public concern over numerous adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure. In this review, we discuss the use of PFAS immunotoxicity data in regulatory and clinical decision-making contexts and question whether recent efforts adequately account for PFAS immunotoxicity in public health decision-making. RECENT FINDINGS Government and academic reviews confirm the strongest human evidence for PFAS immunotoxicity is reduced antibody production in response to vaccinations, particularly for tetanus and diphtheria. However, recent events, such as the economic analysis supporting the proposed national primary drinking water regulations and clinical monitoring recommendations, indicate a failure to adequately incorporate these data into regulatory and clinical decisions. To be more protective of public health, we recommend using all relevant immunotoxicity data to inform current and future PFAS-related chemical risk assessment and regulation. Biological measures of immune system effects, such as reduced antibody levels in response to vaccination, should be used as valid and informative markers of health outcomes and risks associated with PFAS exposure. Routine toxicity testing should be expanded to include immunotoxicity evaluations in adult and developing organisms. In addition, clinical recommendations for PFAS-exposed individuals and communities should be revisited and strengthened to provide guidance on incorporating immune system monitoring and other actions that can be taken to protect against adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail P Bline
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, 02460, USA.
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Carol F Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | | | - Anna Reade
- Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, CA, 94104, USA
| | - Julia R Varshavsky
- Departments of Health Sciences and Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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4
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Gasparini C, Iori S, Pietropoli E, Bonato M, Giantin M, Barbarossa A, Bardhi A, Pilastro A, Dacasto M, Pauletto M. Sub-acute exposure of male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to environmentally relevant concentrations of PFOA and GenX induces significant changes in the testis transcriptome and reproductive traits. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108703. [PMID: 38705092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently detected in the environment and are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in humans. Although legacy PFAS have been phased out due to their toxicity, alternative PFAS are increasingly used despite the fact that information on their toxic effects on reproductive traits is particularly scarce. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) for a short period (21 days) to an environmentally realistic concentration (1 ppb) of PFOA, a legacy PFAS, and its replacement compound, GenX, to assess their impact on reproductive traits and gene expression. Exposure to PFAS did not impair survival but instead caused sublethal effects. Overall, PFAS exposure caused changes in male sexual behaviour and had detrimental effects on sperm motility. Sublethal variations were also seen at the transcriptional level, with the modulation of genes involved in immune regulation, spermatogenesis, and oxidative stress. We also observed bioaccumulation of PFAS, which was higher for PFOA than for GenX. Our results offer a comprehensive comparison of these two PFAS and shed light on the toxicity of a newly emerging alternative to legacy PFAS. It is therefore evident that even at low concentrations and with short exposure, PFAS can have subtle yet significant effects on behaviour, fertility, and immunity. These findings underscore the potential ramifications of pollution under natural conditions and their impact on fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gasparini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - S Iori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - E Pietropoli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Bonato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - M Giantin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - A Barbarossa
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy; Health Sciences and Technologies-Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Bardhi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, I-40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (Bologna), Italy
| | - A Pilastro
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131, Padova, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, I-90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dacasto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - M Pauletto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, I-35020 Agripolis Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
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5
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Schlezinger JJ, Gokce N. Perfluoroalkyl/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Links to Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Circ Res 2024; 134:1136-1159. [PMID: 38662859 PMCID: PMC11047059 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Conservative estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that at least a quarter of global cardiovascular diseases are attributable to environmental exposures. Associations between air pollution and cardiovascular risk have garnered the most headlines and are strong, but less attention has been paid to other omnipresent toxicants in our ecosystem. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals that are extensively used in industrial and consumer products worldwide and in aqueous film-forming foam utilized in firefighting. As such, our exposure to PFAS is essentially ubiquitous. Given the long half-lives of these degradation-resistant chemicals, virtually, all people are carrying a body burden of PFAS. Health concerns related to PFAS are growing such that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has recommended standards for clinical follow-up of individuals with high PFAS blood levels, including prioritizing screening for dyslipidemia. The link between PFAS and dyslipidemia has been extensively investigated, and evidence for associations is compelling. However, dyslipidemia is not the only cardiovascular risk factor with which PFAS is associated. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence for links between PFAS of concern identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including overweight/obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Moreover, we review the potential connections of PFAS with vascular disease and atherosclerosis. While observational data support associations between the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine PFAS and selected cardiac risk factors, additional research is needed to establish causation and better understand how exposure to PFAS leads to the development of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Li X, Zhang Q, Wang A, Shan S, Wang X, Wang Y, Wan J, Ning P, Hong C, Tian H, Zhao Y. Hepatotoxicity induced in rats by chronic exposure to F-53B, an emerging replacement of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123544. [PMID: 38367689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A plethora of studies have shown the prominent hepatotoxicity caused by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), yet the research on the causality of F-53 B (an alternative for PFOS) exposure and liver toxicity, especially in mammals, is largely limited. To investigate the effects that chronic exposure to F-53 B exert on livers, in the present study, male SD rats were administrated with F-53 B in a certain dose range (0, 1, 10, 100, 1000 μg/L, eight rats per group) for 6 months via drinking water and the hepatotoxicity resulted in was explored. We reported that chronic exposure to 100 and 1000 μg/L F-53 B induced remarkable histopathological changes in liver tissues such as distinct swollen cells and portal vein congestion. In addition, the increase of cytokines IL-6, IL-2, and IL-8 upon long-term administration of F-53 B demonstrated the high level of inflammation. Moreover, F-53 B exposure was revealed to disrupt the lipid metabolism in the rat livers, mainly manifesting as the upregulation of some proteins involved in lipid synthesis and degradation, including ACC, FASN, SREBP-1c as well as ACOX1. These findings provided new evidence for the adverse effects caused by chronic exposure to F-53 B in rodents. It is crucial for industries, regulatory agencies as well as the public to remain vigilant about the adverse health effects associated with the emerging PFOS substitutes such as F-53 B. Implementation of regular monitoring and risk assessments is of great importance to alleviate environmental concerns towards PFOS alternatives exposure, and furthermore, to minimize the latent health risks to the public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Aiqing Wang
- Department of Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shan Shan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yarong Wang
- Department of Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Wan
- Department of Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ping Ning
- Department of Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengjiao Hong
- Department of Experimental Center, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hailin Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Hong J, Wang X, Jin H, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Du K, Chen D, Zheng S, Cao L. Environment relevant exposure of perfluorooctanoic acid accelerates the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122910. [PMID: 37967710 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a synthetic alkyl chain fluorinated compound, has emerged as a persistent organic pollutant of grave concern, casting a shadow over both ecological integrity and humans. Its insidious presence raises alarms due to its capacity to bioaccumulate within the human liver, potentially paving the treacherous path toward liver cancer. Yet, the intricate mechanisms underpinning PFOA's role in promoting the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain shrouded in ambiguity. Here, we determined the proliferation and transcription changes of HCC after PFOA exposure through integrated experiments including cell culture, nude mice tests, and colony-forming assays. Based on our findings, PFOA effectively promotes the proliferation of HCC cells within the experimental range of concentrations, both in vivo and in vitro. The proliferation efficiency of HCC cells was observed to increase by approximately 10% due to overexposure to PFOA. Additionally, the cancer weight of tumor-bearing nude mice increased by 87.0% (p < 0.05). We systematically evaluated the effects of PFOA on HCC cells and found that PFOA's exposure can selectively activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/4E-BP1 signaling pathway, thereby playing a pro-cancer effect on HCC cells Confirmation echoed through western blot assays and inhibitor combination analyses. These insights summon a response to PFOA's dual nature as both an environmental threat and a promoter of liver cancer. Our work illuminates the obscured domain of PFOA-induced hepatoxicity, shedding light on its ties to hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Hong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310032, PR China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310032, PR China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Keyi Du
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Diyu Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - Linping Cao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China; NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China.
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8
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Ao J, Zhang R, Huo X, Zhu W, Zhang J. Environmental exposure to legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and endometriosis in women of childbearing age. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167838. [PMID: 37839491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167838] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals known for their adverse effects on humans. Growing concern has risen regarding the reproductive toxicity of PFAS, but whether PFAS affect endometriosis remains to be explored. This hospital-based case-control study included 240 laparoscopic-confirmed endometriosis cases and 334 normal controls in China from 2014 to 2018. Concentrations of thirty-three legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in the plasma samples. Associations between single PFAS and endometriosis were estimated by binary logistic regression. The elastic net regression (ENR) model was used to identify dominant PFAS related to endometriosis. The joint effect of the PFAS mixture on endometriosis was assessed by principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and quantile-based g-computation (q-gcomp). In the single-PFAS model, significant positive associations of PFOA [adjusted odds ratio (95 % CI): 1.22 (1.00, 1.51)], total PFOS [1.19 (1.05, 1.34)] and two branched PFOS isomers [1.16 (1.09, 1.22) for 1m-PFOS; 1.18 (1.04, 1.34) for 6m-PFOS] with increased endometriosis odds were observed. Mixture models showed that the joint effect of PFAS mixture on endometriosis was significant [1.24 (1.05, 1.48)], mainly driven by 1m-PFOS. The PFOS isomers profile suggested a PFOS precursor biotransformation source of 1m-PFOS in our population. Our study suggests that branched isomers of PFOS may be associated with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaona Huo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Wenting Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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9
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Seewoo BJ, Goodes LM, Mofflin L, Mulders YR, Wong EV, Toshniwal P, Brunner M, Alex J, Johnston B, Elagali A, Gozt A, Lyle G, Choudhury O, Solomons T, Symeonides C, Dunlop SA. The plastic health map: A systematic evidence map of human health studies on plastic-associated chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108225. [PMID: 37948868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108225] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global production and use of plastic materials has increased dramatically since the 1960s and there is increasing evidence of human health impacts related to exposure to plastic-associated chemicals. There is, however, no comprehensive, regulatory, post-market monitoring for human health effects of plastic-associated chemicals or particles and it is unclear how many of these have been investigated for effects in humans, and therefore what the knowledge gaps are. OBJECTIVE To create a systematic evidence map of peer-reviewed human studies investigating the potential effects of exposure to plastic-associated particles/chemicals on health to identify research gaps and provide recommendations for future research and regulation policy. METHODS Medline and Embase databases were used to identify peer-reviewed primary human studies published in English from Jan 1960 - Jan 2022 that investigated relationships between exposures to included plastic-associated particles/chemicals measured and detected in bio-samples and human health outcomes. Plastic-associated particles/chemicals included are: micro and nanoplastics, due to their widespread occurrence and potential for human exposure; polymers, the main building blocks of plastic; plasticizers and flame retardants, the two most common types of plastic additives with the highest concentration ranges in plastic materials; and bisphenols and per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances, two chemical classes of known health concern that are common in plastics. We extracted metadata on the population and study characteristics (country, intergenerational, sex, age, general/special exposure risk status, study design), exposure (plastic-associated particle/chemical, multiple exposures), and health outcome measures (biochemical, physiological, and/or clinical), from which we produced the interactive database 'Plastic Health Map' and a narrative summary. RESULTS We identified 100,949 unique articles, of which 3,587 met our inclusion criteria and were used to create a systematic evidence map. The Plastic Health Map with extracted metadata from included studies are freely available at https://osf.io/fhw7d/ and summary tables, plots and overall observations are included in this report. CONCLUSIONS We present the first evidence map compiling human health research on a wide range of plastic-associated chemicals from several different chemical classes, in order to provide stakeholders, including researchers, regulators, and concerned individuals, with an efficient way to access published literature on the matter and determine knowledge gaps. We also provide examples of data clusters to facilitate systematic reviews and research gaps to help direct future research efforts. Extensive gaps are identified in the breadth of populations, exposures and outcomes addressed in studies of potential human health effects of plastic-associated chemicals. No studies of the human health effects of micro and/or nanoplastics were found, and no studies were found for 26/1,202 additives included in our search that are of known hazard concern and confirmed to be in active production. Few studies have addressed recent "substitution" chemicals for restricted additives such as organophosphate flame retardants, phthalate substitutes, and bisphenol analogues. We call for a paradigm shift in chemical regulation whereby new plastic chemicals are rigorously tested for safety before being introduced in consumer products, with ongoing post-introduction biomonitoring of their levels in humans and health effects throughout individuals' life span, including in old age and across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhedita J Seewoo
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Louise M Goodes
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Louise Mofflin
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Yannick R Mulders
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Enoch Vs Wong
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Priyanka Toshniwal
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Manuel Brunner
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jennifer Alex
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Brady Johnston
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ahmed Elagali
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Gozt
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Greg Lyle
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley WA 6102, Australia
| | - Omrik Choudhury
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Terena Solomons
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; Health and Medical Sciences (Library), The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sarah A Dunlop
- Plastics, Minderoo Foundation, 171-173 Mounts Bay Road 6000, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
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Durham J, Tessmann JW, Deng P, Hennig B, Zaytseva YY. The role of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) exposure in inflammation of intestinal tissues and intestinal carcinogenesis. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1244457. [PMID: 37662676 PMCID: PMC10469509 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1244457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are organofluorine substances that are used commercially in products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, personal care products, fire-fighting foam, etc. These chemicals have several different subtypes made of varying numbers of carbon and fluorine atoms. PFAS substances that have longer carbon chains, such as PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), can potentially pose a significant public health risk due to their ability to bioaccumulate and persist for long periods of time in the body and the environment. The National Academies Report suggests there is some evidence of PFOS exposure and gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation contributing to ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis are precursors to colorectal cancer. However, evidence about the association between PFOS and colorectal cancer is limited and has shown contradictory findings. This review provides an overview of population and preclinical studies on PFOS exposure and GI inflammation, metabolism, immune responses, and carcinogenesis. It also highlights some mitigation approaches to reduce the harmful effects of PFOS on GI tract and discusses the dietary strategies, such as an increase in soluble fiber intake, to reduce PFOS-induced alterations in cellular lipid metabolism. More importantly, this review demonstrates the urgent need to better understand the relationship between PFOS and GI pathology and carcinogenesis, which will enable development of better approaches for interventions in populations exposed to high levels of PFAS, and in particular to PFOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerika Durham
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Josiane Weber Tessmann
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Pan Deng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bernhard Hennig
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Yekaterina Y. Zaytseva
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Dunder L, Salihovic S, Lind PM, Elmståhl S, Lind L. Plasma levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107979. [PMID: 37285711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to immunotoxic and cardiometabolic effects in both experimental and epidemiological studies, but with conflicting results. AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate potential associations between plasma PFAS levels and plasma levels of preselected proteomic biomarkers previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease. METHODS Three PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) were measured by non-targeted metabolomics and 249 proteomic biomarkers were measured by the proximity extension assay (PEA) in plasma from 2,342 individuals within the Epidemiology for Health (EpiHealth) study from Sweden (45-75 years old, 50.6 % men). RESULTS After adjustment for age and sex, 92% of the significant associations between PFOS concentrations and proteins were inverse (p < 0.0002, Bonferroni-adjusted). The results were not as clear for PFOA and PFHxS, but still with 80% and 64 % of the significant associations with proteins being inverse. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, education, exercise habits and alcohol consumption, levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and paraoxonase type 3 (PON3) remained positively associated with all three PFAS, while resistin (RETN) and urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (uPAR) showed inverse associations with all three PFAS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings imply that PFAS exposure is cross-sectionally linked to altered levels of proteins previously linked to inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dunder
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - P Monica Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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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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