1
|
Tursi AR, Lindeman B, Kristoffersen AB, Hjertholm H, Bronder E, Andreassen M, Husøy T, Dirven H, Andorf S, Nygaard UC. Immune cell profiles associated with human exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) suggest changes in natural killer, T helper, and T cytotoxic cell subpopulations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119221. [PMID: 38795951 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitutes a group of highly persistent man-made substances. Recent evidence indicates that PFAS negatively impact the immune system. However, it remains unclear how different PFAS are associated with alterations in circulating leukocyte subpopulations. More detailed knowledge of such potential associations can provide better understanding into mechanisms of PFAS immunotoxicity in humans. In this exploratory study, associations of serum levels of common PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)) and immune cell profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, both with and without immunostimulation, were investigated. High-dimensional single cell analysis by mass cytometry was done on blood leukocytes from fifty participants in the Norwegian human biomonitoring EuroMix study. Different PFAS were associated with changes in various subpopulations of natural killer (NK), T helper (Th), and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells. Broadly, PFAS concentrations were related to increased frequencies of NK cells and activated subpopulations of NK cells. Additionally, increased levels of activated T helper memory cell subpopulations point to Th2/Th17 and Treg-like skewed profiles. Finally, PFAS concentrations were associated with decreased frequencies of T cytotoxic cell subpopulations with CXCR3+ effector memory (EM) phenotypes. Several of these observations point to biologically plausible mechanisms that may contribute to explaining the epidemiological reports of immunosuppression by PFAS. Our results suggest that PFAS exposures even at relatively low levels are associated with changes in immune cell subpopulations, a finding which should be explored more thoroughly in a larger cohort. Additionally, causal relationships should be confirmed in experimental studies. Overall, this study demonstrates the strength of profiling by mass cytometry in revealing detailed changes in immune cells at a single cell level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R Tursi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Trine Husøy
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sandra Andorf
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reinikainen J, Bouhoulle E, Sorvari J. Inconsistencies in the EU regulatory risk assessment of PFAS call for readjustment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108614. [PMID: 38583295 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108614] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Recognition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as widespread environmental pollutants and a consequent risk to human health, has recently made the European Union (EU) adopt several regulatory measures for their management. The coherence of these measures is challenged by the diversity and the ubiquitous occurrence of PFAS, which also complicates the EU's endeavor to advance justified, harmonized, and transparent approaches in the regulatory assessment of chemical risks. Our study critically reviews the European approach for the risk assessment of PFAS, by applying a comparative analysis of the current and pending regulatory thresholds issued for these chemicals in water bodies, drinking water, and certain foodstuffs. Our study shows that the level of health protection embedded in the studied thresholds may differ by three orders of magnitude, even in similar exposure settings. This is likely to confuse the common understanding of the toxicity and health risks of PFAS and undermine reasonable decision-making and the equal treatment of different stakeholders. We also indicate that currently, no consensus exists on the appropriate level of required health protection regarding PFAS and that the recently adopted tolerable intake value in the EU is too cautious. Based on our analysis, we propose some simple solutions on how the studied regulations and their implicit PFAS thresholds or their application could be improved. We further conclude that instead of setting EU-wide PFAS thresholds for all the environmental compartments, providing the member states with the flexibility to consider case-specific factors, such as regional background concentrations or food consumption rates, in their national regulatory procedures would likely result in more sustainable management of environmental PFAS without compromising the scientific foundation of risk assessment, the legitimacy of the EU policy framework and public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Reinikainen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11 FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Elodie Bouhoulle
- Scientific Institute of Public Service, Rue du Chéra 200 B-4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Jaana Sorvari
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11 FI-00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Massarsky A, Parker JA, Gloekler L, Donnell MT, Binczewski NR, Kozal JS, McKnight T, Patterson A, Kreider ML. Assessing potential human health and ecological implications of PFAS from leave-in dental products. Toxicol Ind Health 2024; 40:91-103. [PMID: 38171534 DOI: 10.1177/07482337231224990] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Contaminated water and food are the main sources of documented per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in humans. However, other sources may contribute to the overall PFAS intake. While several studies documented the presence of PFAS in consumer products, PFAS evaluation in dental products has been limited to floss and tape to date. This study estimated PFAS exposures from a convenience sample of leave-in dental products (night guards and whitening trays), which remain in contact with the mouth for longer durations than previously evaluated dental products. This analysis evaluated whether consumer usage of these dental products meaningfully contributes to oral exposure of PFAS. Leaching of PFAS upon disposal of products was also considered. Out of 24 PFAS measured, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA; 3.24-4.17 ng/product or 0.67-0.83 ng/g) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 7.25-16.45 ng/product or 1.2-2.3 ng/g) were detected in night guards, and no PFAS were detected in whitening trays. Non-targeted analysis showed additional possible PFAS, which could not be characterized. The findings showed that PFOS and/or PFBA present in night guards were unlikely to pose a health concern. From an ecological perspective, the dental products examined were shown to constitute a negligible contribution to environmental PFAS. In conclusion, the examined dental products do not represent a significant source of exposure to PFAS for humans or the environment. The study demonstrates how risk assessment can be integrated by the industry into product stewardship programs to evaluate the potential health and environmental impacts of chemicals in consumer products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Taryn McKnight
- Eurofins Environment Testing Northern California, LLC, West Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing Northern California, LLC, West Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rudzanová B, Thon V, Vespalcová H, Martyniuk CJ, Piler P, Zvonař M, Klánová J, Bláha L, Adamovsky O. Altered Transcriptome Response in PBMCs of Czech Adults Linked to Multiple PFAS Exposure: B Cell Development as a Target of PFAS Immunotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:90-98. [PMID: 38112183 PMCID: PMC10785749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
While the immunomodulation effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are described on the level of clinical signs in epidemiological studies (e.g., suppressed antibody response after vaccination), the underlying mechanism has still not been fully elucidated. To reveal mechanisms of PFAS exposure on immunity, we investigated the genome-wide transcriptomic changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) responding to PFAS exposure (specifically, exposure to PFPA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxS, and PFOS). Blood samples and the chemical load in the blood were analyzed under the cross-sectional CELSPAC: Young Adults study. The overall aim of the study was to identify sensitive gene sets and cellular pathways conserved for multiple PFAS chemicals. Transcriptome networks related to adaptive immunity were perturbed by multiple PFAS exposure (i.e., blood levels of at least four PFASs). Specifically, processes tightly connected with late B cell development, such as B cell receptor signaling, germinal center reactions, and plasma cell development, were shown to be affected. Our comprehensive transcriptome analysis identified the disruption of B cell development, specifically the impact on the maturation of antibody-secreting cells, as a potential mechanism underlying PFAS immunotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Rudzanová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Thon
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Vespalcová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Department
of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology,
UF Genetics Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Pavel Piler
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Zvonař
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department
of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Luděk Bláha
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Adamovsky
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sinha S, Chaturvedi A, Gautam RK, Jiang JJ. Molecular Cu Electrocatalyst Escalates Ambient Perfluorooctanoic Acid Degradation. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27390-27396. [PMID: 38064755 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Groundwater reservoirs contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) need purifying remedies. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is the most abundant PFAS in drinking water. Although different degradation strategies for PFOA have been explored, none of them disintegrates the PFOA backbone rapidly under mild conditions. Herein, we report a molecular copper electrocatalyst that assists in the degradation of PFOA up to 93% with a 99% defluorination rate within 4 h of cathodic controlled-current electrolysis. The current-normalized pseudo-first-order rate constant has been estimated to be quite high for PFOA decomposition (3.32 L h-1 A-1), indicating its fast degradation at room temperature. Furthermore, comparatively, rapid decarboxylation over the first 2 h of electrolysis has been suggested to be the rate-determining step in PFOA degradation. The related Gibbs free energy of activation has been calculated as 22.6 kcal/mol based on the experimental data. In addition, we did not observe the formation of short-alkyl-chain PFASs as byproducts that are typically found in chain-shortening PFAS degradation routes. Instead, free fluoride (F-), trifluoroacetate (CF3COO-), trifluoromethane (CF3H), and tetrafluoromethane (CF4) were detected as fragmented PFOA products along with the evolution of CO2 using gas chromatography (GC), ion chromatography (IC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, suggesting comprehensive cleavage of C-C bonds in PFOA. Hence, this study presents an effective method for the rapid degradation of PFOA into small ions/molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumalya Sinha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Ashwin Chaturvedi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Rajeev K Gautam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| | - Jianbing Jimmy Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hollister J, Caban-Martinez AJ, Ellingson KD, Beitel S, Fowlkes AL, Lutrick K, Tyner HL, Naleway AL, Yoon SK, Gaglani M, Hunt D, Meece J, Mayo Lamberte J, Schaefer Solle N, Rose S, Dunnigan K, Khan SM, Kuntz JL, Fisher JM, Coleman A, Britton A, Thiese MS, Hegmann KT, Pavuk M, Ramadan FA, Fuller S, Nematollahi A, Sprissler R, Burgess JL. Serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations and longitudinal change in post-infection and post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117297. [PMID: 37816422 PMCID: PMC10842580 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117297] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous throughout the United States. Previous studies have shown PFAS exposure to be associated with a reduced immune response. However, the relationship between serum PFAS and antibody levels following SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination has not been examined. We examined differences in peak immune response and the longitudinal decline of antibodies following SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination by serum PFAS levels in a cohort of essential workers in the United States. We measured serum antibodies using an in-house semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two cohorts contributed blood samples following SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination. We used linear mixed regression models, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, gender, presence of chronic conditions, location, and occupation, to estimate differences in immune response with respect to serum PFAS levels. Our study populations included 153 unvaccinated participants that contributed 316 blood draws over a 14-month period following infection, and 860 participants and 2451 blood draws over a 12-month period following vaccination. Higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) concentrations were associated with a lower peak antibody response after infection (p = 0.009, 0.031, 0.015). Higher PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFHxS, and PFNA concentrations were associated with slower declines in antibodies over time after infection (p = 0.003, 0.014, 0.026, 0.025). PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA serum concentrations prior to vaccination were not associated with differences in peak antibody response after vaccination or with differences in decline of antibodies over time after vaccination. These results suggest that elevated PFAS may impede potential immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection by blunting peak antibody levels following infection; the same finding was not observed for immune response to vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Hollister
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Alberto J Caban-Martinez
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | - Katherine D Ellingson
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shawn Beitel
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Karen Lutrick
- College of Medicine - Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Allison L Naleway
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sarang K Yoon
- University of Utah Health, Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, USA
| | - Manjusha Gaglani
- Baylor Scott and White Health, Temple, TX, USA; Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, USA
| | | | | | - Sana M Khan
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kuntz
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest Center for Health Research, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Alissa Coleman
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Matthew S Thiese
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marian Pavuk
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ferris A Ramadan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Amy Nematollahi
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ryan Sprissler
- University of Arizona Genetics Core, Office for Research, Innovation and Impact, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zell-Baran LM, Dabelea D, Norris JM, Glueck DH, Adgate JL, Brown JM, Harrall KK, Calafat AM, Starling AP. Prenatal Exposure to Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (2009-2014) and Vaccine Antibody Titers of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella in Children Four to Eight Years Old from the Healthy Start Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127018. [PMID: 38147368 PMCID: PMC10750888 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposures to certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with reduced humoral responses to some childhood immunizations. OBJECTIVE We estimated associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and child antibody titers for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella after immunization. METHODS We measured serum antibody titers of 145 children (4-8 y old) enrolled in the Healthy Start cohort in Colorado, whose mothers had PFAS quantified mid-pregnancy (2009-2014). We used linear and logistic regression models to assess the relationship between five PFAS detected in > 65 % of mothers and continuous or non-high-censored ("low") antibody titers and quantile g-computation to evaluate the overall effect of the PFAS mixture. RESULTS Median concentrations of individual PFAS were at or below the median reported among females in the United States. After receiving two vaccine doses, seropositive levels of antibodies were detected among most (93%-100%) children. Each log-unit increase in perfluorononanoate was associated with 2.09 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13, 3.87] times higher odds of a low measles titer, and each log-unit increase in perfluorooctanoate was associated with 2.46 (95% CI: 1.28, 4.75) times higher odds of a low mumps titer. Odds ratios for all other PFAS were elevated, but CIs included the null. Each quartile increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with 1.35 (95% CI: 0.80, 2.26) times higher odds of a low measles titer and 1.44 (95% CI: 0.78, 2.64) times higher odds of a low mumps titer. No significant associations were observed between PFAS and varicella or rubella antibodies. In stratified analyses, associations were negative among female children, except for perfluorohexane sulfonate and varicella, whereas they were positive among males. DISCUSSION Some prenatal PFAS were associated with lower antibody titers among fully immunized children. The potential for immunotoxic effects of PFAS requires further investigation in a larger study, because exposure is ubiquitous globally. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12863.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Zell-Baran
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jill M. Norris
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Deborah H. Glueck
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John L. Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jared M. Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kylie K. Harrall
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bailey JM, Wang L, McDonald JM, Gray JS, Petrie JG, Martin ET, Savitz DA, Karrer TA, Fisher KA, Geiger MJ, Wasilevich EA. Immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in a population with a history of elevated exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through drinking water. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:725-736. [PMID: 37337047 PMCID: PMC10541329 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00564-8] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to lower vaccine-induced antibody concentrations in children, while data from adults remains limited and equivocal. Characteristics of PFAS exposure and age at vaccination may modify such effects. OBJECTIVE We used the mass administration of novel COVID-19 vaccines to test the hypothesis that prior exposure to environmentally-relevant concentrations of PFAS affect antibody response to vaccines in adolescents and adults. METHODS Between April and June 2021, 226 participants aged 12-90 years with a history of exposure to PFAS in drinking water and who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine participated in our prospective cohort study. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies (IgG) were quantified before the first and second vaccine doses and again at two follow-ups in the following months (up to 103 days post dose 1). Serum PFAS concentrations (n = 39 individual PFAS) were measured once for each participant during baseline, before their first vaccination. The association between PFAS exposure and immune response to vaccination was investigated using linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models with adjustment for covariates that affect antibody response. PFAS mixture effects were assessed using weighted quantile sum and Bayesian kernel machine regression methods. RESULTS The geometric mean (standard deviation) of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid serum concentrations in this population was 10.49 (3.22) and 3.90 (4.90) µg/L, respectively. PFAS concentrations were not associated with peak anti-spike antibody response, the initial increase in anti-spike antibody response following vaccination, or the waning over time of the anti-spike antibody response. Neither individual PFAS concentrations nor their evaluation as a mixture was associated with antibody response to mRNA vaccination against COVID-19. IMPACT STATEMENT Given the importance of understanding vaccine response among populations exposed to environmental contaminants and the current gaps in understanding this relationship outside of early life/childhood vaccinations, our manuscript contributes meaningful data from an adolescent and adult population receiving a novel vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Bailey
- Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer M McDonald
- Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer S Gray
- Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Joshua G Petrie
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Emily T Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Timothy A Karrer
- Division of Chemistry and Toxicology, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Keri A Fisher
- Division of Chemistry and Toxicology, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Matthew J Geiger
- Division of Chemistry and Toxicology, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wasilevich
- Division of Environmental Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Andersson AG, Lundgren A, Xu Y, Nielsen C, Lindh CH, Pineda D, Cederlund J, Pataridou E, Søgaard Tøttenborg S, Ugelvig Petersen K, Fletcher T, Lagging M, Bemark M, Jakobsson K, Li Y. High Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine-an Observational Study in Adults from Ronneby, Sweden. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:87007. [PMID: 37578904 PMCID: PMC10424820 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, environmentally ubiquitous, and stable chemicals that have been associated with lower vaccine-induced antibody responses in children; however, data on adults are limited. The drinking water from one of the two waterworks in Ronneby, Sweden, was heavily contaminated for decades with PFAS from firefighting foams, primarily perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 offered a unique opportunity to investigate antibody responses to primary vaccination in adults who had been exposed to PFAS. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to evaluate associations between PFAS, across a wide range of exposure levels, and antibody responses in adults 5 wk and 6 months after a two-dose vaccination regime against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Adults age 20-60 y from Ronneby (n = 309 , median PFOS serum level 47 ng / mL , fifth to 95th percentile 4 - 213 ng / mL ) and a group with background exposure (n = 47 , median PFOS serum level 4 ng / mL ) received two doses of the Spikevax (Moderna) mRNA vaccine. The levels of seven PFAS were measured in serum before vaccination. Serum immunoglobulin G antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen (S-Abs) were measured before vaccination and at 5 wk (n = 350 ) and 6 months (n = 329 ) after the second vaccine dose. Linear regression analyses were fitted against current, historical, and prenatal exposure to PFAS, adjusting for sex, age, and smoking, excluding individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2-infection. RESULTS PFAS exposure, regardless of how it was estimated, was not negatively associated with antibody levels 5 wk [current PFOS: - 0.5 % S-Abs/PFOS interquartile range (IQR); 95% confidence interval (CI): - 8 , 7] or 6 months (current PFOS: 3% S-Abs/PFOS IQR; 95% CI: - 6 , 12) after COVID-19 vaccination. DISCUSSION Following a strict study protocol, rigorous study design, and few dropouts, we found no indication that PFAS exposure negatively affected antibody responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination for up to 6 months after vaccination. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11847.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel G Andersson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Lundgren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yiyi Xu
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christel Nielsen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniela Pineda
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital -Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital -Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tony Fletcher
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Lagging
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Bemark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Li
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Starling AP. Invited Perspective: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Impaired Antibody Response to Vaccination-Who Is Affected? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:81304. [PMID: 37578903 PMCID: PMC10424815 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moavenzadeh Ghaznavi S, Zimmerman C, Shea ME, MacRae JD, Peckenham JM, Noblet CL, Apul OG, Kopec AD. Management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden wastewater sludge in Maine: Perspectives on a wicked problem. Biointerphases 2023; 18:041004. [PMID: 37602771 DOI: 10.1116/6.0002796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the challenges and potential solutions for managing wastewater sludge that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), using the experience in Maine as a guide toward addressing the issue nationally. Traditional wastewater treatment, designed to remove excess organic waste and nutrients, does not eliminate persistent toxic pollutants like PFAS, instead partitioning the chemicals between discharged effluent and the remaining solids in sludge. PFAS chemistry, the molecular size, the alkyl chain length, fluorine saturation, the charge of the head group, and the composition of the surrounding matrix influence PFAS partitioning between soil and water. Land application of sludge, incineration, and storage in a landfill are the traditional management options. Land application of Class B sludge on agricultural fields in Maine peaked in the 1990s, totaling over 2 × 106 cu yd over a 40-year period and has contaminated certain food crops and animal forage, posing a threat to the food supply and the environment. Additional Class A EQ (Exceptional Quality) composted sludge was also applied to Maine farmland. The State of Maine banned the land application of wastewater sludge in August 2022. Most sludge was sent to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill, which accepted 94 270 tons of dewatered sludge in 2022, a 14% increase over 2019. Between 2019 and 2022, the sum of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations in sludge sent to the landfill ranged from 1.2 to 104.9 ng/g dw. In 2022, the landfill generated 71.6 × 106 l of leachate. The concentration of sum of six PFAS in the leachate increased sixfold between 2021 and 2022, reaching 2 441 ng/l. The retention of PFAS within solid-waste landfills and the potential for long-term release of PFAS through liners into groundwater require ongoing monitoring. Thermal treatment, incineration, or pyrolysis can theoretically mineralize PFAS at high temperatures, yet the strong C-F bond and reactivity of fluorine require extreme temperatures for complete mineralization. Future alternatives may include interim options such as preconditioning PFAS with nonpolar solvents prior to immobilization in landfills, removing PFAS from leachate, and interrupting the cycle of PFAS moving from landfill, via leachate, to wastewater treatment, and then back to the landfill via sludge. Long-term solutions may involve destructive technologies such as electron beam irradiation, electrochemical advanced oxidation, or hydrothermal liquefaction. The article highlights the need for innovative and sustainable solutions for managing PFAS-contaminated wastewater sludge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simin Moavenzadeh Ghaznavi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, 5711 Boardman Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - Charity Zimmerman
- School of Economics, University of Maine, 5782 Winslow Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - Molly E Shea
- School of Economics, University of Maine, 5782 Winslow Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - Jean D MacRae
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, 5711 Boardman Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - John M Peckenham
- Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine, 5710 Norman Smith Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - Caroline L Noblet
- School of Economics, University of Maine, 5782 Winslow Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - Onur G Apul
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maine, 5711 Boardman Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| | - A Dianne Kopec
- Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine, 5710 Norman Smith Hall, Orono, Maine 04473
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Maddalon A, Pierzchalski A, Kretschmer T, Bauer M, Zenclussen AC, Marinovich M, Corsini E, Herberth G. Mixtures of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reduce the in vitro activation of human T cells and basophils. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139204. [PMID: 37315852 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used industrial chemicals, have been in the center of attention because of their omnipotent presence in water and soils worldwide. Although efforts have been made to substitute long-chain PFAS towards safer alternatives, their persistence in humans still leads to exposure to these compounds. PFAS immunotoxicity is poorly understood as no comprehensive analyses on certain immune cell subtypes exist. Furthermore, mainly single entities and not PFAS mixtures have been assessed. In the present study we aimed to investigate the effect of PFAS (short-chain, long-chain and a mixture of both) on the in vitro activation of primary human immune cells. Our results show the ability of PFAS to reduce T cells activation. In particular, exposure to PFAS affected T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer T cells, and Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as assessed by multi-parameter flow cytometry. Furthermore, the exposure to PFAS reduced the expression of several genes involved in MAIT cells activation, including chemokine receptors, and typical proteins of MAIT cells, such as GZMB, IFNG and TNFSF15 and transcription factors. These changes were mainly induced by the mixture of both short- and long-chain PFAS. In addition, PFAS were able to reduce basophil activation induced by anti-FcεR1α, as assessed by the decreased expression of CD63. Our data clearly show that the exposure of immune cells to a mixture of PFAS at concentrations mimicking real-life human exposure resulted in reduced cell activation and functional changes of primary innate and adaptive human immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Arkadiusz Pierzchalski
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Kretschmer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Perinatal Immunology Research Group, Medical Faculty, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Singh A, Lynch R, Solomon J, Weaver JD, May AR. Development of novel fluor mop materials for remediation of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130853. [PMID: 36709737 PMCID: PMC10002476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study we synthesized a library of 12 novel adsorbent materials that utilize a chemically well-defined silica support for superior removal of PFAS from real groundwater from a contaminated United States Air Force base. The library of sorbents probed the importance of a fluorous, hydrophobic, and electrostatic components in the removal efficacy. The materials were assessed in batch studies with PFOA, PFOS, and PFBA and compared directly to GAC and Ion Exchange resin. Adsorption kinetics with PFOS were best fit to a pseudo-second order model and equilibrium data fit well to a Langmuir isotherm model. The results were also validated externally, and the best performing material removed greater than 90% of 8 PFAS tested and was able to be regenerated up to 5 cycles. The results provide a top performing material that with further testing can be used to clean up environmentally contaminated water and provide support for the theory that a fluorous component when combined with the electrostatic and hydrophobic components, imparts both enhanced PFAS selectivity and functional resilience to the material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Singh
- Weaver Labs, 1110 S Innovation Way, #130, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA
| | - Richard Lynch
- Weaver Labs, 1110 S Innovation Way, #130, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA
| | - Jacob Solomon
- Weaver Labs, 1110 S Innovation Way, #130, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA
| | - Jimmie D Weaver
- Oklahoma State University, Department of Chemistry, 107 Physical Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alexa R May
- Weaver Labs, 1110 S Innovation Way, #130, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaur K, Lesseur C, Chen L, Andra SS, Narasimhan S, Pulivarthi D, Midya V, Ma Y, Ibroci E, Gigase F, Lieber M, Lieb W, Janevic T, De Witte LD, Bergink V, Rommel AS, Chen J. Cross-sectional associations of maternal PFAS exposure on SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115067. [PMID: 36528042 PMCID: PMC9747685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are man-made, persistent organic compounds with immune-modulating potentials. Given that pregnancy itself represents an altered state of immunity, PFAS exposure-related immunotoxicity is an important environmental factor to consider in SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy as it may further affect humoral immune responses. AIM To investigate the relationship between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in a NYC-based pregnancy cohort. METHODS Maternal plasma was collected from 72 SARS-CoV-2 IgG + participants of the Generation C Study, a birth cohort established at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody levels were measured using ELISA. A panel of 16 PFAS congeners were measured in maternal plasma using a targeted UHPLC-MS/MS-based assay. Spearman correlations and linear regressions were employed to explore associations between maternal IgG antibody levels and plasma PFAS concentrations. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was also used to evaluate mixture effects of PFAS. Models were adjusted for maternal age, gestational age at which SARS-CoV-2 IgG titer was measured, COVID-19 vaccination status prior to IgG titer measurement, maternal race/ethnicity, parity, type of insurance and pre-pregnancy BMI. RESULTS Our study population is ethnically diverse with an average maternal age of 32 years. Of the 16 PFAS congeners measured, nine were detected in more than 60% samples. Importantly, all nine congeners were negatively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody levels; n-PFOA and PFHxS, PFHpS, and PFHxA reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) in multivariable analyses. When we examined the mixture effects using WQS, a quartile increase in the PFAS mixture-index was significantly associated with lower maternal IgG antibody titers (beta [95% CI] = -0.35 [-0.52, -0.17]). PFHxA was the top contributor to the overall mixture effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study results support the notion that PFAS, including short-chain emerging PFAS, act as immunosuppressants during pregnancy. Whether such compromised immune activity leads to downstream health effects, such as the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, adverse obstetric outcomes or neonatal immune responses remains to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirtan Kaur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lixian Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Syam S Andra
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srinivasan Narasimhan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Divya Pulivarthi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vishal Midya
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yula Ma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erona Ibroci
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frederieke Gigase
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Molly Lieber
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Whitney Lieb
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Janevic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lotje D De Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Veerle Bergink
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Sophie Rommel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Wang YX, Sun Y, Slitt A, Messerlian C. Red Blood Cell Folate Modifies the Association between Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Antibody Concentrations in U.S. Adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2445-2456. [PMID: 36715557 PMCID: PMC10539038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been associated with reduced antibody levels. Higher red blood cell (RBC) folate was previously associated with lower serum PFAS concentrations in adolescents. This study included 819 adolescents aged 12-19 years who had detectable rubella and measles antibody levels in serum from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 and 2009-2010 cycles. We found inverse associations between serum PFOS and PFHxS and rubella antibodies, between PFOA and mumps antibodies, and between PFAS mixtures and rubella and mumps antibodies, only among adolescents with RBC folate concentrations <66th percentile (lower folate group) while not among adolescents with higher RBC folate levels (upper folate group). Specifically, per quartile increase in serum concentrations of the total PFAS mixture was associated with a 9.84% (95% CI: -15.57%, -3.74%) decrease in rubella antibody and an 8.79% (95% CI: -14.39%, -2.82%) decrease in the mumps antibody concentrations only in the lower folate group, while null associations were found for the upper folate group. If confirmed in mechanistic studies or prospective epidemiologic studies, these findings may have important implications for using folate as a mitigation measure against immune-related PFAS effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Spain. Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Crawford L, Halperin SA, Dzierlenga MW, Skidmore B, Linakis MW, Nakagawa S, Longnecker MP. Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic data on vaccine response in relation to exposure to five principal perfluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107734. [PMID: 36764183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies of serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and antibody response to vaccines have suggested an adverse association, but the consistency and magnitude of this association remain unclear. OBJECTIVE The goal of this systematic review was to determine the size of the association between a doubling in perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) serum concentration and difference in loge antibody concentration following a vaccine, with a focus on five PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA). DATA SOURCE We conducted online searches of PubMed and Web of Science through May 17, 2022 and identified 14 eligible reports published from 2012 to 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS We included studies conducted in humans, including mother-child pairs, which examined serum PFAS concentration in relation to serum concentration of antibody to a specific antigen following a vaccine. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS We used the risk of bias assessment for non-randomized studies of exposure and certainty assessment method proposed by Morgan et al. (2019). Using a multilevel meta-regression model, we quantitatively synthesized the data. RESULTS The 14 reports represented 13 unique groups of subjects; the frequency of studies of a given antibody was Tetanus (n = 7); followed by Diphtheria (6); Measles (4); Rubella (3); Haemophilus influenzae type b and Influenza A H1N1 (2 each); and Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza A H2N3, Influenza B, and Mumps (1 each). There were approximately 4,830 unique participants included in the analyses across the 14 reports. The models of coefficients between antibody concentration and the five principal PFAS showed homogeneity of associations across antibody types for each principal PFAS. In the models with all antibodies treated as one type, evidence of effect modification by life stage was present for PFOA and PFOS, and for consistency, all associations were evaluated for all ages and for children. The summary associations (coefficients for difference in loge[antibody concentration] per doubling of serum PFAS) with 95% confidence intervals that excluded zero ("statistical support"), and certainty of evidence ratings were as follows: for PFOA and all antibodies treated as one type in all ages, -0.06 (-0.10, -0.01; moderate) and in children, -0.10 (-0.16, -0.03; moderate); for Diphtheria in children, -0.12 (-0.23, -0.00; high); for Rubella in all ages, -0.09 (-0.17, -0.01; moderate), and for Tetanus in children, -0.12 (-0.24, -0.00; moderate). For PFOS the summary associations were, for all antibodies treated as one type in all ages, -0.06 (-0.11, -0.01; moderate) and in children, -0.10 (-0.18, -0.03; moderate); for Rubella in all ages, -0.09 (-0.15, -0.03; high) and in children, -0.12 (-0.20, -0.04; high). For PFHxS the summary associations were, for all antibodies treated as one type in all ages, -0.03 (-0.06, -0.00; moderate) and in children, -0.05 (-0.09, -0.00; low); and for Rubella in children, -0.07 (-0.11, -0.02; high). Summary associations for PFNA and PFDA did not have statistical support, but all PFAS studied tended to have an inverse association with antibody concentrations. LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Epidemiologic data on immunosuppression and five principal PFAS suggest an association, with support across antibodies against multiple types of antigens. Data on Diphtheria, Rubella, and Tetanus were more supportive of an association than for other antibodies, and support was greater for associations with PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, than for PFNA or PFDA. The data on any specific antibody were scarce. Confounding factors that might account for the relation were not identified. Nearly all studies evaluated were judged to have a low or moderate risk of bias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori Crawford
- Ramboll U.S. Consulting, Inc., 28 Amity St., Suite 2A, Amherst, MA 01002, USA.
| | - Scott A Halperin
- Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre and Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University , Halifax, Canada.
| | - Michael W Dzierlenga
- Ramboll U.S. Consulting, Inc., Raleigh, NC 27612 Current address, U.S. E.P.A., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Becky Skidmore
- Skidmore Research & Information Consulting Inc., Address: 3104 Apple Hill Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1T 3Z2, Canada.
| | | | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bil W, Ehrlich V, Chen G, Vandebriel R, Zeilmaker M, Luijten M, Uhl M, Marx-Stoelting P, Halldorsson TI, Bokkers B. Internal relative potency factors based on immunotoxicity for the risk assessment of mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107727. [PMID: 36628859 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107727] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Relative potency factors (RPFs) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have previously been derived based on liver effects in rodents for the purpose of performing mixture risk assessment with primary input from biomonitoring studies. However, in 2020, EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake for four PFAS assuming equal toxic potency for immune suppressive effects in humans. In this study we explored the possibility of deriving RPFs for immune suppressive effects using available data in rodents and humans. Lymphoid organ weights, differential blood cell counts, and clinical chemistry from 28-day studies in male rats from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) were combined with modeled serum PFAS concentrations to derive internal RPFs by applying dose-response modelling. Identified functional studies used diverse protocols and were not suitable for derivation of RPFs but were used to support immunotoxicity of PFAS in a qualitative manner. Furthermore, a novel approach was used to estimate internal RPFs based on epidemiological data by dose-response curve fitting optimization, looking at serum antibody concentrations and key cell populations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Internal RPFs were successfully derived for PFAS based on rat thymus weight, spleen weight, and globulin concentration. The available dose-response information for blood cell counts did not show a significant trend. Immunotoxic potency in serum was determined in the order PFDA > PFNA > PFHxA > PFOS > PFBS > PFOA > PFHxS. The epidemiological data showed inverse associations for the sum of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS with serum antibody concentrations to mumps and rubella, but the data did not allow for deduction of reliable internal RPF estimates. The internal RPFs for PFAS based on decreased rat lymphoid organ weights are similar to those previously established for increased rat liver weight, strengthening the confidence in the overall applicability of these RPFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wieneke Bil
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Guangchao Chen
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, 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
| | - Marco Zeilmaker
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department Safety of Pesticides, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorhallur Ingi Halldorsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland (UI), Reykjavik, Iceland; Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bas Bokkers
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Garvey GJ, Anderson JK, Goodrum PE, Tyndall KH, Cox LA, Khatami M, Morales-Montor J, Schoeny RS, Seed JG, Tyagi RK, Kirman CR, Hays SM. Weight of evidence evaluation for chemical-induced immunotoxicity for PFOA and PFOS: findings from an independent panel of experts. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:34-51. [PMID: 37115714 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2194913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxicity is the critical endpoint used by some regulatory agencies to establish toxicity values for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). However, the hypothesis that exposure to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) causes immune dysregulation is subject to much debate. An independent, international expert panel was engaged utilizing methods to reduce bias and "groupthink". The panel concluded there is moderate evidence that PFOS and PFOA are immunotoxic, based primarily on evidence from animal data. However, species concordance and human relevance cannot be well established due to data limitations. The panel recommended additional testing that includes longer-term exposures, evaluates both genders, includes other species of animals, tests lower dose levels, assesses more complete measures of immune responses, and elucidates the mechanism of action. Panel members agreed that the Faroe Islands cohort data should not be used as the primary basis for deriving PFAS risk assessment values. The panel agreed that vaccine antibody titer is not useful as a stand-alone metric for risk assessment. Instead, PFOA and PFOS toxicity values should rely on multiple high-quality studies, which are currently not available for immune suppression. The panel concluded that the available PFAS immune epidemiology studies suffer from weaknesses in study design that preclude their use, whereas available animal toxicity studies provide comprehensive dataset to derive points of departure (PODs) for non-immune endpoints. The panel recommends accounting for potential PFAS immunotoxicity by applying a database uncertainty factor to POD values derived from animal studies for other more robustly supported critical effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - L Anthony Cox
- Business Analytics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Department of Immunology, Universidad Nacional Autonoma De Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Rajeev K Tyagi
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Porter AK, Kleinschmidt SE, Andres KL, Reusch CN, Krisko RM, Taiwo OA, Olsen GW, Longnecker MP. Antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines among workers with a wide range of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107537. [PMID: 36183490 PMCID: PMC9489981 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic chemicals; some are present in most humans in developed countries. Several studies have shown associations between certain PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and reduced antibody concentration after vaccination against diseases such as Tetanus. Recent studies have reported associations between COVID-19 occurrence and exposure to certain types of PFAS. However, studies of antibody concentration after COVID-19 vaccination in relation to PFAS serum concentrations have not been reported. We examined COVID-19 antibody responses to vaccines and PFAS serum concentrations among employees and retirees from two 3M facilities, one of which historically manufactured PFOS, PFOA, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Participants completed enrollment and follow-up study visits in the Spring of 2021, when vaccines were widely available. In total 415 participants with 757 observations were included in repeated measures analyses. Log-transformed concentrations of anti-spike IgG and neutralizing antibodies were modeled in relation to concentration of PFAS at enrollment after adjusting for antigenic stimulus group (9 groups determined by COVID-19 history and number and type of vaccination) and other variables. The fully adjusted IgG concentration was 3.45 percent lower (95% CI -7.03, 0.26) per 14.5 ng/mL (interquartile range) increase in PFOS; results for neutralizing antibody and PFOS were similar. For PFOA, PFHxS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), the results were comparable to those for PFOS, though of smaller magnitude. In our study data, the fully adjusted coefficients relating concentration of vaccine-induced antibodies to COVID-19 and interquartile range difference in serum concentration of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA were inverse but small with confidence intervals that included zero. Our analysis showed that the coefficient for the four PFAS examined in detail was considerably affected by adjustment for antigenic stimulus group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Porter
- Ramboll U.S. Consulting, 3214 Charles B. Root Wynd, Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27612, United States.
| | | | - Kara L Andres
- 3M Company, Corporate Occupational Medicine, St. Paul, MN 55144, United States
| | - Courtney N Reusch
- 3M Company, Corporate Occupational Medicine, St. Paul, MN 55144, United States
| | - Ryan M Krisko
- 3M Company, Environment, Health, Safety and Product Stewardship, St. Paul, MN 55144, United States
| | - Oyebode A Taiwo
- 3M Company, Corporate Occupational Medicine, St. Paul, MN 55144, United States
| | - Geary W Olsen
- 3M Company, Corporate Occupational Medicine, St. Paul, MN 55144, United States
| | - Matthew P Longnecker
- Ramboll U.S. Consulting, 3214 Charles B. Root Wynd, Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27612, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Warner RM, Sweeney LM, Hayhurst BA, Mayo ML. Toxicokinetic Modeling of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Concentrations within Developing Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Populations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13189-13199. [PMID: 36055240 PMCID: PMC9494737 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental contaminants, and their relative stability and high bioaccumulation potential create a challenging risk assessment problem. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) data, in principle, can be synthesized within a quantitative adverse outcome pathway (qAOP) framework to link molecular activity with individual or population level hazards. However, even as qAOP models are still in their infancy, there is a need to link internal dose and toxicity endpoints in a more rigorous way to further not only qAOP models but adverse outcome pathway frameworks in general. We address this problem by suggesting refinements to the current state of toxicokinetic modeling for the early development zebrafish exposed to PFAS up to 120 h post-fertilization. Our approach describes two key physiological transformation phenomena of the developing zebrafish: dynamic volume of an individual and dynamic hatching of a population. We then explore two different modeling strategies to describe the mass transfer, with one strategy relying on classical kinetic rates and the other incorporating mechanisms of membrane transport and adsorption/binding potential. Moving forward, we discuss the challenges of extending this model in both timeframe and chemical class, in conjunction with providing a conceptual framework for its integration with ongoing qAOP modeling efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross M. Warner
- Oak
Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
- Environmental
Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and
Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
| | - Lisa M. Sweeney
- UES,
Inc., assigned to US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio 45432, United
States
| | - Brett A. Hayhurst
- Environmental
Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and
Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
- Department
of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Michael L. Mayo
- Environmental
Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research and
Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang X, Xue L, Deji Z, Wang X, Liu P, Lu J, Zhou R, Huang Z. Effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on vaccine antibodies: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on epidemiological studies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119442. [PMID: 35568291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are essential for children to defend against infection. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants with the characteristics of persistence and bioaccumulation. PFAS exposure can affect the function of the nervous, endocrine, and immune system of animals and humans. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiological studies investigating potential relationships between PFAS exposure and vaccine antibody levels, and assessed whether PFAS would affect vaccine response in healthy children. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to February 2022. We chose studies that measured serum vaccines antibodies and PFAS concentrations of the participants. Essential information, including mean difference of percentage change, regression coefficient, odds ratio, Spearman correlation coefficient, and 95% confidence intervals, were extracted from the selected studies to conduct descriptive analysis and meta-analysis where appropriate. The qualities of these studies were evaluated as well. Finally, nine epidemiological studies about children met our inclusion criteria. A high degree of heterogeneity is observed in terms of breastfeeding time, confounder control, and detection method. Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid is negatively associated with tetanus antibody level in children without heterogeneity by Cochran's Q test (p = 0.26; p = 0.55), and exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate is negatively associated with tetanus antibody level but with heterogeneity (p = 0.04). This comprehensive review suggests that PFAS can have adverse health effects on children by hindering the production of vaccine antibodies. There are some consistent and negative associations between children exposure to certain PFAS and tetanus antibody level. The association of the other four vaccines (measles, rubella, mumps, and influenza) with PFAS remains uncertain, because very few studies are available. Further studies are needed to validate the possible associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Liang Xue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Zhuoma Deji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Ruke Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Immunomodulation and exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: an overview of the current evidence from animal and human studies. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2261-2285. [PMID: 35695909 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used and represent a class of environmental persistent chemicals. An association of a reduction of vaccination efficacy with PFAS serum levels in humans was used by the European Food Safety Authority as a key effect for PFAS risk assessment. The data support for using this association is reviewed by a critical analysis of the respective human epidemiology and the available animal studies on the immunomodulation of PFAS. Based on an analysis of the available human epidemiology, the overall level of evidence regarding associations between PFAS serum levels and reduced antibody response remains weak. Absence of an association between an increase in clinical infections and PFAS serum levels and the limited understanding of the importance of antibody levels as an isolated data point further support this conclusion. Animal toxicity studies with PFAS focusing on immunomodulation also provide only limited support for immunomodulation as an important endpoint in PFAS toxicity. While immunomodulation is observed after PFAS administration, generally at blood concentrations several orders of magnitude above those seen in environmentally exposed humans, the relevance of these observation is hampered by the high doses required to influence immune endpoints, the limited number of endpoints assessed, and inconsistent results. The limitations of the current database on associations of human PFAS exposures outlined here indicate that more evidence is required to select immunomodulation as a critical endpoint for human PFAS risk assessment.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wen Y, Rentería-Gómez Á, Day GS, Smith MF, Yan TH, Ozdemir ROK, Gutierrez O, Sharma VK, Ma X, Zhou HC. Integrated Photocatalytic Reduction and Oxidation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by Metal-Organic Frameworks: Key Insights into the Degradation Mechanisms. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:11840-11850. [PMID: 35732040 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c04341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The high porosity and tunability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them an appealing group of materials for environmental applications. However, their potential in the photocatalytic degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been rarely investigated. Hereby, we demonstrate that over 98.9% of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was degraded by MIL-125-NH2, a titanium-based MOF, in 24 h under Hg-lamp irradiation. The MOF maintained its structural integrity and porosity after three cycles, as indicated by its crystal structure, surface area, and pore size distribution. Based on the experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a detailed reaction mechanism of the chain-shortening and H/F exchange pathways in hydrated electron (eaq-)-induced PFOA degradation were revealed. Significantly, we proposed that the coordinated contribution of eaq- and hydroxyl radical (•OH) is vital for chain-shortening, highlighting the importance of an integrated system capable of both reduction and oxidation for efficient PFAS degradation in water. Our results shed light on the development of effective and sustainable technologies for PFAS breakdown in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Wen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ángel Rentería-Gómez
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gregory S Day
- Framergy Inc., 800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, Texas 77945, United States
| | - Mallory F Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tian-Hao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ray Osman K Ozdemir
- Framergy Inc., 800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, Texas 77945, United States
| | - Osvaldo Gutierrez
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Virender K Sharma
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xingmao Ma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hong-Cai Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:477-489. [PMID: 35648356 PMCID: PMC9157479 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Several environmental contaminants have been implicated as contributors to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Immunomodulation and epigenetic regulation have been hypothesized as mediators of this relationship, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-characterized. This review examines the evidence for epigenetic modification at the intersection of COVID-19 and environmental chemical exposures. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous environmental contaminants including air pollutants, toxic metal(loid)s, per- and polyfluorinated substances, and endocrine disrupting chemicals are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of severe COVID-19, but few studies currently exist. Drawing on evidence that many environmental chemicals alter the epigenetic regulation of key immunity genes and pathways, we discuss how exposures likely perturb host antiviral responses. Specific mechanisms vary by contaminant but include general immunomodulation as well as regulation of viral entry and recognition, inflammation, and immunologic memory pathways, among others. Associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 are likely mediated, in part, by epigenetic regulation of key immune pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
|
28
|
Dembek ZF, Lordo RA. Influence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances on Occurrence of Coronavirus Disease 2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095375. [PMID: 35564774 PMCID: PMC9103108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence indicates exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) influences immunosuppression, with diminished vaccination response. The relationship between PFAS blood levels and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurrence by age warrants further examination. This assessment identified blood PFAS exposure levels in discrete populations. Recent PFAS population studies summarizing age and gender results were identified and included. Geographically corresponding COVID-19 incidence data were determined for selected counties in North Carolina (NC) and Ohio (OH), and the state of New Jersey (NJ). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 databases were accessed for national incidence data by age groupings. We assessed associations between blood PFAS concentrations, COVID-19 incidence rates, and key demographic characteristics, within subpopulations. COVID-19 incidence counts and blood PFAS concentration were obtained for each age group, along with estimated U.S. Census total population. A general trend observed is higher PFAS levels in older age groups. Younger age groups contained fewer COVID-19 cases. Global COVID-19 mortality is highest in elderly populations with hospitalization and death greatly increasing from age 50. PFAS exposures occurring early in life may cause deleterious health effects later in life, including decreased antibody response and reduced disease resistance. Highest levels of both PFAS exposure and COVID-19 were found in the oldest populations. While this does not determine causality, such associations should help promote further study.
Collapse
|
29
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Barton KE, Zell-Baran LM, DeWitt JC, Brindley S, McDonough CA, Higgins CP, Adgate JL, Starling AP. Cross-sectional associations between serum PFASs and inflammatory biomarkers in a population exposed to AFFF-contaminated drinking water. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113905. [PMID: 35065522 PMCID: PMC9394217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread and persistent environmental contaminants. Exposure to several PFASs has been associated with altered immune function in humans, including autoimmune disease and impaired response to vaccination. However, changes to the profile of inflammatory biomarkers in adults exposed to PFASs has not been extensively described. OBJECTIVE To estimate cross-sectional associations between serum PFASs and markers of inflammation among adults in a population exposed to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)-contaminated drinking water. METHODS We quantified concentrations of 48 PFASs in non-fasting serum samples from 212 non-smoking adults. In the same serum samples, we measured concentrations of ten pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. We restricted analysis to seven PFASs detected in >85% of participants and the following four cytokines detected in ≥30% of participants: interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α. We fit multiple linear regression or logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, to estimate associations between concentrations of each PFAS and either continuous or categorical (above vs below limit of detection) concentrations of each cytokine. We additionally applied Bayesian kernel machine regression to describe the combined effect of the PFAS mixture on each cytokine outcome. RESULTS Certain PFAS concentrations in this sample were elevated compared to a US nationally representative sample; median levels of PFHxS, ΣPFOS and ΣPFOA in this sample were 13.8, 2.1 and 1.7 times higher, respectively, than medians observed in the U.S. SAMPLE Higher concentrations of multiple PFASs were significantly associated with lower odds of detectable IL-1β. Weaker associations were observed with other cytokines. In general, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids had inverse associations with TNF-α, whereas the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids showed positive associations. CONCLUSIONS We observed preliminary evidence of altered inflammatory profiles among adults with elevated serum concentrations of PFASs due to contaminated drinking water. Modifications to inflammatory pathways may be one mechanism by which PFAS exposures produce adverse health effects in humans, but this finding requires verification in longitudinal studies as well as phenotypic anchoring to immune function outcomes.
Collapse
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,Corresponding author. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 E 17th Pl, Campus Box B119, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. (K.E. Barton)
| | - 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
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen Brindley
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carrie A. McDonough
- Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Christopher P. Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, 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
| | - Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, 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
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
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.
Collapse
|
32
|
Wattigney WA, Savadatti SS, Liu M, Pavuk M, Lewis-Michl E, Kannan K, Wang W, Spliethoff H, Marquez-Bravo L, Hwang SA. Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in minority angler communities in central New York State. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112309. [PMID: 34728236 PMCID: PMC8715741 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Onondaga Lake in central New York State was listed as a Superfund site in 1994 due to industrial disposal of pollutants. A biomonitoring program was conducted to assess exposure to over 70 legacy contaminants and contaminants of emerging concern in populations disproportionately at risk for exposure residing near Onondaga Lake and to educate these communities on how to reduce exposures. The populations of focus were refugees from Burma and Bhutan and low-income, primarily African American, anglers (urban anglers). These communities consume locally caught fish for economic as well as cultural reasons and therefore may be at higher risk of exposure. This study focuses on assessment of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and associations with local fish consumption. Using respondent driven sampling, 311 refugees and 89 urban anglers were enrolled in the study. Following informed consent, study participants provided blood and urine specimens and completed a questionnaire. Percentiles of locally caught fish meals in the past 12 months by race/ethnicity groups showed that the Burmese participants of Karen ethnicity were the highest consumers, with a median of 135 meals compared to 103 meals for the other Burmese participants, 70 meals for the urban anglers, and 44 meals for the Bhutanese participants. Compared to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-16 sample of the general U.S. population, the Karen participants had markedly elevated perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) levels with median serum concentrations 9.5 times greater (41.6 ng/mL vs. 4.4 ng/mL) and 26.9 times greater (2.69 ng/mL vs. 0.10 ng/mL), respectively; the other Burmese participants had moderately elevated levels of PFOS and PFDA with median serum concentrations 3.0 times greater (13.3 ng/mL vs. 4.4 ng/mL) and 7.3 greater times greater (0.73 ng/mL vs. 0.10 ng/mL), respectively; and, PFAS levels were not elevated in the Bhutanese or urban angler cohorts. Male gender was consistently the strongest predictor of PFAS exposure among all study cohorts. A positive association between local fish consumption was indicated only for PFOS among urban anglers. An association between local fish consumption and PFAS was not statistically significant among the refugee cohorts, perhaps due to the lack of 'lower-end' exposure or exposure variability. Community events were held by the program staff to present the biomonitoring results and distribute community outreach materials with visual aids specific for the study populations to promote safe fish eating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Wattigney
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health and Hazard Assessment, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA, 30341, United States.
| | - Sanghamitra S Savadatti
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12144, United States
| | - Ming Liu
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States
| | - Marian Pavuk
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Office of Community Health and Hazard Assessment, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA, 30341, United States
| | - Elizabeth Lewis-Michl
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, United States
| | - Henry Spliethoff
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States
| | - Lydia Marquez-Bravo
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States
| | - Syni-An Hwang
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Division of Environmental Health Assessment, Empire State Plaza-Corning Tower, Albany, NY, 12237, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12144, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ahmad S, Wen Y, Irudayaraj JMK. PFOA induces alteration in DNA methylation regulators and SARS-CoV-2 targets Ace2 and Tmprss2 in mouse lung tissues. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1892-1898. [PMID: 34853776 PMCID: PMC8620096 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a ubiquitous environmental toxicant from the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family has been implicated in toxicity of various organs. Several epidemiological studies have linked PFOA to different lung injuries and diseased conditions. However, the implication of PFOA in affecting epigenetic regulators and SARS-CoV-2 infection pathways in the lung are unknown. The present work explores the accumulation of PFOA in lungs and changes in mRNA expression of DNA methylation regulator genes DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) and ten-eleven translocation (Tets) along with the membrane proteins angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (Ace2) and transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (Tmprss2) genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. CD1 mice were orally exposed to 5 and 20 mg/kg/day PFOA for 10 days and the lung tissues were analyzed using LCMS, qPCR, and pyrosequencing techniques. PFOA was shown to accumulate in the lung tissues and increase in a dose-dependent manner. Dnmts and Tets were significantly downregulated upon at least one of the PFOA dosing concentration, whereas Ace2 and Tmprss2 show significant increase in their expression level. Further, CpG islands in the promotor region of Tmprss2 exhibited significant hypomethylation in PFOA treated groups, which supports its increased gene expression level. Current study reveals the implication of PFOA induced DNA methylation changes in lungs and their possible role in upregulation of Ace2 and Tmprss2. It is possible that increased expression of these membrane receptors due to PFOA exposure can lead to higher susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Ahmad
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yi Wen
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Joseph Maria Kumar Irudayaraj
- Biomedical Research Center in Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Naidoo P, Ghazi T, Chuturgoon AA, Naidoo RN, Ramsuran V, Mpaka-Mbatha MN, Bhengu KN, Nembe N, Duma Z, Pillay R, Singh R, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL. SARS-CoV-2 and helminth co-infections, and environmental pollution exposure: An epidemiological and immunological perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106695. [PMID: 34171587 PMCID: PMC8205275 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths infect billions of people globally, particularly those residing in low- and middle-income regions with poor environmental sanitation and high levels of air and water pollution. Helminths display potent immunomodulatory activity by activating T helper type 2 (Th2) anti-inflammatory and Th3 regulatory immune responses. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can exacerbate Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokine production in humans, leading to a cytokine storm. Air pollutants (particulate matter, oxygen radicals, hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds) and water pollutants (metals and organic chemicals) can also intensify Th1/Th17 immune response and could exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 related respiratory distress and failure. The present review focused on the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, helminths and fine particulate matter 2.5 µm or less in diameter (PM2.5) air pollution exposure in helminth endemic regions, the possible immunomodulatory activity of helminths against SARS-CoV-2 hyper-inflammatory immune response, and whether air and water pollutants can further exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 related cytokine storm and in the process hinder helminths immunomodulatory functionality. Helminth Th2/Th3 immune response is associated with reductions in lung inflammation and damage, and decreased expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors (SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptors to infect cells and associated with extensive lung damage). However, air pollutants are associated with overexpression of ACE2 receptors in the epithelial cell surface of the respiratory tract and exhaustion of Th2 immune response. Helminth-induced immunosuppression activity reduces vaccination efficacy, and diminishes vital Th1 cytokine production immune responses that are crucial for combating early stage infections. This could be reversed by continuous air pollution exposure which is known to intensify Th1 pro-inflammatory cytokine production to a point where the immunosuppressive activities of helminths could be hindered. Again, suppressed activities of helminths can also be disadvantageous against SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory response. This "yin and yang" approach seems complex and requires more understanding. Further studies are warranted in a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals residing in helminths and air pollution endemic regions to offer more insights, and to impact mass periodic deworming programmes and environmental health policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragalathan Naidoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa.
| | - Terisha Ghazi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Anil A Chuturgoon
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Rajen N Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Miranda N Mpaka-Mbatha
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Khethiwe N Bhengu
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Nomzamo Nembe
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Zamathombeni Duma
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Roxanne Pillay
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Glenwood, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Zilungile L Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 3629, South Africa; Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mann MM, Tang JD, Berger BW. Engineering human liver fatty acid binding protein for detection of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 119:513-522. [PMID: 34723386 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27981] [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] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals with surface active and water-repellent properties. The combination of wide-spread use in numerous consumer and industrial products and extended biological half-lives arising from strong carbon-fluorine bonds has led to significant accumulation of PFAS in humans. As most human interaction with PFAS comes from ingestion, it is important to be able to detect PFAS in drinking water as well as in agricultural water. Here we present an approach to designing a fluorescence-based biosensor for the rapid detection of PFAS based on human liver fatty acid binding protein (hLFABP). Introduction of solvatochromic fluorophores within the ligand binding pocket (L50) allowed for intrinsic detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) via blue-shifts in fluorescence emission spectra. Initially, a single tryptophan mutation (L50W) was found to be able to detect PFOA with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.8 ppm. We improved the sensitivity of the biosensor by exchanging tryptophan for the thiol reactive fluorophore, acrylodan. The acrylodan conjugated C69S/F50C hLFABP variant is capable of detecting PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in PBS with LODs of 112 ppb, 345 ppb, and 1.09 ppm, respectively. The protein-based sensor is also capable of detecting these contaminants at similar ranges in spiked environmental water samples, including samples containing an interfering anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. Overall, this study demonstrates engineered hLFABP is a useful platform for detection of PFAS in environmental water samples and highlights its ease of use and versatility in field applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison M Mann
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - James D Tang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Bryan W Berger
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Carrizosa C, Luster MI, Margolick JB, Costa O, Leonardi GS, Fletcher T. Perfluoroalkyl substances and immune cell counts in adults from the Mid-Ohio Valley (USA). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106599. [PMID: 33993002 PMCID: PMC8381762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may be immunotoxic, evidence for this in humans is scarce. We studied the association between 4 PFASs (perfluorohexane sulfonate [PFHxS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS] and perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA]) and circulating levels of several types of immune cells. METHODS Serum PFASs and white blood cell types were measured in 42,782 (2005-2006) and 526 (2010) adults from an area with PFOA drinking water contamination in the Mid-Ohio Valley (USA). Additionally, the major lymphocyte subsets were measured in 2010. Ln(cell counts) and percentages of cell counts were regressed on serum PFAS concentrations (ln or percentiles). Adjusted results were expressed as the percentage difference (95% CI) per interquartile range (IQR) increment of each PFAS concentration. RESULTS Generally positive monotonic associations between total lymphocytes and PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS were found in both surveys (difference range: 1.12-7.33% for count and 0.36-1.77 for percentage, per PFAS IQR increment), and were stronger for PFHxS. These associations were reflected in lymphocyte subset counts but not percentages, with PFHxS positively and monotonically associated with T, B, and natural killer (NK) cell counts (range: 5.51-8.62%), PFOA and PFOS with some T-cell phenotypes, and PFOS with NK cells (range: 3.12-12.21%), the associations being monotonic in some cases. Neutrophils, particularly percentage (range: -1.74 to -0.36), showed decreasing trends associated with PFASs. Findings were less consistent for monocytes and eosinophils. CONCLUSION These results suggest an association between PFHxS and, less consistently, for PFOA and PFOS, and total lymphocytes (although the magnitudes of the differences were small). The increase in absolute lymphocyte count appeared to be evenly distributed across lymphocyte subsets since associations with their percentages were not significant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, 46001 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Christian Carrizosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Michael I Luster
- School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Joseph B Margolick
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21279, USA
| | - Olga Costa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Giovanni S Leonardi
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England (PHE), Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WCIH 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Fletcher
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England (PHE), Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WCIH 9SH, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pilli S, Pandey AK, Pandey V, Pandey K, Muddam T, Thirunagari BK, Thota ST, Varjani S, Tyagi RD. Detection and removal of poly and perfluoroalkyl polluting substances for sustainable environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 297:113336. [PMID: 34325368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PFAs (poly and perfluoroalkyl compounds) are hazardous and bioaccumulative chemicals that do not readily biodegrade or neutralize under normal environmental conditions. They have various industrial, commercial, domestic and defence applications. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, there are around 4700 PFAs registered to date. They are present in every stream of life, and they are often emerging and are even difficult to be detected by the standard chemical methods. This review aims to focus on the sources of various PFAs and the toxicities they impose on the environment and especially on humankind. Drinking water, food packaging, industrial areas and commercial household products are the primary PFAs sources. Some of the well-known treatment methods for remediation of PFAs presented in the literature are activated carbon, filtration, reverse osmosis, nano filtration, oxidation processes etc. The crucial stage of handling the PFAs occurs in determining and analysing the type of PFA and its remedy. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of determination & tools, and techniques for remediation of PFAs in the environment. Improving new treatment methodologies that are economical and sustainable are essential for excluding the PFAs from the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Pilli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India.
| | - Ashutosh Kumar Pandey
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability-India, Lucknow, 226 029, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Pandey
- Department of Geography, Allahabad Degree College (A.D.C.), Allahabad University, Prayagraj, 211003, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kritika Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology for Handicapped, Kanpur, 208024, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tulasiram Muddam
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Baby Keerthi Thirunagari
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Sai Teja Thota
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Fathimanagar, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, 382 010, Gujarat, India.
| | - Rajeshwar Dayal Tyagi
- Chief Scientific Officer, BOSK Bioproducts, 399 Rue Jacquard, Suite 100, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lebbie TS, Moyebi OD, Asante KA, Fobil J, Brune-Drisse MN, Suk WA, Sly PD, Gorman J, Carpenter DO. E-Waste in Africa: A Serious Threat to the Health of Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8488. [PMID: 34444234 PMCID: PMC8392572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Waste electronic and electrical equipment (e-waste) consists of used and discarded electrical and electronic items ranging from refrigerators to cell phones and printed circuit boards. It is frequently moved from developed countries to developing countries where it is dismantled for valuable metals in informal settings, resulting in significant human exposure to toxic substances. E-waste is a major concern in Africa, with large sites in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is dismantled under unsafe conditions. However, as in many developing countries, used electronic and electrical devices are imported in large quantities because they are in great demand and are less expensive than new ones. Many of these used products are irreparable and are discarded with other solid waste to local landfills. These items are then often scavenged for the purpose of extracting valuable metals by heating and burning, incubating in acids and other methods. These activities pose significant health risks to workers and residents in communities near recycling sites. E-waste burning and dismantling activities are frequently undertaken at e-waste sites, often in or near homes. As a result, children and people living in the surrounding areas are exposed, even if they are not directly involved in the recycling. While toxic substances are dangerous to individuals at any age, children are more vulnerable as they are going through important developmental processes, and some adverse health impacts may have long-term impacts. We review the e-waste situation in Africa with a focus on threats to children's health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamba S. Lebbie
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
| | - Omosehin D. Moyebi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
| | | | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana;
| | - Marie Noel Brune-Drisse
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - William A. Suk
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Children’s Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Peter D. Sly
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Children’s Health and the Environment, Child Health Research Center, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane 4101, Australia;
| | - Julia Gorman
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia;
| | - David O. Carpenter
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; (T.S.L.); (O.D.M.)
- A World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Environmental Health, Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Franza L, Cianci R. Pollution, Inflammation, and Vaccines: A Complex Crosstalk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126330. [PMID: 34208042 PMCID: PMC8296132 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of pollution in determining human health is becoming increasingly clear, also given the dramatic consequences it has had on recent geopolitical events. Yet, the consequences of contamination are not always straightforward. In this paper, we will discuss the effects of different pollutants on different aspects of human health, in particular on the immune system and inflammation. Different environmental pollutants can have different effects on the immune system, which can then promote complex pathologies, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer. The interaction with the microbiota also further helps to determine the consequences of contamination on wellbeing. The pollution can affect vaccination efficacy, given the widespread effects of vaccination on immunity. At the same time, some vaccinations also can exert protective effects against some forms of pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Franza
- Emergency Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8-00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8-00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-3015-7597; Fax: +39-06-3550-2775
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lertassavakorn T, Pholphana N, Rangkadilok N, Suriyo T, Satayavivad J. Determination of perfluorooctane sulphonate and perfluorooctanoic acid in seafood and water from Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate area, Thailand. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2021; 38:1-16. [PMID: 34077336 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2021.1921281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This initial study aimed to determine the concentrations of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in seafood, bottled drinking water, and surface and tap water collected from Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province, Thailand. Samples were collected during dry (January) and wet (June) seasons, 2019. The perfluorinated compounds were cleaned up by solid phase extraction and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with stable isotopic labelled internal standards (13C8-PFOS and 13C8-PFOA). This study reports concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in seafood at levels between 29-6724 and <48-421 ng/kg wet weight, respectively. Surface water samples from rivers and the coastal sea had PFOS and PFOA between 0.60-465.65 and <0.25-59.29 ng/L, respectively. Contamination of PFOS and PFOA in bottled drinking water (<0.125-0.454 and <0.25-0.621 ng/L, respectively) did not exceed the USEPA standard of 70 ng/L. Concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in seafood and water samples between seasons did not show any definite trend. Seafood dietary assessments of PFOS exposure in the seafood eater population raised a health concern, as the exposure exceeded the latest EFSA tolerable weekly intake value for PFAS mixtures (4.4 ng/kg body weight/week). Therefore, environmental and food samples from Map Ta Phut area should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of people living in and around this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teerapong Lertassavakorn
- Environmental Toxicology Program, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute (CGI), Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nanthanit Pholphana
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuchanart Rangkadilok
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), CHE, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawit Suriyo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), CHE, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jutamaad Satayavivad
- Environmental Toxicology Program, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute (CGI), Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), CHE, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Denly L. The effect of sex on responses to influenza vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:1396-1402. [PMID: 33180651 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1830685] [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: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor uptake and limited effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccines mean that influenza continues to create a significant burden of disease. It has been hypothesized that sex differences are present in responses to seasonal influenza vaccines, and that these differences may contribute to this poor vaccine success. This has led to the suggestion that vaccines should be tailored to an individual's biological sex. However, studies in this field are often low quality. Comprehensive analysis of the available literature reveals that there is insufficient evidence to support sex differences in vaccine immunogenicity, effectiveness, or efficacy. Nonetheless, differences in vaccine safety are consistently observed, with females reporting adverse events following immunization more frequently than males. Bias introduced by gender differences in passive reporting of adverse effects may underlie this phenomenon. Highly controlled studies are required in future before any conclusions can be made about potential sex differences in response to seasonal influenza vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Denly
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Determination of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human hair by liquid chromatography-high accurate mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF). J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1172:122651. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
45
|
Bulka CM, Avula V, Fry RC. Associations of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances individually and in mixtures with persistent infections: Recent findings from NHANES 1999-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116619. [PMID: 33578314 PMCID: PMC7957906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Certain viruses and parasites can cause persistent infections that often co-occur and have been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Separate lines of research indicate exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) suppress the immune system. We hypothesized that PFAS exposures might systematically increase susceptibility to persistent infections resulting in a higher pathogen burden. We used data from 8778 individuals (3189 adolescents, 5589 adults) in the nationally-representative U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016 to examine cross-sectional associations between serum concentrations of four highly detected PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA) with the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis C and E, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, T. gondii, and Toxocara spp. Seropositivity was summed to calculate a pathogen burden score reflecting the total number of infections. Separate survey-weighted multivariable regression models were fitted to analyze PFAS individually and quantile g-computation was used to analyze PFAS mixtures. Among adolescents, 38.7% had at least one persistent infection while 14.9% had two or more; among adults, these percentages were 48.0% and 19.7%. Each PFAS was individually associated with significantly higher pathogen burdens and the most pronounced associations were observed in adolescents [e.g., among adolescents, a doubling of PFOS was associated with 30% (95% CI: 25-36%) higher pathogen burden]. Quantile g-computation revealed PFAS mixtures as a whole were also associated with higher pathogen burdens. Taken together, these results suggest PFAS exposure may increase susceptibility to and foster the clustering of persistent infections, particularly among adolescents. Since persistent infections are important contributors to long-term health, prospective data are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vennela Avula
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Mortality for COVID-19: A Spatial Ecological Analysis in the Veneto Region (Italy). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052734. [PMID: 33800362 PMCID: PMC7967461 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is interest in assessing if per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposures are associated with any increased risk of COVID-19 or its severity, given the evidence of immunosuppression by some PFAS. The objective of this paper is to evaluate at the ecological level if a large area (Red Zone) of the Veneto Region, where residents were exposed for decades to drinking water contaminated by PFAS, showed higher mortality for COVID-19 than the rest of the region. Methods: We fitted a Bayesian ecological regression model with spatially and not spatially structured random components on COVID-19 mortality at the municipality level (period between 21 February and 15 April 2020). The model included education score, background all-cause mortality (for the years 2015–2019), and an indicator for the Red Zone. The two random components are intended to adjust for potential hidden confounders. Results: The COVID-19 crude mortality rate ratio for the Red Zone was 1.55 (90% Confidence Interval 1.25; 1.92). From the Bayesian ecological regression model adjusted for education level and baseline all-cause mortality, the rate ratio for the Red Zone was 1.60 (90% Credibility Interval 0.94; 2.51). Conclusion: In conclusion, we observed a higher mortality risk for COVID-19 in a population heavily exposed to PFAS, which was possibly explained by PFAS immunosuppression, bioaccumulation in lung tissue, or pre-existing disease being related to PFAS.
Collapse
|
47
|
Fenton SE, Ducatman A, Boobis A, DeWitt JC, Lau C, Ng C, Smith JS, Roberts SM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:606-630. [PMID: 33017053 PMCID: PMC7906952 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 559] [Impact Index Per Article: 186.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Reports of environmental and human health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have greatly increased in the peer-reviewed literature. The goals of the present review are to assess the state of the science regarding toxicological effects of PFAS and to develop strategies for advancing knowledge on the health effects of this large family of chemicals. Currently, much of the toxicity data available for PFAS are for a handful of chemicals, primarily legacy PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate. Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between exposure to specific PFAS and a variety of health effects, including altered immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer. Concordance with experimental animal data exists for many of these effects. However, information on modes of action and adverse outcome pathways must be expanded, and profound differences in PFAS toxicokinetic properties must be considered in understanding differences in responses between the sexes and among species and life stages. With many health effects noted for a relatively few example compounds and hundreds of other PFAS in commerce lacking toxicity data, more contemporary and high-throughput approaches such as read-across, molecular dynamics, and protein modeling are proposed to accelerate the development of toxicity information on emerging and legacy PFAS, individually and as mixtures. In addition, an appropriate degree of precaution, given what is already known from the PFAS examples noted, may be needed to protect human health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:606-630. © 2020 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E. Fenton
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alan Ducatman
- West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Alan Boobis
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Lau
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carla Ng
- Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James S. Smith
- Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephen M. Roberts
- Center for Environmental & Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of perfluorooctanoic acid administered in feed to Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats. NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM TECHNICAL REPORT SERIES 2021:NTP-TR-598. [PMID: 33556048 PMCID: PMC8039881 DOI: 10.22427/ntp-tr-598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) with widespread exposure in the environment and human population. Lifetime exposure to this chemical is likely, which includes in utero and postnatal development. Previously conducted chronic carcinogenicity studies of PFOA began exposure after these critical periods of development, so it is unknown whether the carcinogenic response is altered if exposure during gestation and lactation is included. The current PFOA chronic studies were designed to assess the contribution of combined gestational and lactational exposure (herein referred to as perinatal exposure) to the chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of PFOA. The hypothesis tested was that including exposure during gestation and lactation (perinatal exposure) with postweaning exposure would change the PFOA carcinogenic response quantitatively (more neoplasms) or qualitatively (different neoplasm types) compared to postweaning exposure alone. (Abstract Abridged).
Collapse
|
49
|
Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Analytical Techniques, Environmental Fate, and Health Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030995. [PMID: 33498193 PMCID: PMC7863963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their unique chemical properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively as industrial surfactants and processing aids. While several types of PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by their manufacturers, these chemicals continue to be of ecological and public health concern due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in living organisms. Moreover, while the compounds referred to as “legacy” PFAS remain in the environment, alternative compounds have emerged as replacements for their legacy predecessors and are now detected in numerous matrices. In this review, we discuss the historical uses of PFAS, recent advances in analytical techniques for analysis of these compounds, and the fate of PFAS in the environment. In addition, we evaluate current biomonitoring studies of human exposure to legacy and emerging PFAS and examine the associations of PFAS exposure with human health impacts, including cancer- and non-cancer-related outcomes. Special focus is given to short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and ether-substituted, polyfluoroalkyl alternatives including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; tradename GenX), 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (DONA), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroethersulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA; tradename F-53B).
Collapse
|
50
|
Hölzer J, Lilienthal H, Schümann M. Human Biomonitoring (HBM)-I values for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) - Description, derivation and discussion. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 121:104862. [PMID: 33444659 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the German Human Biomonitoring Commission (HBM-C) published a statement on its decision to develop HBM-I values for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (Bundesgesundheitsbl 2016, 59:1364 DOI 10.1007/s00103-016-2437-1). The HBM-I value corresponds to the concentration of a substance in a human biological material below which no adverse health effects are expected, according to current knowledge and assessment by the HBM-C, and, consequently, there is no need for action. Evidence for associations between PFOA- and PFOS-body burden and health outcomes was found for fertility and pregnancy, weights of newborns at birth, lipid metabolism, immunity, sex hormones and age at puberty/menarche, thyroid hormones, onset of menopause as well as uric acid metabolism. Significant contrasts were reported for human blood plasma concentrations between 1 and 10 ng PFOA/mL, and 1-15 ng PFOS/mL, respectively. Within the reported ranges, the HBM-C has decided to set the HBM-I-values at 2 ng PFOA/mL and 5 ng PFOS/mL blood plasma. The underlying pathomechanisms do not appear to be sufficiently clarified to provide an unambiguous explanation of the effects observed. Consistency of toxicological and epidemiological data has been considered. The available data do not indicate an unequivocal proof of a genotoxicity of PFOA and PFOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Hölzer
- Department for Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, MA 1/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Hellmuth Lilienthal
- Department for Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, MA 1/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Schümann
- Department for Hygiene, Social and Environmental Medicine, MA 1/31, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|