Assessment of the Emerging Threat Posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Male Reproduction in Humans

Integrated PBPK Modelling for PFOA Exposure and Risk Assessment

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) pose significant public health concerns due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and ubiquitous presence in human biomonitoring (HBM) data, despite regulatory restrictions. This study establishes a deterministic pharmacokinetic model for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), enabling the estimation of PFOA concentrations in major human organs, even at low doses. The model integrates accumulation and recirculation mechanisms of PFOA in hepatic and renal tissues, leveraging publicly available HBM datasets (e.g., HBM4EU, NHANES, literature) to reconstruct bodyweight-normalized intake levels. Importantly, due to the extremely low urinary excretion concentrations of PFOA, most datasets were derived from blood-based measurements, particularly serum while confirming urine as unreliable biomarker of exposure. The analysis underscores the effectiveness of regulatory efforts in reducing PFOA exposures, as evidenced by declining time-trends in estimated exposure levels in recent studies. Risk characterization ratios were calculated based on recommended limits set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the United States, and Australia. While EFSA's tolerable weekly intake (TWI) indicated a high risk, other regulatory limits suggested less concern about risk at these intake levels. These findings highlight the need for continuous re-evaluation of exposures and targeted studies to identify key determinants of PFOA exposure, informing future regulatory measures. The study emphasizes the critical role of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, HBM data, and exposure reconstruction in advancing chemical risk assessment. These tools form a science-based framework integral to the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), enabling accurate predictions of internal exposure levels, empirical validation of models, and robust assessments of real-world exposure scenarios. The integration of these approaches supports the CSS goals of minimizing chemical risks while promoting innovation, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and protective regulatory landscape for human health and the environment.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environment and potential health impacts: Sources, remediation treatment and management, policy guidelines, destructive technologies, and techno-economic analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals and ubiquitous persistence, pose significant public health challenges due to their potential toxicity, particularly in drinking water and soil contamination. However, PFAS occurrence and their concentrations in different environmental matrices vary globally, but factors influencing trends, transport, fate, toxicity, and interactions with co-contaminants remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this review critically examines the state-of-the-art worldwide PFAS sources, distribution, and pathways, and evaluates how PFASs are processed in wastewater treatment, generally, which causes severe problems with the quality and safety of drinking water. Importantly, the review also underscores health issues due to PFAS consumption and recent research trends on developing effective treatment strategies to manage PFAS contamination. Potential effects of PFAS were linked to urban land use and the proportion of wastewater effluent in streamflow. Besides, major emphasis was provided on challenges for conventional treatment, destructive technologies, environmental accumulation, precursor transformation, and cost-investment related to PFAS removal technologies. To combat PFAS contamination, this review proposes a framework that promotes the comprehensive identification of prevalent compounds, with a focus on their eradication through knowledge-based and targeted analysis. Additionally, it explores the ongoing debate surrounding PFAS laws and legal frameworks, offering ideas for enhancing contamination management. Lastly, this review provides a strategic plan for improving response and preparedness, serving as a foundation for addressing future environmental challenges and informing health risk assessments.

Phytoremediation evaluation of forever chemicals using hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Pollen bioaccumulation and the risk to bees

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often termed "forever chemicals," are a diverse group of persistent fluorinated compounds, including the well-known perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which has been identified as lethal to bee larvae. However, the risk of PFAS exposure through pollen, a bee's primary food source, has not been thoroughly investigated. In controlled greenhouse experiments, Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) plants were cultivated in soil contaminated with eight PFAS compounds. Phytoremediation potential was assessed by measuring bioconcentration factors (BCF) in both the total above-ground biomass and pollen. The study found that BCF for total PFAS in hemp pollen was significant (>20.8), with over 45% of the total PFAS uptake of around 3248 μg/kg concentrated in the pollen. Based on these figures, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of PFOS for western honeybees (Apis mellifera) was found to be about 124.5 μg/kg body weight per day. These findings underscore a critical global threat to pollinator health, with significant implications for agriculture and biodiversity.

Protective Effects of Resveratrol Against Perfluorooctanoic Acid-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Toxicity in Adult Rats Exposed During Their Prepubertal Period

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol (RES) against oxidative toxicity induced by testicular toxicants are well documented. The current study aimed to investigate the probable beneficial role of RES on male reproduction in adult rats following prepubertal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Healthy rats of the Wistar strain (23 days old) were allocated into four groups. Rats in group I did not receive any treatment, while rats in groups II, III, and IV received RES, PFOA, and RES + PFOA, respectively, between days 23 and 56 and were monitored for up to 90 days. Exposure to PFOA resulted in a significant reduction in spermiogram parameters, testicular 3β- and 17β-HSD activity levels, and circulatory levels of testosterone. A significant elevation in LPx, PCs, H2O2, and O2-, associated with a concomitant reduction in SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GSH, was noticed in the testes, as well as region-specific changes in pro- and antioxidants in the epididymides of exposed rats compared to controls. A significant increase in serum FSH and LH, testicular cholesterol levels, and caspase-3 activity was observed in PFOA-exposed rats compared to controls. Histological analysis revealed that the integrity of the testes was deteriorated in PFOA-exposed rats. Transcriptomic profiling of the testes and epididymides revealed 98 and 611 altered genes, respectively. In the testes, apoptosis and glutathione pathways were disrupted, while in the epididymides, glutathione and bile secretion pathways were altered in PFOA-exposed rats. PFOA exposure resulted in the down-regulation in the testes of 17β-HSD, StAR, nfe2l2, ar, Lhcgr, and mRNA levels, associated with the up-regulation of casp3 mRNA, and down-regulation of alpha 1 adrenoceptor, muscarinic choline receptor 3, and androgen receptor in the epididymides of exposed rats compared to the controls. These events might lead to male infertility in PFOA-exposed rats. In contrast, restoration of selected reproductive variables was observed in RES plus PFOA-exposed rats compared to rats exposed to PFOA alone. Taken together, we postulate that prepubertal exposure to PFOA triggered oxidative damage and altered genes in the testes and epididymides, leading to suppressed male reproductive health in adult rats, while RES, with its steroidogenic, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant effects, restored PFOA-induced fertility potential in rats.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Semen Associated with Repeated Measures of Semen Quality in Healthy Adult Men

Although epidemiological studies have explored the association between poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations and semen quality, existing findings are often inconsistent. Our work aimed to explore the association of PFAS in plasma and semen with repeated measures of semen quality parameters in healthy adults. Plasma was collected at the initial recruitment and semen was collected at least once within five predetermined intervals during an approximately 3-month period. Semen volume, concentration, motility, and total sperm count were measured in each semen specimen. PFAS was measured in individual plasma samples (n = 1252) and pooled semen samples (n = 1019) from multiple collections (or in a single semen sample if no multiple collection was available). The results reveal seminal perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate were significantly associated with decreased sperm progressive motility and total motility, while multiple seminal PFAS were positively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count. By contrast, null associations were observed between plasma PFAS and semen quality. Our study provides epidemiological evidence that PFAS exposure may affect male fertility and seminal PFAS should be measured for precise assessment of the impact of PFAS on male reproductive performances.

Unveiling the Research Void: Exploring the Reproductive Effects of PFAS Compounds on Male Health

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent an emerging concern for male reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have reported associations between increased PFAS exposure and reduced semen quality parameters, lower sperm counts, and potential alterations in reproductive hormone levels. Toxicology research has revealed possible mechanisms including blood-testis barrier disruption, oxidative stress, interference with testicular cell function, and epigenetic changes. However, significant uncertainties remain regarding definitive exposure-response relationships, developmental windows of heightened vulnerability, combined mixture effects, and causality interpretation, given limitations inherent to observational studies. Ongoing investigation of short-chain and replacement PFAS compounds is also critically needed. Additionally, directly connecting the mechanistic insights from animal models to human fertility impacts remains challenging. While controlled toxicology studies have described pathways by which PFAS could impair cellular functioning in the testes, uncertainty persists in extrapolating these experimental effects to real-world human exposures and sperm parameter declines reported epidemiologically. Overall, current findings suggest PFAS may contribute to declining male reproductive function, but additional clarification through well-designed longitudinal cohort studies integrated with mechanistic animal work is still warranted to confirm exposure-fertility links across a range of PFAS types and inform evidence-based public health mitigation strategies.

Preparation of Polyaniline Modified Cellulose Filter Paper and Its Application in Detecting 23 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a widely used class of synthetic chemicals that pose a significant global environmental and health threat due to their persistent and bioaccumulation toxicity caused by strong C-F bonds in their structures. PFAS usually exist in trace concentrations in environmental water bodies, which poses great challenges for environmental analysis. In this study, environmentally friendly cellulose was modified with polyaniline through in situ oxidative polymerization, and used as the filter paper for solid-phase extracting 23 PFAS in water. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, and thermogravimetric analysis indicated the successful synthesis of structurally stable polyaniline-modified cellulose filter paper (PANI/CFP). Then, a high-performance liquid chromatograph-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry determination method was established for 23 PFAS from water using PANI/CFP extraction. The optimal adsorption occurred at a solution pH of 3.0-5.0, and the best elution efficiency can be achieved using methanol with 2% added ammonia water. The adsorption mechanism of 23 PFAS by PANI/CFP can be considered as the result of synergistic effects between physical and chemical adsorption. The recovery rates for 23 PFAS in groundwater, surface water, and wastewater ranged from 65.8% to 105%, with limits of detection and quantification from 0.44 to 36.5 ng/L. After being reused five times, PANI/CFP can still maintain a good extraction recovery rate for PFAS. This study successfully prepared PANI/CFP and established an experimental method flow for its application in the extraction and detection of 23 PFAS in water. The PANI/CFP has the characteristics of stable structure and properties, and easy operation.

Environmental Exposure to Per- and Polyfluorylalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Reproductive Outcomes in the General Population: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies

This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review synthesized effects of background levels of per- and polyfluorylalkyl substance (PFAS) levels on reproductive health outcomes in the general public: fertility, preterm birth, miscarriage, ovarian health, menstruation, menopause, sperm health, and in utero fetal growth. The inclusion criteria included original research (or primary) studies, human subjects, and investigation of outcomes of interest following non-occupational exposures. It drew from four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Health and Environmental Research Online (HERO)) using a standardized search string for all studies published between 1 January 2017 and 13 April 2022. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted and reviewed by multiple reviewers. Each study was summarized under its outcome in terms of methodology and results and placed in context, with recommendations for future research. Of 1712 records identified, 30 were eligible, with a total of 27,901 participants (33 datasets, as three studies included multiple outcomes). There was no effect of background levels of PFAS on fertility. There were weakly to moderately increased odds of preterm birth with higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) levels; the same for miscarriage with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels. There was limited yet suggestive evidence for a link between PFAS and early menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency; menstrual cycle characteristics were inconsistent. PFAS moderately increased odds of PCOS- and endometriosis-related infertility, respectively. Sperm motility and DNA health were moderately impaired by multiple PFAS. Fetal growth findings were inconsistent. This review may be used to inform forthcoming drinking water standards and policy initiatives regarding PFAS compounds and drinking water. Future reviews would benefit from more recent studies. Larger studies in these areas are warranted. Future studies should plan large cohorts and open access data availability to capture small effects and serve the public. Funding: Great Lakes Water Authority (Detroit, MI), the Erb Family Foundation through Healthy Urban Waters at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), and Wayne State University CLEAR Superfund Research (NIH P42ES030991).

Reproductive mechanisms, pathologies, and health inclusivity: insights from the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology

In 2023, the Society for Reproductive Biology met in Brisbane to deliver its largest scientific program to date. Herein, we detail key areas of notable discovery across the reproductive biology and fertility landscapes, as well as pressing areas that require further research. Specifically, we focus on five key themes: the cellular basis of reproduction; environmental impacts on reproduction; inclusivity in reproductive health; reproductive cancers; and evolution of reproduction mechanisms. Highlights included the utility of organism models, such as using fruit flies to model human genetic disease, and the development of new blastocyst models; the impact of elevated temperature and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the germline, sex organ development, and fertility in mammals; how we can improve the inclusivity of transgender and Pacific Rainbow+ people in reproductive health; novel insights in reproductive cancer pathogenesis and inhibitor treatments; and the evolution of the sex chromosomes and sex determination across animals. The breadth of topics covered underscores the far-reaching impacts of reproduction and its related processes across life, health, and wellbeing, as well as for food production and the economy.

PFAS Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Implications for Sperm Epigenetics

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants found in human tissues and persist in the environment, posing significant risks to reproductive health. This review examines the impact of PFAS exposure on male reproductive health, with a focus on sperm epigenetics. PFASs disrupt endocrine function by altering key reproductive hormones and impairing sperm motility, quality, and viability. Epidemiologic and animal studies highlight inconsistent yet concerning associations between PFAS exposure and semen parameters, as well as altered gene expression and DNA methylation patterns. Moreover, PFAS exposure during critical windows of development has been linked to differential impacts on male versus female pubertal development, cognitive outcomes, and reproductive physiology, emphasizing the complexity of PFAS interactions. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for continued research into the mechanisms by which PFASs influence reproductive health and development with potential implications for sperm epigenetics. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the epigenetic mechanisms behind these disruptions, particularly DNA methylation and its role in heritable changes. Investigating the epigenetic modifications driven by PFAS exposure is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms by which these chemicals influence reproductive health. Future research should focus on understanding these epigenetic changes in both immediate fertility outcomes and transgenerational health risks.

Diet rich in soluble dietary fibres increases excretion of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) belongs to a large group of anthropogenic compounds with high persistency named per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). Widespread use from industry to household appliances and food-contact materials contributes to PFAS exposure with food as the primary source. Association studies suggest that vegetables and fibre rich diet may reduce PFOS levels in humans, but experimental data remain limited. Here, we investigated PFOS uptake and wash-out after seven days of PFOS (3 mg/kg/day) in two groups of rats (N = 12 per group) fed diets either high (HF) or low (LF) in soluble dietary fibres. Two control groups (N = 12/group) were fed the same diets without PFOS. Changes in pH and transit time were monitored alongside intestinal and faecal microbiota composition. We quantified systemic and excreted, linear and branched PFOS. Results revealed significantly lower pH and faster intestinal transit in the HF groups. Importantly, HF rats had lower serum PFOS concentrations and higher PFOS concentrations in caecal content and faeces, indicating a more efficient excretion on the fibre rich diet. In both dietary groups, PFOS affected the gut microbiota composition. Our results suggest that a diet rich in soluble dietary fibres accelerates excretion of PFOS and lowers PFOS concentration in serum.

Male infertility and perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: evidence for alterations in phosphorylation of proteins and fertility-related functional attributes in bull spermatozoa†

BACKGROUND

Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental pollutants and potential threats to reproductive health. Epidemiological studies have established an association between PFAS and male infertility, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate the effect of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the most prevalent and representative PFAS, on bull sperm protein phosphorylation and function.

METHODS

We exposed bull sperm to PFOS at 10 (average population exposure) and 100 μM (high-exposure scenario), and analyzed global proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by TMT labeling and Nano LC-MS/MS. We also measured sperm fertility functions by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

PFOS at 10-μM altered sperm proteins linked to spermatogenesis and chromatin condensation, while at 100 μM, PFOS affected proteins associated with motility and fertility. We detected 299 phosphopeptides from 116 proteins, with 45 exhibiting differential expression between control and PFOS groups. PFOS dysregulated phosphorylation of key proteins (ACRBP, PRKAR2A, RAB2B, SPAG8, TUBB4B, ZPBP, and C2CD6) involved in sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, sperm-egg interaction, and fertilization. PFOS also affected phosphorylation of other proteins (AQP7, HSBP9, IL4I1, PRKAR1A, and CCT8L2) related to sperm stress resistance and cryotolerance. Notably, four proteins (PRM1, ACRBP, TSSK1B, and CFAP45) exhibited differential regulation at both proteomic and phosphoproteomic levels. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that PFOS increased protein phosphorylation in sperm and also decreased sperm motility, viability, calcium, and mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial ROS in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that PFOS exposure negatively affects phosphorylation of proteins vital for bull sperm function and fertilization.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced Sertoli cell injury through c-Jun N-terminal kinase: a study by RNA-Seq

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a family of "forever chemicals" including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). These toxic chemicals do not break down in the environment or in our bodies. In the human body, PFOS and perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) have a half-life (T1/2) of about 4-5 yr so low daily consumption of these chemicals can accumulate in the human body to a harmful level over a long period. Although the use of PFOS in consumer products was banned in the United States in 2022/2023, this forever chemical remains detectable in our tap water and food products. Every American tested has a high level of PFAS in their blood (https://cleanwater.org/pfas-forever-chemicals). In this report, we used a Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) model with primary Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with an established functional tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier that mimicked the BTB in vivo. Treatment of Sertoli cells with PFOS was found to perturb the TJ-barrier, which was the result of cytoskeletal disruption across the cell cytoplasm, disrupting actin and microtubule polymerization. These changes thus affected the proper localization of BTB-associated proteins at the BTB. Using RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling, bioinformatics analysis, and pertinent biochemical and cell biology techniques, it was discovered that PFOS -induced Sertoli cell toxicity through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; also known as stress-activated protein kinase, SAPK) and its phosphorylated/active form p-JNK signaling pathway. More importantly, KB-R7943 mesylate (KB), a JNK/p-JNK activator, was capable of blocking PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury, supporting the notion that PFOS-induced cell injury can possibly be therapeutically managed.NEW & NOTEWORTHY PFOS induces Sertoli cell injury, including disruption of the 1) blood-testis barrier function and 2) cytoskeletal organization, which, in turn, impedes male reproductive function. These changes are mediated by JNK/p-JNK signaling pathway. However, the use of KB-R7943, a JNK/p-JNK activator was capable of blocking PFOS-induced Sertoli cell injury, supporting the possibility of therapeutically managing PFOS-induced reproductive dysfunction.

Effects of hazardous chemicals on secondary sex ratio: A comprehensive review

The secondary sex ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of male to female offspring at birth, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its potential impact on population dynamics and evolution. In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the potential consequences of environmental chemicals on the SSR, given their widespread exposure and potential enduring ramifications on the reproductive system. While SSR serves as an indicator of health, ongoing research and scientific inquiry are being conducted to explore the potential relationship between chemicals and offspring ratio. Although some studies have suggested a possible correlation, others have yielded inconclusive results, indicating that the topic is intricate and still needs to be elucidated. The precise mechanism by which chemical agents exert their influence on the SSR remains ambiguous, with disruption of the endocrine system being a prominent justification. In light of the complex interplay between chemical exposure and SSR, the present review aims to comprehensively examine and synthesize existing scientific literature to gain a deeper understanding of how specific chemical exposures may impact SSR. Insights into chemical hazards that shift SSR patterns or trends could guide prevention strategies, including legislative bans of certain chemicals, to minimize environmental and public health risks.

An environmentally relevant mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts proliferation, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene transcription in primary human granulosa cells

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation and are environmentally persistent. PFAS are found in many consumer products and are a major source of water and soil contamination. This study investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS]) on the transcriptome and function of human granulosa cells (hGCs). Primary hGCs were harvested from follicular aspirates of healthy, reproductive-age women who were undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) was performed to identify PFAS compounds in pure follicular fluid. Cells were cultured with vehicle control or a PFAS mixture (2 nM PFHxS, 7 nM PFOA, 10 nM PFOS) for 96 h. Analyses of cell proliferation/apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and gene expression were measured via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays/immunofluorescence, ELISA/western blotting, and RNA sequencing/bioinformatics, respectively. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were detected in 100% of follicle fluid samples. Increased cell proliferation was observed in hGCs treated with the PFAS mixture with no impacts on cellular apoptosis. The PFAS mixture also altered steroid hormone synthesis, increasing both follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated and basal progesterone secretion and concomitant upregulation of STAR protein. RNA sequencing revealed inherent differences in transcriptomic profiles in hGCs after PFAS exposure. This study demonstrates functional and transcriptomic changes in hGCs after exposure to a PFAS mixture, improving our knowledge about the impacts of PFAS exposures and female reproductive health. These findings suggest that PFAS compounds can disrupt normal granulosa cell function with possible long-term consequences on overall reproductive health.

Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction

Per- and poly-fluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of chemicals that persist both in the environment and in the body. Legacy PFAS, e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, are implicated as endocrine disruptors and reproductive and developmental toxicants in epidemiological and animal model studies. This review describes female reproductive outcomes of reported studies and includes where associative relationships between PFAS exposures and female reproductive outcomes have been observed as well as where those are absent. In animal models, studies in which PFAS are documented to cause toxicity and where effects are lacking are described. Discrepancies exist in both human and animal studies and are likely attributable to human geographical contamination, developmental status, duration of exposure, and PFAS chemical identity. Similarly, in animal investigations, the model used, exposure paradigm, and developmental status of the female are important and vary widely in documented studies. Taken together, support for PFAS as reproductive and developmental toxicants exists, although the disparity in study conditions and human exposures contribute to the variation in effects noted.

The perils of poly- and perfluorinated chemicals on the reproductive health of humans, livestock, and wildlife

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a prominent class of persistent synthetic compound. The widespread use of these substances in various industrial applications has resulted in their pervasive contamination on a global scale. It is therefore concerning that PFAS have a propensity to accumulate in bodily tissues whereupon they have been linked with a range of adverse health outcomes. Despite this, the true extent of the risk posed by PFAS to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife remains unclear. Addressing these questions requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining the fields of chemistry, biology, and policy to enable meaningful investigation and develop innovative remediation strategies. This article combines the perspectives of chemists, soil scientists, reproductive biologists, and health policy researchers, to contextualise the issue of PFAS contamination and its specific impact on reproductive health. The purpose of this article is to describe the challenges associated with remediating PFAS-contaminated soils and waters and explore the consequences of PFAS contamination on health and reproduction. Furthermore, current actions to promote planetary health and protect ecosystems are presented to instigate positive social change among the scientific community.

Biodegradation Potential of C7-C10 Perfluorocarboxylic Acids and Data from the Genome of a New Strain of Pseudomonas mosselii 5(3)

The use of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas-destructors of persistent pollutants for biotechnologies of environmental purification-is an interesting area of research. The aim of this work was to study the potential of Pseudomonas mosselii strain 5(3) isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil as a degrader of C7-C10 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and analyze its complete genome. The genome of the strain has been fully sequenced. It consists of a chromosome with a length of 5,676,241 b.p. and containing a total of 5134 genes, in particular, haloalkane dehalogenase gene (dhaA), haloacetate dehalogenase H-1 gene (dehH1), fluoride ion transporter gene (crcB) and alkanesulfonate monooxygenase gene (ssuE), responsible for the degradation of fluorinated compounds. The strain P. mosselii 5(3) for was cultivated for 7 days in a liquid medium with various C7-C10 PFCAs as the sole source of carbon and energy, and completely disposed of them. The results of LC-MS analysis showed that the transformation takes place due to perfluorohexanoic acid with the release of various levels of stoichiometry (depending on PFCA) of fluorine ion mineralization indicators determined by ion chromatography. Thus, Pseudomonas mosselii strain 5(3) demonstrates a genetically confirmed high potential for the decomposition of C7-C10 PFCA.

Association of living environmental and occupational factors with semen quality in chinese men: a cross-sectional study

Sperm quality can be easily influenced by living environmental and occupational factors. This study aimed to discover potential semen quality related living environmental and occupational factors, expand knowledge of risk factors for semen quality, strengthen men's awareness of protecting their own fertility and assist the clinicians to judge the patient's fertility. 465 men without obese or underweight (18.5 < BMI < 28.5 kg/m2), long-term medical history and history of drug use, were recruited between June 2020 to July 2021, they are in reproductive age (25 < age < 45 years). We have collected their semen analysis results and clinical information. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association of semen quality with different factors. We found that living environment close to high voltage line (283.4 × 106/ml vs 219.8 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.116, P = 0.030) and substation (309.1 × 106/ml vs 222.4 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.085, P = 0.015) will influence sperm count. Experienced decoration in the past 6 months was a significant factor to sperm count (194.2 × 106/ml vs 261.0 × 106/ml, Cohen d = 0.120, P = 0.025). Living close to chemical plant will affect semen PH (7.5 vs 7.2, Cohen d = 0.181, P = 0.001). Domicile close to a power distribution room will affect progressive sperm motility (37.0% vs 34.0%, F = 4.773, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.030). Using computers will affect both progressive motility sperm (36.0% vs 28.1%, t = 2.762, Cohen d = 0.033, P = 0.006) and sperm total motility (57.0% vs 41.0%, Cohen d = 0.178, P = 0.009). After adjust for potential confounding factors (age and BMI), our regression model reveals that living close to high voltage line is a risk factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.15-14.18, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.030), living close to Chemical plants is a protective factor for sperm concentration (Adjusted OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.46, R2 = 0.048, P = 0.001) and total sperm count (Adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.99, R2 = 0.026, P = 0.049). Time spends on computer will affect sperm total motility (Adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.11-4.73, R2 = 0.041, P = 0.025). Sum up, our results suggested that computer using, living and working surroundings (voltage line, substation and chemical plants, transformer room), and housing decoration may association with low semen quality. Suggesting that some easily ignored factors may affect male reproductive ability. Couples trying to become pregnant should try to avoid exposure to associated risk factors. The specific mechanism of risk factors affecting male reproductive ability remains to be elucidated.

Research Progress of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Edible Oil-A Review

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely used in different types of consumer and industrial applications such as surfactants, household cleaning products, textiles, carpets, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and food packaging because of their good stability and special physicochemical properties of hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, high temperature resistance, etc. Meanwhile, PFASs are considered an emerging organic pollutant due to their persistence and potential toxicity to human health. PFASs occur in edible oil, an important component of the global diet, mainly in three ways: raw material contamination, process contamination, and migration from oil contact materials. Thus, the occurrence of PFAS in edible oils has drawn more and more attention in recent years. In this work, the pertinent literature of the last two decades from the Web of Science database was researched. This review systematically addressed the potential sources, the contamination levels, and the progress of the determination of PFASs in edible oil. It aims to provide a relatively whole profile of PFASs in edible oil, render assistance to minimise human exposure to PFASs, and standardise the detection methods of perfluoroalkyl substances in edible oil.

Cross-Species Transcriptomics Analysis Highlights Conserved Molecular Responses to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

In recent decades, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have garnered widespread public attention due to their persistence in the environment and detrimental effects on the health of living organisms, spurring the generation of several transcriptome-centered investigations to understand the biological basis of their mechanism. In this study, we collected 2144 publicly available samples from seven distinct animal species to examine the molecular responses to PFAS exposure and to determine if there are conserved responses. Our comparative transcriptional analysis revealed that exposure to PFAS is conserved across different tissues, molecules and species. We identified and reported several genes exhibiting consistent and evolutionarily conserved transcriptional response to PFASs, such as ESR1, HADHA and ID1, as well as several pathways including lipid metabolism, immune response and hormone pathways. This study provides the first evidence that distinct PFAS molecules induce comparable transcriptional changes and affect the same metabolic processes across inter-species borders. Our findings have significant implications for understanding the impact of PFAS exposure on living organisms and the environment. We believe that this study offers a novel perspective on the molecular responses to PFAS exposure and provides a foundation for future research into developing strategies for mitigating the detrimental effects of these substances in the ecosystem.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) affects steroidogenesis and antioxidant defence in granulosa cells from swine ovary

PFOA is mainly employed in products with water and oil repellent properties. Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation and critical effects on health, its use has been restricted in several countries. This research was intended to explore PFOA action on the main functions of swine ovarian granulosa cells, a valuable model for translational medicine. Moreover, since we previously demonstrated a disruptive effect on free radical generation we sought to explore PFOA effects on the main antioxidant enzymes. PFOA inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.001), assessed by BrdU uptake. Steroidogenesis was disrupted: PFOA also stimulated 17β-estradiol production (p < 0.05), increased progesterone production (p < 0.05) at the lowest dose while it displayed an inhibitory effect at higher concentrations (p < 0.05). SOD (p < 0.001), catalase (p < 0.05) and peroxidase (p < 0.01) activities were stimulated. Therefore, our study supports a disruptive effect of PFOA in cultured swine granulosa cells.

Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence

As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca²⁺ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.