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Complex relationships between perfluorooctanoate, body mass index, insulin resistance and serum lipids in young girls

Cecily S Fassler1, Sara E Pinney2, Changchun Xie1

  • 1University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Environmental Research
|July 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in young girls is linked to lower body mass index (BMI) and may influence insulin resistance. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of PFOA on children.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used in manufacturing, leading to human exposure.
  • PFOA serum concentrations are associated with adverse health outcomes, including reduced body mass in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum PFOA levels and body mass, insulin, and lipid profiles in young girls.
  • To explore the role of PFOA in pediatric metabolic health and development.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 353 girls aged 6-8 years in Greater Cincinnati.
  • Measurement of serum polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA, fasting insulin, glucose, lipids, and anthropometric data.
  • Statistical analyses included linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess relationships between PFAS, BMI, and insulin resistance.

Main Results:

  • Median PFOA levels were twice the national average.
  • PFOA showed a statistically significant inverse association with BMI and waist-to-height ratio.
  • PFOA was also associated with lower HDL-cholesterol and a borderline inverse association with insulin resistance (HOMA Index).

Conclusions:

  • PFOA exposure in young girls appears to impact BMI and potentially insulin resistance.
  • Mediation analysis indicated that puberty status influences the direct effects of PFOA on insulin resistance.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenCholesterolInsulin resistancePerfluorooctanoateStructural equation modeling

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