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Effect of Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances on Pregnancy and Child Development

Thanuja Kilari1, Ankul Singh Suresh1, Rukaiah F Begum1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRMIST, Kattankulathur-603209, Tamil Nadu, India.

Current Pediatric Reviews
|January 12, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Maternal exposure to Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) during pregnancy is linked to childhood obesity. PFAS disrupt placental health and child development, impacting body mass index and potentially leading to long-term health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Maternal exposure to Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) is a growing concern for child development.
  • PFAS exposure is associated with increased adiposity and potential health risks in children.
  • The precise mechanisms linking maternal PFAS levels to childhood obesity require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure on overweight and obese children.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of PFAS action in pregnant women and their offspring.
  • To synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between maternal PFAS concentration and child obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was performed using major scientific databases.
  • The review focused on studies investigating PFAS effects on maternal and child health, including neurological outcomes.
  • Analysis included in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human epidemiological data.

Main Results:

  • PFAS exposure disrupts placental health and child growth, negatively impacting body mass index.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate PFAS-induced adipogenesis and weight gain via PPAR-γ and ER-α activation.
  • Maternal serum PFAS concentrations show a positive correlation with adverse child health outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • PFAS readily cross the placenta, posing a risk to fetal development and long-term child health.
  • Disruption of placental homeostasis by PFAS can lead to adverse pregnancy and child health outcomes.
  • Further research is essential to fully understand the complex implications of PFAS exposure for maternal and child well-being.
Abstract

Keywords:
ObesityPPAR-γchild developmentchronic disorder.fluoroalkyl substancespregnancy

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