Association Between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposures and Thyroid Homeostasis Parameters
Xinwen Yu1, Yufei Liu1, Meiying Wang1
1Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi, China.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 18, 2024
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure is linked to altered peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity in U.S. adults. This study highlights potential health impacts beyond individual thyroid hormones, focusing on homeostasis disruption.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants known to disrupt thyroid homeostasis.
- Previous research primarily focused on the effects of individual PFAS on specific thyroid hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to various PFAS and comprehensive thyroid homeostasis parameters in adults.
- To differentiate the impact of PFAS on central versus peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2386 U.S. adults from NHANES (2007-2008, 2011-2012).
- Calculation of central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity using thyroid hormone levels.
- Application of multivariable regression, Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS), and Quantile G-computation (QGC) models to assess PFAS-thyroid relationships and co-exposures.
Main Results:
- Positive associations were found between specific PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS) and the free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine ratio (FT3/FT4) and peripheral deiodinase activity (SPINA-GD).
- No significant associations were observed between PFAS exposure and central thyroid sensitivity parameters.
- WQS and QGC models confirmed that mixed PFAS co-exposures positively correlate with FT3/FT4 and SPINA-GD, with PFOA being a significant contributor.
Conclusions:
- PFAS exposure appears to impact peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity rather than central sensitivity in the general U.S. adult population.
- Findings enhance understanding of PFAS toxicology concerning thyroid function and its broader health implications.
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