Association between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and kidney function: a population study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic chemicals with uncertain impacts on kidney function.
• Existing research presents conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between PFAS exposure and kidney health markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between exposure to specific PFAS and key indicators of kidney function in a large adult population.
• To explore potential non-linear relationships and mixture effects of PFAS on kidney health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5,947 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012.
• Employed multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic splines, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) and quantile g-computation (Q-gcomp) models for association and mixture analyses.
• Conducted subgroup analyses to identify potential interaction effects.

Main Results:

• Several PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, were negatively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
• Associations were observed between PFAS and urine creatinine (UCR), urine albumin (UAL), and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), with mixed positive and negative relationships.
• Non-linear relationships were detected for all kidney function indicators, and mixed PFAS exposure showed negative associations with eGFR, UAL, and UACR.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates significant associations between exposure to various PFAS and multiple kidney function indicators.
• Findings suggest that PFAS exposure may contribute to kidney dysfunction, providing an important epidemiological perspective on environmental health risks.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term consequences of PFAS on renal health.