Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Types of Toxins01:36

Types of Toxins

1.6K
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
1.6K
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

277
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
277
  1. Home
  3. Research Domains
  5. Engineering
  7. Environmental Engineering
  9. Air Pollution Modelling And Control
  11. Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (pfas), Thyroid Hormones, Sexual Hormones And Pubertal Development In Adolescents Residing In The Neighborhood Of A 3m Factory

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), thyroid hormones, sexual hormones and pubertal development in adolescents residing in the neighborhood of a 3M factory

Nicolas van Larebeke1,2, Bianca Cox3, Sylvie Remy3

  • 1Archeology, Environmental Changes and Geochemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, 1050, Belgium. Nicolas.vanlarebeke@ugent.be.

Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source
|June 7, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique
07:06

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique

Published on: September 28, 2022

1.6K
Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow
09:04

Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow

Published on: April 18, 2019

12.4K
Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model
04:14

Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model

Published on: October 6, 2023

778

View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in adolescents near a factory was linked to altered sex hormones and delayed puberty. Thyroid hormone effects varied by sex, indicating significant health impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health Sciences
  • Endocrinology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • A 3M factory near Antwerp has emitted per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), primarily perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), since 1971.
  • PFAS production ceased in 2002 for C8 compounds, but continued for other PFAS until 2024, leading to environmental contamination.
  • Adolescents residing near the factory may have elevated internal PFAS concentrations, necessitating an investigation into potential health effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between internal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations and thyroid hormones.
  • To examine the relationship between internal PFAS concentrations and sexual hormones in adolescents.
  • To assess the impact of PFAS exposure on pubertal development in adolescents living near a contaminated site.
Keywords:
Breast developmentFT3Growth spurtLength

Related Experiment Videos

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique
07:06

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique

Published on: September 28, 2022

1.6K
Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow
09:04

Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow

Published on: April 18, 2019

12.4K
Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model
04:14

Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model

Published on: October 6, 2023

778

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 146 females and 139 males to measure PFAS levels.
  • Hormone levels (LH, testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, inhibin B, FSH, SHBG, TSH, T3, T4) and pubertal development were assessed.
  • Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were employed to analyze associations between PFAS concentrations and various health outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Significant negative associations were observed between PFAS concentrations (e.g., PFHxS, PFOA) and sex hormones (testosterone, LH) in males.
  • Male adolescents exposed to PFAS showed delayed growth and development, including reduced length and growth spurt.
  • Females exhibited delayed pubertal development, including breast development and growth spurt, associated with specific PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFHxS.

Conclusions:

  • PFAS serum concentrations are significantly associated with altered sex hormone and SHBG levels in male adolescents.
  • Exposure to PFAS is linked to a significant delay in pubertal development processes for both male and female adolescents.
  • The impact of PFAS on thyroid hormones differs significantly between sexes, highlighting differential susceptibility.
Luteinizing Hormone
PFDA
PFHxS
PFNA
PFOA
PFOS