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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Exploring the link between PFASs exposure and gestational diabetes risk within the TRAEC framework.
Jinzhao Ma1, Rui Niu2, Yupeng Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
Summary
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is linked to increased gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. This study confirms the association using a systematic toxicological risk assessment and mouse models, emphasizing the need for interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Potential health impacts of PFASs during pregnancy are a growing concern.
- Evidence linking PFASs exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between PFASs exposure and GDM risk.
- To integrate epidemiological, animal, and mechanistic evidence using the TRAEC strategy.
- To provide robust evidence for public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science.
- Toxicological Risk Assessment for Environmental Chemicals (TRAEC) strategy application.
- Targeted mouse experiments on gestational exposure to typical PFASs.
Main Results:
- Integrated findings from 36 studies on nine PFASs subtypes and GDM risk.
- Mouse experiments confirmed PFNA exposure increased blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerance.
- TRAEC evaluation revealed a significant correlation between PFASs exposure and GDM risk, with moderate evidence strength.
Conclusions:
- PFASs exposure robustly elevates GDM risk.
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and PFNA show the strongest associations.
- Public health interventions are needed to protect maternal-fetal metabolic health.
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