Sorbent Intervention to Reduce Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Maternal Reproductive Tissues and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Reproductive health
• Developmental toxicology

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants.
• Exposure during gestation and lactation poses significant health risks.
• Early-life exposure can lead to long-term health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reproductive toxicity of PFAS in maternal rats.
• To measure PFAS translocation from mother to offspring.
• To evaluate the efficacy of enterosorbent treatments in mitigating PFAS toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to PFAS (0.95 mg/kg-bw/day) prenatally and postnatally.
• PFAS levels, reproductive tissue histopathology, and offspring growth were measured.
• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) sorbents (activated carbon, acid-processed montmorillonite) were administered.

Main Results:

• PFAS detected in maternal ovaries and testes, causing ovarian damage.
• Significant transfer of PFAS from mother to milk and offspring (liver, serum).
• PFAS exposure reduced offspring growth, induced inflammation and hepatotoxicity.
• Sorbents significantly reduced maternal PFAS burden and restored ovarian health.
• Sorbents prevented offspring oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage despite minor reduction in PFAS levels.

Conclusions:

• Early-life PFAS exposure causes multi-generational reproductive and developmental toxicity.
• Enterosorbent treatments show promise in reducing PFAS bioavailability and mitigating adverse effects.
• Targeted interventions during vulnerable periods are crucial for reducing PFAS toxicity.