Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Toxicological Sciences, kfae065. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfae065 Alicia Arredondo Eve et al.
Points
- This study examines the relationship between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women, particularly the impact of specific PFAS compounds like PFOA, PFOS, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid.
- Postmenopausal women have higher PFAS levels compared to premenopausal women due to the cessation of menstruation, which is essential for PFAS excretion.
- Researchers utilized liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and machine learning to analyze serum metabolites and proteins in postmenopausal women previously enrolled in a cardiovascular disease study.
- The study found significant associations between PFAS exposure and elevated cardiovascular disease risk, with PFOS as a strong predictor of coronary artery disease and PFOA showing intermediate predictability for coronary microvascular disease.
- PFAS levels were closely linked to inflammation-related proteins, suggesting a potential mechanistic relationship between PFAS exposure, inflammation, and increased cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women.
Summary
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, influenced by various factors, including environmental exposures like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, persistent environmental contaminants found in consumer products, have raised health concerns due to their association with endocrine disruptions and adverse effects on cardiovascular and reproductive systems, particularly in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women exhibit higher PFAS levels compared to premenopausal women, attributed to the cessation of menstruation crucial for PFAS excretion. This study aims to investigate the relationship between specific PFAS compounds – perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid – in postmenopausal women and their impact on cardiovascular health.
Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and machine learning techniques, the researchers analyzed serum metabolites and proteins in postmenopausal women previously enrolled in a CVD study. The study focused on assessing the predictive value of PFOS for coronary artery disease and PFOA for coronary microvascular disease. Additionally, the association between PFAS levels and inflammation-related proteins was explored. The findings aimed to shed light on the potential mechanisms through which PFAS exposure contributes to the increased risk of CVDs in postmenopausal women.
The study revealed a significant association between exposure to PFOA and PFOS and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. PFOS emerged as a reliable predictor of coronary artery disease, while PFOA showed intermediate predictability for coronary microvascular disease. Furthermore, the levels of PFAS were found to be closely linked to inflammation-related proteins, suggesting a potential mechanistic relationship between PFAS exposure, inflammation, and the heightened risk of cardiovascular events in this population. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between PFAS exposure, inflammation, and cardiovascular health outcomes in postmenopausal women.
Link to the article: https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/advance-article/doi/10.1093/toxsci/kfae065/7675326
References Arredondo Eve, A., Tunc, E., Mehta, D., Yoo, J. Y., Yilmaz, H. E., Emren, S. V., Akçay, F. A., & Madak Erdogan, Z. (2024). PFAS and their association with the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Toxicological Sciences, kfae065. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfae065
