Linear isomer but not branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate in plasma is associated with eicosapentaenoic acid, a seafood consumption biomarker

Environ Health Prev Med. 2024;29:35. doi: 10.1265/ehpm.24-00140.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global contaminants. Seafood consumption is a possible PFAS exposure route to humans while the isomer specific analysis has not been conducted.

METHODS: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were investigated in residents of Kyoto, Japan (n = 51). The relationship between plasma PFAS and seafood consumption biomarker, the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) was examined by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS: Linear PFOS concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with the EPA/AA ratio in plasma samples (β = 6.80, p = 0.0014). Linear PFHpS was marginally associated with EPA/AA ratio (β = 0.178, p = 0.0874). Branched PFOS isomers and PFHxS had no associations with EPA/AA ratios.

CONCLUSION: Seafood intake may be a significant exposure pathway for PFAS, such as PFOS but the isomers differ.

PMID:39019616 | DOI:10.1265/ehpm.24-00140