DZNE researchers present evidence that trace amounts of widely used PFAS chemicals in human blood are associated with an unfavorable lipid profile, and thus an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings are based on data from more than 2,500 adults in Bonn and the Dutch city of Liderdorp. PFAS could be detected in the blood of nearly all study participants.The research results were published in a famous scientific journal exposure and health.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 different substances from the category of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) have been developed since their invention in the 1950s. Because of its ability to repel water, fat, and dirt, it is used in thousands of products such as cosmetics and dental floss, as well as coatings on frying pans and firefighting foam. In addition to their basic chemical structure, PFAS have another thing in common: they are largely nondegradable. It enters the human food chain, especially through groundwater.

young people are especially affected

The Bonn researchers’ findings are the latest contribution to the current debate about the effects of PFAS on human health.

There are clear signs that PFAS are having negative health effects. And they found that for the same PFAS concentration in the blood, the adverse effects were more pronounced in younger subjects than in older subjects. ”

Professor Monique Bretret, Director of Population Health Sciences, DZNE

The results of this study also suggest that even relatively low concentrations of PFAS in the blood are associated with an unfavorable blood lipid profile.

“Our data show that there is a statistically significant correlation between PFAS in the blood and harmful blood lipids associated with cardiovascular risk. Concentrations of lipids are also higher. Strictly speaking, this is not yet evidence that PFAS chemicals cause cardiovascular disease.” “Blood lipid profiles are unfavorable. However, there is a close correlation. “confirms this suspicion and makes a strong argument for stricter regulation of PFAS to protect health,” the Bonn researchers said.

Surprisingly, PFAS could be detected in the blood of almost all subjects. In other words, you can’t escape these chemicals. “Although we do not see any immediate health threat to the study participants studied, the situation remains alarming. In the long term, the increased risk could very well have negative effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. “It’s expensive,” Bretterer said. .

Blood samples from Bonn and the Netherlands

The current study is based on the DZNE’s Rhineland Study, a population-based health study in urban Bonn, and the so-called NEO study in the Netherlands (the Dutch Obesity Epidemiology Study). In this framework, researchers from DZNE collaborated with experts from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. The analysis included blood samples from more than 2,500 women and men between the ages of 30 and 89. For this purpose, cutting-edge technology was used. “Techniques to analyze blood samples with the precision required for our research have only become available in the last few years,” says Elvire Landstra, a scientist at DZNE. She is the first author of the current publication together with her Leiden colleagues.

Most detailed study to date

The blood samples were analyzed in detail using an advanced method known as mass spectrometry. In their analysis, researchers focused on the three most prevalent PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, and also measured concentrations of 224 blood lipids, metabolites, and amino acids. did. “With this ‘untargeted approach’ – a deliberate broad approach without pre-targeting – we demonstrate a relationship between PFAS concentrations and the problematic profile of fatty substances, so-called lipids. These include the well-known cholesterol and various lipids, other blood lipids that are known to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease.” Elvia Rand Stra says. No significant differences were found between the Bonn and Leiderdorp samples. “Our study is the most detailed and has the largest database on this topic to date. Previous studies have already suggested a correlation between PFAS and unhealthy blood lipids. However, this link has never been as clear as it was in our study.”

The Bonn researchers suggest that future studies could focus on specific areas of the body. “We looked at blood levels. A logical next step would be to look at the occurrence of PFAS in individual organs,” says Monique Breteler.