New Delhi: A new study has found that increased exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," significantly worsens kidney function. These chemicals, found in everyday products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain food packaging, persist in the environment and human body for long periods due to their inability to break down easily.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California and focused on 78 participants between the ages of 17 and 22. It revealed that PFAS exposure disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to subsequent damage to kidney function. The results, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, suggest that changes in the gut microbiome and associated metabolites due to PFAS exposure could account for up to 50% of the observed decline in kidney function over four years.
The study's lead author, Jesse A. Goodrich, Assistant Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences at USC's Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the significance of these findings. "Our research sheds light on the various health risks posed by PFAS and offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to protect the public from these harmful chemicals," Goodrich stated.
The research team identified two groups of gut bacteria and metabolites responsible for lowering inflammation in the body. The function of these bacteria and metabolites was found to be significantly impaired in individuals with high PFAS exposure. The first group of bacteria accounted for 38% of the reduction in kidney function, while the second group was responsible for 50% of the observed change.
Moreover, the study revealed a concerning shift in the gut microbiome, where anti-inflammatory metabolites decreased, and inflammatory metabolites increased, highlighting inflammation and oxidative stress as possible mechanisms contributing to the decline in kidney function.
The findings offer important insights into the broader health effects of PFAS exposure, further linking these chemicals to a wide array of health problems beyond kidney damage. PFAS exposure has been associated with various conditions, including immune system suppression, cancer, and developmental issues. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that long-term exposure to these chemicals poses a significant risk to human health, particularly its impact on gut bacteria and subsequent inflammatory processes.
These results may influence future regulations and interventions aimed at reducing public exposure to PFAS, which are prevalent in everyday life.