The association between perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid profile in exposed pregnant women in the Veneto region, Italy

Residents of a large area North-Eastern Italy were exposed for decades to high concentrations perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Serum PFAS levels have been consistently associated with elevated serum lipids, but few studies conducted among pregnant women, none has stratified analyses by trimester gestation. Elevated lipid during pregnancy can both immediate long-lasting effects on women the developing fetus. We evaluated association between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoro-hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) in relation profiles highly-exposed women. A cross-sectional analysis was 319 (age 14–48 years) enrolled Regional health surveillance program. Non-fasting blood samples obtained any analyzed PFOA, PFOS PFHxS, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Low-density (LDL-C) calculated. The associations ln-transformed (and categorized into quartiles) lipids assessed using generalized additive models. Analyses adjusted potential confounders according trimester. geometric means PFHxS 14.78 ng/mL, 2.67 ng/mL 1.89 respectively. plasma TC, HDL-C LDL-C increased steadily throughout trimesters. In 1st trimester, positively TC HDL-C. 3rd instead, an inverse relationship seen PFOA LDL-C. Results suggest might differ trimesters pregnancy. first patterns are similar those non-pregnant while they late Different independent behavior explain our observations. These findings support ubiquitous exposure possible influence metabolisms careful evaluation timing measurement, when examining gestational outcomes related amounts.