Groundbreaking Study Links PFAS Exposure to Kidney Damage through Gut Health Disruption

Los Angeles, October 17 (ANI): A transformative study has unveiled a disturbing connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney function, suggesting that disruptions in gut microbiota may play a pivotal role. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are widely used in household items like food packaging and furniture, and they accumulate in the environment and the human body without breaking down easily.

These hazardous chemicals have been linked to a host of severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. However, the precise biological mechanisms responsible for these risks have remained largely enigmatic.

"PFAS are almost ubiquitous in our blood, and while they are connected to various adverse health effects, we currently lack effective measures to reduce their presence in the body. Consequently, we cannot make recommended interventions," stated Hailey Hampson, PhD, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

The research, partially funded by the National Institutes of Health, addresses these crucial gaps by integrating past studies on PFAS, kidney damage, and gut health. For the first time, researchers examined these three elements simultaneously. They discovered a correlation: increased PFAS exposure was linked with worsening kidney function four years later, with changes in the gut microbiome and associated metabolites accounting for up to 50 percent of this decline.

Published in the journal *Science of the Total Environment,* the findings shed light on protective measures against PFAS-related kidney damage. Jesse A. Goodrich, PhD, senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, "These findings contribute vital information that policymakers can use to create regulations to curb public exposure to these harmful chemicals."

The research analyzed a sample of 78 participants, aged 17 to 22, from the Southern California Children's Health Study, a longitudinal project investigating the effects of environmental pollutants on health. Notably, 56 percent of the participants belong to the Hispanic community, which faces a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.

At the study's outset, researchers collected blood and stool samples to measure PFAS levels, gut microbiome composition, and circulating metabolites—substances produced in the gut that are present in the bloodstream. Follow-up data four years later revealed that a one standard deviation increase in PFAS exposure resulted in a 2.4% decrease in kidney function.

Further statistical analysis identified two distinct groups of bacteria and metabolites that explained the adverse effects of PFAS on kidney function. One group accounted for 38 percent of the kidney function change, while the other group explained 50 percent, emphasizing their role in promoting anti-inflammatory responses in the body.

Hampson noted, "Our observations indicate that PFAS exposure could potentially shift the gut microbiome's composition, leading to fewer beneficial bacteria and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory metabolites." Such disruptions point to inflammation and oxidative stress as critical factors, suggesting important avenues for future investigation.

However, researchers recognized a limitation in their study's small sample size. Goodrich pointed out that larger studies are essential to establish how these findings can inform preventative measures against PFAS-induced kidney damage.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to expand their investigation beyond blood metabolites to examine their presence in specific tissues, including the kidneys, to gain deeper insights into the detrimental impacts of PFAS on human health.

Stay informed about this vital research as we uncover how to safeguard our health against the lurking dangers of "forever chemicals."