New research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has found a connection between various types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”) and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study specifically uncovers how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways in older women, offering potential explanations for the increased risk.A new study has discovered how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways in older women, potentially explaining the increased risk. Past research has indicated that PFAS exposures may contribute to cardiovascular disease during menopause, but the biological mechanisms were unclear. Lead study author Alicia Arredondo Eve, a postdoctoral researcher, stated that they focused on specific PFAS chemicals and the cardiovascular aspect.”ovascular diseases that are more prevalent in elderly women.”
Avoiding PFAS is a challenge. These synthetic chemicals are found in nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, food packaging, receipts, and various other products we encounter daily. They are also widespread in our water supply. Some forms of PFAS can linger in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, which is why they are known as “forever chemicals.”
Unsurprisingly, research indicates that nearly all Americans have traces of PFAS in their blood and other bodily tissues. However, premenopausal women are in slightly better shape due to childbirth.breastfeeding, and their monthly menstrual cycle, premenopausal women expel more PFAS than men and postmenopausal women. After menstruation stops, PFAS accumulates and can cause problems.
Scientists are still piecing together exactly what PFAS chemicals do in the body, but they appear to disrupt hormone signaling, interfering with normal reproductive and cardiovascular function. Most PFAS studies have focused on men or women during their reproductive years, but Arredondo Eve and co-author Zeynep Madak-Erdogan say postmenopausal women experience unique cardiovascular issues.
Motivated to fill the knowledge gap, the researchers anThe study involved analyzing data and samples from 70 postmenopausal women in Turkey. Among the participants, approximately one third had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, while another third had coronary microvascular disease, which is common in postmenopausal women. The remaining third showed no signs of heart disease.
All of the samples were tested for the presence and levels of two long-chain “legacy” PFAS (no longer manufactured in the U.S.) — PFOS and PFOA — as well as a newer short-chain PFAS chemical known as PFBS. The researchers then utilized complex machine-learning techniques to examine the connections between the PFAS and various factors.
Our research focused on the relationship between multiple blood metabolites and proteins. According to Madak-Erdogan, an associate professor in FSHN, machine learning techniques are effective in narrowing down multiple factors to focus on one or two. Our findings showed that PFOS was closely linked to coronary artery disease, while PFOA was more predictive of coronary microvascular disease.
Additionally, we discovered that these two chemicals interacted with proteins and pathways related to inflammation. Chronic inflammation, which can be triggered by stress, poor diet, infections, and other factors, is a risk factor for both coronary artery and coronary microvascular diseases.
of circulating factors, such as amino acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, have been found to be affected by the PFAS studied. This came as a surprise to the researchers, as they did not expect the PFAS to have different effects on these factors. Despite having similar chemical structures, the PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, demonstrated varying impacts on the abundance of these circulating factors. Specifically, higher levels of PFOA were linked to higher levels of certain amino acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while PFOS showed different patterns. This suggests that not all PFAS should be grouped together when studying their effects.S, in connection with coronary artery disease, was linked to decreased levels of isoleucine and leucine. Additionally, each PFAS had different effects on metabolites and was linked to a unique group of pro-inflammatory proteins. The researchers suggest that further preclinical research is necessary to understand the underlying reasons for these differences. Ultimately, the study supports previous research that connects PFAS exposure to cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women and offers insights into how the chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory processes in the body. Unfortunately, the authors state that there are limited options for women to eliminate these chemicals.The team is focused on studying the impact of PFAS on women’s health and emphasizes the importance of education to reduce exposure to these chemicals. They also call for more regulatory action to prevent PFAS from entering the environment. Women are advised to minimize their exposure to PFAS by opting for PFAS-free clothing, cookware, and other products. Madak-Erdogan highlights the need for increased awareness and action to address the issue of PFAS exposure. The study is detailed in the Journal Reference by Alicia Arredondo Eve, Elif Tunc, Dhruv Mehta, Jin Young Yoo, Huriye Erbak Yilmaz, Sadık Volkan Emren, and Filiz Akyıldız.Akçay, Zeynep Madak Erdogan. PFAS and their link to higher risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women. Toxicological Sciences, 2024; DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae065
