Linear isomer but not branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate in plasma is associated with eicosapentaenoic acid, a seafood consumption biomarker

Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global contaminants. Seafood consumption is a possible PFAS exposure route to humans while the isomer specific analysis has not been conducted. Methods: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were investigated in residents of Kyoto, Japan (n = 51). The relationship between plasma PFAS and seafood consumption biomarker, the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) was examined by multiple regression analysis. Results: Linear PFOS concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with the EPA/AA ratio in plasma samples (β = 6.80, p = 0.0014). Linear PFHpS was marginally associated with EPA/AA ratio (β = 0.178, p = 0.0874). Branched PFOS isomers and PFHxS had no associations with EPA/AA ratios. Conclusion: Seafood intake may be a significant exposure pathway for PFAS, such as PFOS but the isomers differ.

Keywords

• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• structural isomer
• eicosapentaenoic acid-to-arachidonic acid ratio
• seafood consumption
• japanese