Cited by 41Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances researchEffects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicalsChemical Analysis and Environmental Impact

Contact to perfluoroalkyl substances and thyroid health effects: A meta-analysis directing on pregnancy

Zhang, Lei, Liang, Jiayi, Gao, Ai·2023·Chemosphere

Abstract

In vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological evidence suggests that perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter thyroid function in human health, with negative effects on maternal and fetal development outcomes. However, data on the effects of PFAS on thyroid hormones remain controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 13 eligible studies searched from Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science by July 10, 2022, to explore the relationship between maternal exposure to PFAS and thyroid health effects, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (TT3), thyroxin (TT4), free T3 (FT3), and free T4 (FT4). The estimated values (β) and the corresponding confidence intervals (95%CI) were extracted for analysis. The tests for heterogeneity, sensitivity and publication bias between studies were performed using Stata 15.0. The combined results showed a positive association between changes in TSH and exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), with no significant correlation observed between changes in other thyroid hormones and exposure to PFAS. This difference was attributed to sample size, region, sample type, body mass index (BMI), and gestational week. Our data recommend verifying the relationship between PFAS exposure and thyroid health effects in a large sample population cohort in future studies. In addition, health care should be taken into account in early and mid-pregnancy.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137748

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  • Zhang et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 13 studies and found a consistent link between exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and PFDA and increased levels of maternal TSH.

    “Zhang et al. [216] conducted a meta-analysis of 13 studies to evaluate the effects of PFAS exposure on thyroid hormones during pregnancy. Their results showed a consistent link between exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and PFDA and increased levels of maternal thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH).”

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Authors
Zhang, L., Liang, J., & Gao, A.
Affiliations
Capital Medical University (CN)
Corresponding author
Gao, Ai
Venue
Chemosphere
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2023-02
Volume
315
Pages
137748
ISSN
0045-6535 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4313487510
Cited by
41
References
80
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 9
FWCI
0.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Chemosphere (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Beijing Municipal Education Commission
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Chemical Analysis and Environmental Impact
Keywords
perfluorinated compounds, PFAS exposure, maternal thyroid function, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOS, perfluorodecanoic acid, pregnancy, fetal development, endocrine disruptors
MeSH terms
Caprylates, Environmental Pollutants, Female, Fluorocarbons, Humans, Pregnancy, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Hormones, Alkanesulfonic Acids, Maternal Exposure

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