A serum lipidomics analysis using multidimensional mass spectrometry has linked elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human blood to shifts in specific lipid species.
The study examined 78 human serum samples from two exposure groups: individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water and occupationally exposed firefighters. PFAS levels were first quantified in the samples before lipidomic profiling was performed.
The analytical workflow integrated PFAS exposure measurements with multidimensional lipidomics profiling, allowing the researchers to investigate potential links between contaminant exposure and changes in circulating lipid species.
Serum samples were grouped according to their combined concentrations of seven PFAS compounds (Σ7 PFAS), with 34 participants exceeding 20 ng mL⁻¹ – a threshold associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia in National Academies exposure guidance. Multidimensional lipidomics analysis using liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-CID-MS) detected 387 lipid species spanning five major lipid categories and 15 classes using an in-house reference library of 877 lipids.
Statistical comparisons between exposure groups identified 25 lipid species that differed significantly between exposure levels, with 24 showing higher abundance in individuals with elevated Σ7 PFAS levels.
Triglycerides and phosphatidylethanolamines accounted for more than 60 percent of the lipids elevated in the higher-exposure group, suggesting PFAS exposure may influence pathways involved in cellular membrane composition and energy storage. Several triglyceride species – including TG (60:13) – and phosphatidylethanolamines such as PE (18:0_22:6) were among the lipids most strongly associated with PFAS levels.
Further statistical analysis revealed multiple correlations between individual PFAS compounds and lipid species. In particular, PFNA, PFOA, and PFDA showed numerous positive correlations with triglycerides, sphingomyelins, and other lipid classes, indicating possible links between PFAS exposure and broader lipid metabolic changes.
The researchers note that differences in age, sex, and occupational factors could influence lipid profiles, and additional studies will be needed to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
“Applying both PFAS and lipidomic analyses, in addition to other omics, to future studies will also reveal more information regarding altered biological mechanisms due to PFAS exposure,” they conclude.
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