0
Review Sign in to save

Advancing the understanding of PFAS-induced reproductive toxicity in key model species

Geoscientific model development 2025 2 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the reproductive toxicity of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across key model organisms, finding that these persistent chemicals disrupt reproductive function in both humans and animals through multiple toxic mechanisms warranting heightened regulatory attention.

Polymers
Body Systems

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used and resistant to degradation, leading to their frequent detection in both humans and animals. These substances are believed to be associated with a range of toxic effects. Reproductive toxicity warrants greater attention due to its potential impact on offspring development. This article reviews and summarizes the literature from the past fifteen years on the studies of reproductive toxicity in model organisms induced by PFASs. This article organizes the studies according to the five most commonly used model organisms including mice, rats, zebrafish, Oryzias, and Caenorhabditis elegans. By reviewing the literature, it was found that PFASs primarily induced reproductive toxicity through gonadal damage, disruption of sex hormones, and effects on offspring development. Moreover, mammals, rats and mice possess many conserved signaling pathways with humans, making them valuable models for studying various diseases and metabolic pathways. Zebrafish and Oryzias are well-suited for examining chronic toxicity at environmentally relevant exposure levels, with their high-throughput screening capacity enabling efficient and low-cost assessment of transgenerational effects. In summary, this study systematically reviews the reproductive toxicity of PFASs in model organisms, offering a scientific foundation for optimizing model selection, exploring intervention strategies, and shaping future research directions.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to aquatic vertebrates

AI summary Read the abstract

This review examines the toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on fish, amphibians, and other aquatic vertebrates. Researchers found that PFAS exposure can disrupt hormone systems, damage liver and reproductive tissues, and impair development across multiple species. The study highlights the widespread nature of PFAS contamination in aquatic environments and the need for stricter regulation of these persistent chemicals.

Article Tier 2

An Integrated Metabolomics-Based Model, and Identification of Potential Biomarkers, of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers used advanced metabolomics techniques to study how the industrial chemical PFOS affects zebrafish embryo development at the molecular level. They identified specific metabolic disruptions and potential biomarkers that could indicate early PFOS exposure. The study provides new insights into how persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS interfere with biological processes during critical developmental stages.

Article Tier 2

PFAS Toxicity and Female Reproductive Health: A Review of the Evidence and Current State of Knowledge

AI summary Read the abstract

This review synthesizes recent evidence on the connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and female reproductive health. The evidence suggests that PFAS exposure is associated with reduced fertility, increased risk of miscarriage, and altered menstrual cycle dynamics through mechanisms including endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. The review emphasizes the need for further research and policy changes to mitigate PFAS exposure and protect reproductive health.

Review

Occurrence and Toxicity Mechanisms of Perfluorononanoic Acid, Perfluorodecanoic Acid, and Perfluoroundecanoic Acid in Fish: A Review

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers reviewed the environmental fate and toxicity of three long-chain PFAS compounds (PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA) in fish, finding through computational gene ontology analysis that these chemicals disrupt insulin signaling, immune pathways, and growth hormone systems, with longer-chain variants likely posing greater toxicity despite less study.

Article Tier 2

Emerging Environmental Toxicants Undermine Reproductive Success in Aquatic Animals: A Narrative Review

AI summary Read the abstract

This review pulls together existing studies showing that everyday pollutants like microplastics, "forever chemicals" (PFAS), and hormone-disrupting chemicals are harming fish and other aquatic animals' ability to reproduce and raise healthy offspring. These chemicals mess with hormones, cause cell damage, and can even alter how genes are expressed—effects that could shrink wild fish populations over time. Since these same chemical families show up in our water, food, and bodies, this research is an early warning sign worth watching, even though scientists still need more real-world (not just lab) data to know exactly how much risk they pose to humans

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper