Examining Endocrine Disruptors Measured in Newborn Dried Blood Spots and Early Childhood Growth in a Prospective Cohort

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether newborn concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and bisphenol A (BPA) are associated with early childhood growth. Methods: We included 1954 singletons and 966 twins from the Upstate KIDS Study (born 2008–2010) with newborn dried blood spot concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and BPA quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Children’s weight and height were reported from birth through 3 years of age. Repeated measures were modelled using generalized linear mixed models. Results: PFOS and PFOA were associated with lower BMI (−0.078 kg/m2; −0.12, −0.038 and −0.076 kg/m2; −0.17, −0.051 per 1 SD increase in log PFOS and PFOA, respectively) and not with early obesity among singletons. Inconsistent associations were observed for twins. BPA levels were higher among neonates with NICU stay (p<0.001), making associations difficult to interpret. Conclusion: Perfluorinated alkyl substances did not exhibit obesogenic associations with early measures of childhood growth. Blood-based BPA measures are limited by the non-persistent nature of the chemical and unknown sources from hospital settings may present only transient exposures.

A state-of-the-science review and guide for measuring environmental exposure biomarkers in dried blood spots

“…99% DF for PFOS and 90% for BPA Used DBS assay developed by Ma et al (2013) [ 86 ] Ghassabian 2018 [ 96 ] PFOS, PFOA, BPA 788 NDBS samples (Upstate KIDS study, 2008–2010) Longitudinal birth cohort study Elevated PFOS related to behavioral difficulties; elevated PFOA related to difficulties in prosocial behavior. PFOS and PFOA had DF of 100% Used DBS assay developed by Ma et al (2013) [ 86 ] Yeung 2019 [ 95 ] PFOS, PFOA, BPA 3111 NDBS samples (Upstate KIDS study, 2008–2010) Longitudinal birth cohort study PFOS and PFOA associated with lower BMI at 3 years of age; postnatal BPA exposure may occur in the hospital Used DBS assay developed by Ma et al (2013) [ 86 ] Robinson 2021 [ 97 ] PFOS, PFOA, epigenetic alterations 597 NDBS samples (Upstate KIDS study, 2008–2010) Cross-sectional High concentrations of PFOA/PFOS were not clearly associated with significant epigenetic alterations Used DBS assay developed by Ma et al (2013) [ 86 ] DNA was extracted from DBS samples Bell 2019 [ 97 ] PCBs, PBDE, p,p’-DDE 2065 NDBS samples (Upstate KIDS study, 2008–2010) Cross-sectional Elevated POPs were associated with an increased risk for large for gestational age and higher birth weight. >96% DF for DDE and many PCBs using pooled samples Used DBS methods developed by Ma et al (2014) [ 90 ] and Batterman and Chernyak (2014) [ 5 , 87 ] DBS samples pooled for analyses Gross 2020 [ 99 ] OCPs, PBDEs, PFASs 98 NDBS samples (Starting Early Program RCT) Nested case–control study >94% DF for most analytes.…”

“…In another analysis of the same NDBS data ( n = 3111), Yeung et al analyzed the association between newborn exposure to these EDCs and early childhood growth patterns, including weight gain and obesity rates. PFOS and PFOA values were highly correlated ( R > 0.75) in NDBS samples from related twins; however, the association was lower for BPA ( R = 0.23) [ 95 ]. The study suggested that newborn exposure to BPA may occur through extended hospital stays in the neonatal intensive care unit [ 95 ].…”

“…PFOS and PFOA values were highly correlated ( R > 0.75) in NDBS samples from related twins; however, the association was lower for BPA ( R = 0.23) [ 95 ]. The study suggested that newborn exposure to BPA may occur through extended hospital stays in the neonatal intensive care unit [ 95 ]. BPA measured in NDBS samples may therefore represent postnatal exposures (e.g., from medical devices) as opposed to prenatal exposures [ 95 ].…”

Using primary teeth and archived dried spots for exposomic studies in children: Exploring new paths in the environmental epidemiology of pediatric cancer

“…The potential uses of DBS in environmental studies of pediatric cancer are extensive. Analytes of environmental exposures detectable in DBS reported to-date include benzene oxide, [15] lead, [16] mercury, [17] arsenic, [18] cadmium, [19] cotinine, [20,21] viral DNA, [22] organochlorine [23] and organophosphorus pesticides, [24] perfluorinated compounds, [25] polychlorinated biphenyls, [23] polybrominated diphenyl ethers, [26] bisphenol A, [25,27,28] phosphatidylethanol, [29] and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. [30,31] Additionally, there is increasing awareness that epigenetic signatures of environmental exposures may provide effective biomarkers of past exposure.…”

PFOS Modulates Interactive Epigenetic Regulation in First-Trimester Human Trophoblast Cell Line HTR-8/SVneo

“…It can cross the placental barrier and is shown to be present in the cord blood at concentrations 1.5 to 3.5 times lower than those found in maternal blood. , In fact, this EDC is believed to be a cause of neonatal mortality, retarded postnatal growth, and delayed development. − Moreover, the exposure of animals to PFOS during pregnancy, when associated with maternal stress, may lead to a decrease in motor function and delayed learning, depending on the sex of the offspring. − PFOS is also associated with delays in eye opening and decreased viability in other developmental end points in rats and mice. − …”