Associations between maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and lipid levels in maternal and cord blood: The Japan environment and Children's study

Despite numerous studies, the associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and various lipid levels in pregnant women remain ambiguous, especially concerning the association with cord blood lipids. This analysis included 20,960 pregnant women enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, recruited between 2011 and 2014. Non-fasting plasma samples collected before 22 weeks of gestation were examined for PFAS concentrations. Additionally, non-fasting serum samples collected before, at and after 22 weeks of gestation, at birth, and from cord blood were used to measure total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). Linear regression models were applied to quantify the association between each PFAS and various lipid metrics. Among the 28 PFAS analyzed, 7 were quantifiable in more than 80% of participants. Of these, 6 PFAS showed positive associations with TC in maternal blood before 22 weeks of gestation, a trend that remained mostly consistent for maternal blood samples in later stages. However, no associations were found with TC levels in cord blood. Regarding TG, 3 PFAS demonstrated a negative association with TG levels in maternal blood before 22 weeks of gestation, with these relationships generally persisting in later stages, while 4 PFAS were positively associated with TG in cord blood. In summary, this study identified associations between PFAS concentrations in maternal blood and lipid levels in both maternal and cord blood, with differing patterns observed between the two. •Positive association between maternal blood PFAS and maternal blood TC.•No association between maternal blood PFAS and cord blood TC.•Negative association between maternal blood PFAS and maternal blood TG.•Positive association between maternal blood PFAS and cord TG.