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Association between perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and thyroid function in adults: A meta-analysis

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  • Min Joo Kim
  • Shinje Moon
  • Byung-Chul Oh
  • Dawoon Jung
  • Kyunghee Ji
  • Kyungho Choi
  • Young Joo Park

Abstract

Objective: Many people are exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) because these substances are widely used as industrial products. Although epidemiological studies suggest that PFASs can disrupt thyroid hormones, the association between PFAS exposure and thyroid function remains inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between PFASs exposure and thyroid hormones. Methods: We searched medical literature databases for articles on the association between PFASs–perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)–and thyroid hormone levels in adults. Twelve articles were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled z values were calculated with correlation or regression coefficients. Results: The blood PFOS concentration was positively correlated with free T4. The pooled z value was 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03, 0.08). PFOS was negatively correlated with total T4 and total T3 when excluding outlier studies. In a subgroup analysis stratified by mean PFOS concentration, PFOS was observed to be positively associated with free T4 and TSH and negatively associated with total T3 in the intermediate concentration group (8–16 ng/mL). PFOA concentration was negatively correlated with total T4 (z value, -0.06; 95% CI: -0.09, -0.03) after omitting one outlier study. PFHxS also showed a negative correlation with total T4 (z value, -0.04; 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01). A subgroup analysis of pregnant women showed that there was no association between PFASs and thyroid hormones. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that PFASs are negatively associated with total T4, and their effect can be different depending on the PFAS concentration.

Suggested Citation

  • Min Joo Kim & Shinje Moon & Byung-Chul Oh & Dawoon Jung & Kyunghee Ji & Kyungho Choi & Young Joo Park, 2018. "Association between perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and thyroid function in adults: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0197244
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197244
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    Cited by:

    1. Pingping Liu & Fang Yang & Yongbo Wang & Zhanpeng Yuan, 2018. "Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Exposure in Early Life Increases Risk of Childhood Adiposity: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Elsi Haverinen & Mariana F. Fernandez & Vicente Mustieles & Hanna Tolonen, 2021. "Metabolic Syndrome and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: An Overview of Exposure and Health Effects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-19, December.

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