Early life exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment permanently disrupts the gut microbiome in mice, contributing to the development of metabolic disease in later life, according to new research led by Penn State. The results, published today (Aug. 14) in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives , suggest that human exposure to these chemicals during early childhood may be contributing to the recent epidemic of metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes among adults.
The researchers focused specifically on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), a widespread persistent organic pollutant (POP) that is a byproduct of waste incineration, metal production, and fossil-fuel and wood combustion. TCDF accumulates in the food chain, and humans are primarily exposed through consumption of high-fat foods, such as meat, dairy products and some fish. Babies can be exposed through consumption of breast milk. POPs are pervasive in the environment and nearly every living organism has been exposed. The negative health effects of these chemicals are well documented and include birth defects and cancer. Our study is the first to suggest that early-life exposure to a certain POP, called TCDF, also disrupts the gut microbiome and is associated with metabolic disorders later in life." Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor of Molecular Toxicology and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State The team examined the effects of TCDF in two groups of mice -; a test group, or those treated with TCDF and a control group, or those receiving no treatment. The team fed four-week-old mice from pills containing either 0.46 micrograms (µg) of TCDF or a control pill that did not contain any TCDF for five days. While 0.46 µg is higher than what is typically found in the diets of humans, it is not high enough to cause toxic illness.
"In our study we used a dose that is relatively high compared to typical human exposures; however, we can use this information to identify new toxicity high points, including in the gut microbiome, and begin to extrapolate what might happen at even lower doses. Of course, we also must consider how complex mixtures of these […]
Early exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ alters gut microbiome and increases metabolic disease risk