Abstract
Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent chemicals that firefighters encounter. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, could serve as PFASstoxicity biomarkers. Methods: With a sample size of197 firefighters, we quantified theserum concentrations of nine PFASs, blood leukocyte DNA methylation and epigenetic age indicators via the EPIC array. We examined theassociations between PFASswith epigenetic age, site- and region-specific DNA methylation, adjusting for confounders. Results: Perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)and the sum of branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate (Sm-PFOS) were associated with accelerated epigenetic age. Branched PFOA, linear PFOS, perfluorononanoate, perfluorodecanoateand perfluoroundecanoate were associated with differentially methylated loci and regions. Conclusion: PFASs concentrations areassociated with accelerated epigenetic age and locus-specific DNA methylation. The implications for PFASs toxicity merit further investigation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
