Forever chemical disturbs early development in stem cell model
Research using stem cell-derived models of early human development suggests that PFOS, a persistent substance belonging to the PFAS group, can interfere with processes critical for early germ cell and embryonic development. The study, from Karolinska Institutet, is published in the journal Human Reproduction Open.
A recent study using stem cell models has found that PFOS, a persistent chemical found in everyday products, can disrupt early human development. PFAS chemicals, known as "forever chemicals" due to their slow breakdown, can accumulate in the human body over time. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used human stem cells to create a 3D model mimicking early development shortly after embryo implantation.
They tested three PFAS compounds, with PFOS showing the most significant effect. Even at low concentrations - 7 nanomoles per liter, which aligns with blood serum levels of pregnant women in the Swedish SELMA study - PFOS slowed growth and altered gene expression of early germ cells. While the model doesn't fully replicate a human embryo or womb environment, it highlights the potential impact of everyday environmental exposures on reproductive health.
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term consequences of prenatal PFAS exposure.
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