Effect of PFOA exposure on diminished ovarian reserve and its metabolism

Abstract

Owing to its difficulty in degrading and ease of accumulation in the body, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has a detrimental effect on reproduction. This study aimed to examine the effect of PFOA concentration in follicular fluid during ovulation stimulation on embryo quality and the impact of PFOA exposure on the metabolic components of follicular fluid. This was a single-center prospective study that included 25 patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), 25 with normal ovarian reserve (NOR), and 25 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Follicular fluid samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We demonstrated that the PFOA levels of follicular fluid in the DOR group were higher than those in the NOR group and PCOS group (P < 0.05). PFOA concentration in the PCOS group was negatively correlated with high-quality embryos (P < 0.05). To gain more insight into the impact of PFOA on the metabolic composition of follicular fluid, we classified the DOR group based on the PFOA concentration, for which metabolomic analysis was performed. In the high-concentration PFOA group, there was an increase and a decrease in three and nine metabolites, respectively, compared to that in the low-concentration group. These results suggest that PFOA may alter the metabolic composition of follicular fluid, thus, affecting ovarian reserve function.

Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Follicular Fluid and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Infertile Women

“…PFOA exposure might affect the reproductive function of male rodents [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. Exposure to PFOA can also reduce ovarian reserve function in women [ 44 ]. PFOA might also be related to the occurrence of many diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer [ 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”

“…Significant evidence indicates that exposure to PFASs might affect female reproductive health. The potential mechanisms may include interference with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis or the metabolic composition of follicular fluid [ 44 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. However, the hypothesized reproductive toxicities of PFASs in humans are still being debated due to inconsistencies in human epidemiological evidence [ 57 ].…”

The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

“…Exposure to PFAS has been found to disrupt the initial stages of folliculogenesis and reduce ovarian reserve by interfering with ovarian enzyme activities involved in steroidogenesis or by inhibiting kisspeptin signaling in the hypothalamus ( 134 ). Greater exposure to PFOA has been observed in patients with DOR and poses a threat to embryo development by altering the metabolic composition of FF ( 135 ). Triclosan (TCS), a lipid-soluble phenolic compound with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, can be exposed to the general population through dermal and mucosal contact with consumer products.…”

Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Association between Decreased Ovarian Reserve and In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes

“…Employing a metabolomics approach for a systematic investigation of metabolic alterations in patients with DOR promises to identify specific metabolic pathways and key metabolites associated with DOR, elucidate the interactions between these metabolites and their correlation with IVF outcomes, and unveil the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of DOR and potential intervention targets. Despite its potential, only a limited number of studies have conducted preliminary investigations into metabolic alterations in DOR [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], and omics studies on the correlation between DOR and IVF outcomes are still lacking.…”