The changes in plasma levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are related to the increase in carotid intima-media thickness over 10 years

• Aim: It has previously been reported that the environmental contaminants perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are linked to atherosclerosis in cross-sectional studies. Since cross-sectional studies could be subject to reverse causation, we here analyzed if the longitudinal changes in PFASs during a 10 years follow-up were related to the change in intima-media thickness (IMT) during the same period.Methods: In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study,1,016 individuals were investigated at age 70. 826 of those were reinvestigated at age 75 and 606 at age 80 years. Eight different PFASs and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT, ultrasound) were measured at the three time-points.Results: IMT increased 0.058 mm during the 10-year period (p<0.0001). Following adjustment for baseline values of PFASs (age 70) and sex, the changes in plasma levels of 6 of the 8 measured PFASs were significantly related to the change in IMT over the 10-year follow-up period (p<0.0062 using Bonferroni correction for 8 tests). Further adjustment for traditional CV risk factors (HDL and LDL-cholesterol, smoking, systolic blood pressure, statin use, fasting glucose and serum triglycerides) did only affect these relationships marginally.Conclusions: The change in plasma levels of several PFASs during 10 years was related the increase in IMT seen during the same period, giving further evidence that PFASs might interfere with the atherosclerotic process.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

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