Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and indicators of immune function in children aged 12-19 y: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
BACKGROUND
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are immunotoxic in laboratory studies. Human studies of immune effects are inconsistent. Using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined PFAS serum concentration and indicators of prevalent immune function among 12-19-y-old children.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, we examined PFAS serum concentration in relation to measles, mumps, and rubella antibody concentrations in NHANES 1999-2000 and 2003-2004 (n = 1,191) and to allergic conditions and allergic sensitization in NHANES 2005-2006 (n = 640).


RESULTS
In adjusted, survey-weighted models, a doubling of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentration among seropositive children was associated with a 13.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): -19.9, -6.2) decrease in rubella antibody concentration and a 5.9% decrease in mumps antibody concentration (95% CI: -9.9, -1.6). We observed no adverse association between exposure and current allergic conditions, including asthma. Children with higher PFOS concentration were less likely to be sensitized to any allergen (odds ratio (OR): 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.95).


CONCLUSIONS
Increased exposure to several PFAS was associated with lower levels to mumps and rubella antibody concentrations, especially among seropositive individuals. These lower antibody concentrations may indicate a less robust response to vaccination or greater waning of vaccine-derived immunity over time.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Cheryl R
CR
Stein
Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Kathleen J
KJ
McGovern
Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Ashley M
AM
Pajak
Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Paul J
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6805-7271
PJ
Maglione
Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Mary S
MS
Wolff
D000293:Adolescent; D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012698:Serologic Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination; D055815:Young Adult
D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015415:Biomarkers; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D022542:Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine; C076994:perfluorooctane sulfonic acid