Perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly: results from NHANES 2003-2014

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 May;30(23):64342-64351. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-26941-2. Epub 2023 Apr 17.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the elderly. Our sample included 1420 participants (≥ 60 years) from the 2003-2014 NHANES study with available serum PFASs, covariates, and outcomes. NAFLD was defined based on the hepatic steatosis index. Weighted binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for each chemical. Results suggested that increase in PFOA concentrations was positively associated with risk of NAFLD in adjusted models. PFNA was also significantly associated with NAFLD development in adjusted linear regression. The effect of PFOA or PFNA on NAFLD development was found to be linear in the trend test. This study added novel evidence that exposure to PFASs (PFOA and PFNA) might be associated with NAFLD development.

Keywords: NHANES; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Perfluoroalkyl substances.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alkanesulfonic Acids*
  • Environmental Pollutants*
  • Fluorocarbons*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Logistic Models
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / epidemiology
  • Nutrition Surveys

Substances

  • Fluorocarbons
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Alkanesulfonic Acids