Description
Authors: Samuel Türken, Jasmin Stockhause, Renee Owen, Lena Knödler, Janet Krüger, Nils Klüver, Dorte Herzke, Line Småstuen Haug, Oddvar Myhre, Paul Michaelis, Tamara Tal, Wibke Busch
Abstract: "Additive Effects of PFAS Mixtures on Acute Toxicity and Phenotypic Endpoints in Zebrafish Embryos
Samuel Türken1, Jasmin Stockhause1, Renee Owen1, Lena Knödler1, Janet Krüger1, Nils Klüver1, Dorte Herzke2, Line Småstuen Haug2, Oddvar Myhre2, Paul Michaelis1, Tamara Tal1,3, Wibke Busch1
1Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
2Norwegian Institute of Public Health – NIPH, Oslo, Norway
3Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic organic chemicals linked to adverse human health and environmental effects. While many studies have examined individual PFAS toxicity in model organisms such as zebrafish, fewer have investigated mixture effects. To assess potential mixture interactions, we applied two classical modeling approaches—concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA)—to evaluate single and combined exposures of PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA. One mixture was designed for equal toxicity (LC₂₅) using CA modeling, while another reflected environmentally relevant ratios found in Scandinavian populations. Zebrafish embryos were exposed from 0-5 days post fertilization (dpf) to individual PFAS or mixtures at varying concentrations. Acute toxicity and phenotypic abnormalities were assessed.
Our findings demonstrate that PFAS mixtures produce developmental effects in zebrafish, with toxicity largely explained by additive interactions. These results underscore the importance of considering mixture effects in PFAS risk assessment.
Future Directions: To further elucidate the toxicogenomic mechanisms underlying PFAS mixture toxicity, an upcoming study will compare the transcriptomic responses of individual PFAS and their mixtures using mixture modeling approaches for gene expression data."
