Molecular Shadows of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): Unveiling the Impact of Perfluoroalkyl Substances on Ovarian Function, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcomes.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic and observational literature without systematic review methodology
PubMed 40724853 · doi:10.3390/ijms26146604
What was done
This narrative review summarizes published literature on the endocrine-disrupting effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on female reproduction, focusing on molecular pathways, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis signaling, anti-Müllerian hormone regulation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and assisted reproductive technology (IVF) outcomes.
What was found
The abstract provides no numerical data, effect sizes, or specific study counts. It qualitatively summarizes evidence linking PFAS exposure to altered anti-Müllerian hormone levels, impaired folliculogenesis and gonadotropin receptor signaling, worsened metabolic and androgenic features in PCOS, reduced oocyte quality, compromised embryo development, and implantation failure.
Why it matters
PFAS compounds persist extensively in the environment and bioaccumulate in human tissues. Synthesizing the proposed molecular and clinical links helps clarify potential reproductive risks in women of reproductive age and those seeking fertility care.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search protocol, risk-of-bias assessment, or quantitative pooling. The abstract reports no numerical findings, and establishing direct causality in human observational cohorts remains difficult due to ubiquitous co-exposures and unmeasured confounding.
Cited by
- supports PFAS chemicals are linked to serious health problems including hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility issues.