Latest news with #AniaMajewska
New York Post
10 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
How forever chemicals target developing male brains — and what this means for their autism risk
Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD disproportionately affect males, with some estimating boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls. Theories suggest this gender gap may be because male brains are more sensitive to changes during development, and girls might be better at hiding the signs or showing them in different ways. Now, a new study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience has uncovered a shocking link between PFAS — also known as 'forever chemicals — and autism in men. Advertisement 3 A new study has uncovered a shocking link between PFAS — also known as 'forever chemicals — and autism in men. mavoimages – Scientists gave pregnant mice a type of short-chain PFAS called PFHxA — a chemical that's still widely used even though it's been restricted in some parts of the world. The mothers were fed small doses, similar to what people might come across in their daily lives, and when their pups grew up, the male mice showed clear changes in behavior. Advertisement They were less active, more anxious and had trouble with memory, while the female mice didn't seem affected at all. 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of the many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased,' Ania Majewska, a neuroscience professor at the University of Rochester, said in a press release. 'This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment.' 3 Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD disproportionately affect males, with some estimates placing the ratio of boy versus girl diagnoses at 4:1. Vitalii Vodolazskyi – Advertisement Until recently, PFHxA was considered a 'safer' replacement for older, more notorious forever chemicals that have been phased out. But this study suggests we may have just swapped one problem for another — especially when it comes to protecting developing male brains. 'Finding that developmental exposure to PFHxA has long-term behavioral consequences in a mammalian model is concerning when considering short-chain PFAS are thought to be safer alternatives to the legacy PFAS that have been phased-out of production,' study lead author Elizabeth Plunk said. Advertisement 'Understanding the impacts of PFHxA on the developing brain is critical when proposing regulations around this chemical. Hopefully, this is the first of many studies evaluating the neurotoxicity of PFHxA.' 3 There are over 4,700 PFAS, which are used to make items resistant to water, grease and stains. artursfoto – The findings, while done on mice, suggest we need to take a closer scientific look at the link between forever chemicals and autism. 'This work points to the need for more research in short-chain PFAS. To our knowledge, PFHxA has not been evaluated for developmental neurobehavioral toxicity in a rodent model,' said Majewska. ' 'Future studies should evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of PFHxA, including cell-type specific effects, in regions associated with motor, emotional/fear, and memory domains to elucidate mechanistic underpinnings.' PFAS — synthetic substances that persist in the environment and human body — have been likened to 'slow poisons' that may increase the risk of certain cancers, fertility troubles, liver damage and developmental delays in children. Advertisement There are over 4,700 PFAS, which are used to make items resistant to water, grease and stains. They can be found in food packaging, cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, certain personal care products and — most recently — beer.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
What are forever chemicals present in everyday items that are quietly damaging the brain
Health experts are raising concerns about PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' found in everyday products, linking them to neurological harm. A University of Rochester study reveals that even short-chain variants like PFHxA may have long-term impacts on brain development, particularly in males, leading to anxiety and memory deficits. Health experts are raising alarms about 'forever chemicals,' a class of synthetic compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are found in countless everyday products and are increasingly linked to neurological harm. From nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and even food packaging, these chemicals do not break down in the environment or the human body. A new study from the University of Rochester has added to growing concerns over forever chemicals. The study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience , found that even short-chain variants may have long-term impacts on brain development, especially in males. History of forever chemicals PFAS, developed in the 1940s, became popular for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Used in products ranging from Teflon pans to cosmetics, dental floss, and fast-food wrappers, these PFAs add convenience. However, it came at the expense of health. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data indicates widespread PFAS exposure in the US population, with detectable levels in more than 98 % of their blood , due to exposure over decades. These PFAS are linked to a range of health issues, including developmental issues in babies and kidney cancer. One PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid or PFHxA, is made up of a shorter chain of molecules and is thought to have less of an impact on human health. The new study, however, suggests otherwise, and has revealed its potential to damage the brain. How PFAs affect the brain The new study by the researchers from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester found that early life exposure to PFHxA may increase anxiety-related behaviors and memory deficits in male mice. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Although these effects were mild, finding behavioral effects only in males was reminiscent of the many neurodevelopmental disorders that are male-biased. This finding suggests that the male brain might be more vulnerable to environmental insults during neurodevelopment,' Ania Majewska, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and senior author, said in a statement. The study also found that males are more often diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. Forever chemicals linked to anxiety and memory loss Male mice exposed to higher doses of PFHxA showed mild developmental changes, such as a decrease in activity levels, increased anxiety-like behaviors, and memory deficits. The effects were, however, not found in females that were exposed to PFHxA. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update The researchers followed these mice into adulthood. What they found was striking. In male mice, PFHxA exposure affected its behaviour long after the exposure stopped. This suggests that PFHxA exposure could have effects on the developing brain that have long-term consequences. 'This work points to the need for more research in short-chain PFAS. To our knowledge, PFHxA has not been evaluated for developmental neurobehavioral toxicity in a rodent model. Future studies should evaluate the cellular and molecular effects of PFHxA, including cell-type specific effects, in regions associated with motor, emotional/fear, and memory domains to elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings,' Majewska added. PFHxA, though a shorter chain, has been found to be persistent in water.
