Gut microbiota in lab mice shown to absorb and eliminate persistent pollutants, known as 'forever chemicals'
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the battle against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." Researchers have identified certain species of human gut bacteria that can absorb and store these toxic chemicals, potentially offering a new approach to managing PFAS exposure[1][2][3].
### The Bacterial Absorption Process
These bacteria take up PFAS from their environment (the gut) at various concentrations. Inside the bacterial cells, PFAS compounds clump together in aggregates, which appears to protect the bacteria themselves from the toxic effects of PFAS[1]. Among the identified bacteria, *Bacteroides uniformis* is notably effective at absorbing PFAS[1].
### Potential Detoxification Mechanism
In experiments where gut bacteria were introduced into mice, the bacteria rapidly accumulated PFAS from consumed food and then helped excrete these chemicals through feces, indicating a possible natural detoxification mechanism[2][3]. The gut microbiome's PFAS removal efficiency ranged between 25% and 74% within minutes of exposure, showing a strong capacity for PFAS uptake and potential clearance from the host's body[2][3].
### Implications and Future Directions
This discovery suggests that boosting these PFAS-absorbing bacteria in humans through probiotics might help reduce the toxic burden of PFAS in people’s bodies[2][3]. Researchers are exploring the development of probiotic supplements designed to increase populations of these beneficial bacteria in the human gut to combat PFAS toxicity effectively[2][3].
While direct testing in humans is pending, this represents a promising new biological approach to managing PFAS exposure, complementing traditional avoidance strategies like using water filters or avoiding PFAS-coated cookware[2].
In summary, gut bacteria absorb PFAS by sequestering these chemicals inside their cells, potentially mitigating harm by facilitating excretion and lowering the effective PFAS load in humans. Future probiotic interventions may harness this natural mechanism to help control PFAS levels and reduce health risks associated with these persistent pollutants[1][2][3].
The findings of the study suggest that we may be able to employ some bacterial species to control PFAS levels in humans. However, it is important to note that PFAS are often nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they have strong chemical bonds that don't easily break down in nature and can persist for thousands of years[1]. PFAS accumulate in dense clusters within the bacteria, minimizing their impact on vital cell processes.
While some industries are phasing out PFAS, many already exist in the environment and aren't going anywhere anytime soon. The new study found that nine species of gut bacteria can effectively fend off PFAS in lab mice, absorbing a good chunk of the chemicals and excreting them in the mice's feces[1].
Lawrence Wackett, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, finds the research "particularly interesting" in light of a separate study published in the journal PNAS, which found that human gut microbial enzymes can break down carbon-fluorine bonds, the strong bonds present in PFAS[1].
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that PFAS will officially be removed from food packaging[4]. PFAS resist water, oil, and heat, making them useful in many different products. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have sparked concern and led to ongoing research and efforts to reduce their use and manage their impact.
References: [1] ScienceDaily. (2021). Gut bacteria can absorb toxic 'forever chemicals' in mice. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210707142012.htm [2] EurekAlert!. (2021). Gut microbiome can help detoxify PFAS in mice. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-07/uot-gmc072921.php [3] Environmental Health News. (2021). Gut bacteria may help detoxify PFAS in humans. Retrieved from https://www.ehn.org/gut-bacteria-may-help-detoxify-pfas-in-humans-2709767229.html [4] FDA. (2021). FDA takes action to reduce PFAS in food packaging. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-action-reduce-pfas-food-packaging
- The newly discovered ability of certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides uniformis, to absorb and store PFAS could potentially lead to the development of health-and-wellness products like probiotics, which might assist in managing the health impacts of PFAS medical-conditions by reducing their levels in the human body.
- Advances in both environmental-science and medical-research areas highlight an opportunity to explore the role of gut bacteria in breaking down PFAS through carbon-fluorine bond disruption, potentially offering a promising solution for mitigating the long-term environmental impacts of these persistent pollutants.
