Early life exposure to 'forever chemicals' in the environment permanently disrupts the gut microbiome in mice, contributing to the development of metabolic disease in later life, according to new research led by Penn State. The results, Aug. 14 in the journal , suggest that to these chemicals during may be contributing to the recent epidemic of metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes among adults.
The researchers focused specifically on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), a widespread persistent organic pollutant (POP) that is a byproduct of waste incineration, metal production, and fossil-fuel and wood combustion. TCDF accumulates in the , and humans are primarily exposed through consumption of high-fat foods, such as meat, dairy products and some fish. Babies can be exposed through consumption of breast milk.
"POPs are pervasive in the environment and nearly every living organism has been exposed," said Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor of Molecular Toxicology and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State.
"The negative health effects of these chemicals are well documented and include birth defects and cancer. Our study is the first to suggest that early-life exposure to a certain POP, called TCDF, also disrupts the and is associated with metabolic disorders later in life." The team examined the effects of TCDF in two groups of —a test group, or those treated with TCDF and a , or those receiving no treatment.
The team fe.