Short-chain PFAS exposure during gestation and breastfeeding alters learning and memory in adulthood: possible mechanisms related to brain development
Our findings indicate that even short-chain PFASs, currently considered safer substitutes, may disrupt brain development, leading to persistent neuroinflammation and impaired cognitive function. These results highlight an urgent need to reassess the developmental safety of short-chain PFASs and to include neurodevelopmental endpoints in future risk assessments and regulatory policies.
Authors
- Michele Sannia
- Maura Cescatti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3150-2639)
- Laura Calzà (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4426-8477)
- Alessandra Moressa
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1020-4261)
- Corinne Quadalti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0302-3027)
- Franco Mutinelli
- Luciana Giardino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3107-3264)
- Marzia Moretti
- Greta Foiani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8400-8573)
- Federica Gallocchio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0040-0368)
- Marta Vascellari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4537-4386)
- Marzia Mancin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7260-6031)
- Luca Lorenzini
- Margherita Soncin
- Claudia Zanardello
- Lorenzo Zanella
- Valentina Burato
Institutions
- Technologies pour la Santé (FR)
- Aetna Foundation (US)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IT)
- University of Bologna (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Toxicology
- Published
- 2026-01-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2025.1702330
- Primary Topic
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministero della Salute