Could Gut Bacteria Help Protect Us From ‘Forever Chemicals’?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are notorious for their persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname ‘forever chemicals’. While certain bacteria have shown the ability to break down these harmful compounds, researchers have now discovered that some human gut bacteria can absorb and store PFAS, potentially offering a new way to safeguard our health.
A recent study conducted by an international team of scientists revealed that several species of human gut bacteria have the capacity to take in PFAS and store them within their cells. This unique ability could provide protection against the toxic effects of these chemicals, offering a promising avenue for further research.
“Our research demonstrated that specific human gut bacteria possess a high affinity for absorbing PFAS from their surroundings, forming clusters within their cells that may shield them from harm,” explained Kiran Patil, a molecular biologist from the University of Cambridge.
Lab experiments identified 38 different gut bacterial strains capable of absorbing PFAS at varying concentrations, with the bacterium Bacteroides uniformis showing particular efficiency in this process. Additionally, investigations on Escherichia coli unveiled key mechanisms that influence the bacteria’s ability to uptake PFAS, hinting at potential bioengineering opportunities.
Further tests on mice implanted with nine of these bacteria strains revealed the microbes’ ability to rapidly absorb and excrete PFAS, indicating a potential avenue for reducing the body burden of these harmful chemicals. As PFAS levels increased, the bacteria demonstrated increased absorption capacity.
While PFAS are ubiquitous in various products and environments, their impact on human health remains a growing concern, with links to kidney damage and other health issues. The researchers suggest that probiotic supplements could be developed to enhance the presence of beneficial gut microbes capable of removing PFAS from the body.
“Addressing the challenge of PFAS exposure, especially their detrimental effects on human health, necessitates urgent action to eliminate these chemicals from our bodies,” emphasized Patil.
The study has been published in Nature Microbiology, shedding light on the potential role of gut bacteria in protecting against ‘forever chemicals’.
