The Gut’s Role in PFAS–Kidney Function Association

A study from University of Southern California researchers found that issues with gut bacteria and related metabolites might explain the connection between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” and kidney damage.

Building on past studies that link kidney damage to both PFAS and gut problems, the research team analyzed the three factors together for the first time. They found that increased PFAS exposure was associated with worse kidney function four years later, and that changes in the gut microbiome and related metabolites explained up to 50% of that decrease in function. The results were published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

Nephrology Times spoke with researchers Jesse A. Goodrich, PhD, and Hailey Hampson, PhD, about the study.