Advancing the Understanding of PFAS-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Key Model Species

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used and resistant to degradation, leading to their frequent detection in both humans and animals. These substances are believed to be associated with a range of toxic effects. Reproductive toxicity warrants greater attention due to its potential impact on offspring development. This article reviews and summarizes literature from the past fifteen years on the studies of the reproductive toxicity on model organisms induced by PFASs. The article organizes the studies according to the five most commonly used model organisms including mice, rats, zebrafish, Oryzias, and Caenorhabditis elegans. By reviewing the literature, it was found that PFASs primarily induced reproductive toxicity through gonadal damage, disruption of sex hormones, and effects on offspring development. Moreover, as mammals, rats and mice possess many conserved signaling pathways with humans, making them valuable models for studying various diseases and metabolic pathways. Zebrafish and Oryzias are well-suited for examining chronic toxicity under environmentally relevant exposure levels, with their high-throughput screening capacity enabling efficient and low-cost assessment of transgenerational effects. In summary, this study systematically reviews the reproductive toxicity of PFASs in model organisms, offering a scientific foundation for optimizing model selection, exploring intervention strategies, and shaping future research directions.