Background. Impairments of endocrine system may be associated with exposure to perfluorinated compounds that are able to bind
nuclear receptors, including the peroxisome proliferator-activating receptors. Aim of this study was to assess
perfluorooctane sulfonate and
perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations in children and adolescents at the onset of
type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls. Methods. Forty-four children and adolescents were recruited and subdivided into two groups: (A) 25 subjects with
type 1 diabetes and (B) 19 healthy controls. Perfluorinated compounds were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed. Results.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations were significantly higher in patients with
type 1 diabetes compared to controls (1.53 ± 1.50 versus 0.55 ± 0.15 ng/mL, resp.; p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified
lipid levels as significant predictive factors for
perfluorooctane sulfonate levels. Conclusions. Our data suggests that higher serum levels of
perfluorooctane sulfonate may be considered a
biomarker of exposure and susceptibility to develop
type 1 diabetes.