Hafsa Aleem
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Jaclyn Goodrich
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Environmental Health Sciences / Public Health
Program:
Authors: Hafsa Aleem, Lauren Ward, Shristi Bhandari, Jackie Goodrich, Rajendra Parajuli
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 64
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), are forever chemicals that are usually generated through manufacturing processes. They are found mainly in cleaning products, water-resistant fabrics, and grease-resistant paper because of their stain-resistant properties. PFAS are also present in water sources, as they are very difficult to remove. State bans on PFAS exist, but the U.S. does not uphold any federal regulations. Similarly, Nepal, our area of interest, upholds zero regulations on the chemical or products containing it. There are several classes, but most have similar harmful effects. PFAS are known to be damaging to the immune system, especially as they accumulate in the body. They have been theorized to impair the body’s ability to generate antibodies, including in vaccination immune responses. Exposure is very common and the impact on the immunity when exposed from a young age has lacked proper documentation. This study aims to analyze and correlate the effects of PFAS exposure to immune markers on blood samples taken from our cohort. Our study is based in Chitwan Valley, Nepal, a rural region outside of Kathmandu. This study will be the first to sample and test PFAS concentration in humans out of Nepal. Our participants are from the Chitwan Birth Cohort, from which we have collected Dried Blood Spots to test for PFAS and antibody concentration. Along with blood samples, surveys of each participant were taken, in order to account for potential sources of contamination in their food and water sources. We will measure the concentration of Rubella and Measles IgG antibodies. We will compare PFAS concentration in blood with IgG concentration to assess impaired immune function. We will proceed to run ELISAs (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) to evaluate antibody concentrations. Data will be analyzed in R (version 4.3.1 or greater) to identify correlations between variables such as food sources, fish consumption, and water source and effect on immunity via PFAS. We predict that there will be a statistically significant correlation between reduced antibodies to rubella & measles and a higher PFAS blood concentration.
