The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Neurotoxic effects of chronic perfluorohexanoic acid exposure on short-term memory function
ID:1060 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 17:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 27 - Priority Contaminants across the Marine Continuum: Behavior, Bioavailability and Ecological Risk Assessment

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants widely detected in human biological samples. These substances have been increasingly recognized as pollutants in marine ecosystems. As regulatory restrictions on long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS have increased, short-chain alternatives, including perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) have been widely adopted due to their lower bioaccumulation potential. While these short-chain alternatives readily disperse across marine ecosystems due to their high aqueous solubility and environmental mobility, their potential neurodevelopmental effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the long-term behavioral and neurobiological consequences of chronic PFHxA exposure beginning during the neurodevelopmental period and continuing throughout the lifespan. Behavioral assessments revealed that PFHxA exposure selectively impaired short-term memory. In both the novel object recognition and object location tests, PFHxA-exposed mice failed to show a significant preference for novel or relocated objects, indicating deficits in recognition and spatial memory. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in long-term memory, motor function, or social behaviors. Collectively, these findings suggest that chronic PFHxA exposure may induce subtle cognitive alterations and highlight the potential neurodevelopmental risk of this short-chain PFAS.
 
Speaker
Donghun Lee Pusan national uiversity

Author
Donghun Lee Pusan national uiversity

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027