Grantee Research Project Results
Biomarkers For The Assessment of Exposure and Toxicity in Children
EPA Grant Number: R830825Title: Biomarkers For The Assessment of Exposure and Toxicity in Children
Investigators: Karmaus, Wilfried , Riebow, John , Gangur, Venugopal
Current Investigators: Karmaus, Wilfried , Gregg, Anthony , Riebow, John , Gangur, Venugopal
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2006 (Extended to December 31, 2007)
Project Amount: $749,939
RFA: Biomarkers for the Assessment of Exposure and Toxicity in Children (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health
Description:
New research indicates that the susceptibility for asthma develops prenatally by priming either an atopic or non-atopic response to antigens. Research has shown that halogenated organic compounds (HOC) may disrupt the endocrine control of the feto-maternal immune system, supporting an atopic response. This project proposes to assess whether exposure to HOC in utero or via breastfeeding poses a risk for the immune system of the child, taking the protective effect of breastfeeding into consideration.
Objective:
Specific objectives are to: 1) Determine the concentration in placental tissue of different markers for exposure to HOC such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (HO-PCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE). 2) Determine markers of HOC exposure in breast milk and estimate the cumulative amount of lactational HOC exposure of the infant. This will help us to assess whether in utero or cumulative breast milk exposure are higher. Further, we will ascertain the relative significance of the time windows of exposure (in utero vs. breastfeeding) for the markers presented in objective (3) and (4). 3) Determine markers of susceptibility for atopic disorders in cord blood such as immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-g (IFN-g). 4) Determine markers of effect, signaling that the child is developing an atopic manifestation (asthma-like symptoms, atopic eczema).
Approach:
The research will be conducted in a follow-up study of 230 children from delivery to 12 months of age. We will determine biomarkers of exposure to HOC in utero (placenta) and infancy (breast milk). HOC comprise pollutants such as PCB, DDE, as well as PBDE and HO-PCB. As biomarkers of susceptibility, we will measure IgE, cytokines IL-4 and IFN-g in cord blood. We will also ascertain biomarkers of effect: clinical manifestations of atopy such as asthma-like symptoms and atopic eczema in infancy. Multiple linear and logistic regression, as well as path analysis, will be used for statistical analyses.
Expected Results:
We expect to recognize whether markers of exposures to HOC, in utero or breast milk, are associated with asthma and atopic manifestations in infancy. The markers of susceptibility and effect will permit us to determine whether asthma and atopy are pre-programmed in utero.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 9 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 7 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
infants, atopic, biomarkers, cord blood mononuclear cells, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunoassays, Health, RFA, Scientific Discipline, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, HUMAN HEALTH, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Health Risk Assessment, Physical Processes, Risk Assessments, Environmental Policy, Biology, Allergens/Asthma, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, Children's Health, endocrine disruptors, Biochemistry, Health Effects, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Chemicals, Risk Assessment, childhood respiratory disease, Human Health Risk Assessment, asthma, asthma indices, asthma triggers, harmful environmental agents, halogenated orgaic compounds, embryonic development, prenatal exposure, developmental biology, human growth and development, human exposure, exposure studies, children, exposure, halogenated organic compounds, endocrine disrupting chemicals, asthmatic children, allergic response, children's vulnerablity, air pollution, assessment of exposure, fetal development, biomarker, human health risk, biomarkers, airway disease, children's environmental healthProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.