Grantee Research Project Results
2003 Progress Report: 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 Period Covered by this Report: May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004
Project Amount: $749,939
RFA: Biomarkers for the Assessment of Exposure and Toxicity in Children (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health , Children's Health
Objective:
Objective(s) of the Research Project: The objectives of this research project are to:
1. Determine the concentration in placental tissue of different markers for exposure to halogenated organic compounds (HOCs).
2. Determine markers of HOC exposure in breast milk and estimate the cumulative amount of lactational HOC exposure of the infant (this will help to assess whether in utero or cumulative breast milk exposure is higher. Furthermore, we will ascertain the relative significance of the time windows of exposure (in utero versus breastfeeding) for the markers presented in objectives 3 and 4.
3. Determine markers of susceptibilityfor atopic disorders in cord blood such as immunoglobulin E and the cytokines interleukin-4 and interferon-γ.
4. Determine markers of effect,signaling that the child is developing an atopic manifestation (asthma-like symptoms, atopic eczema).
Progress Summary:
Prior to the implementation of the study in July 2003, extensive training sessions were conducted at participating sites. Research nurses, phlebotomists, and physicians were made aware of their individual responsibilities and how they fit into the overall objective of the study. A data collection system was developed and interviewers were trained to gather information. To date, we have recruited 265 patients, 36 of which met our inclusion criteria (18-34 years, first pregnancy, no serious diseases such as thyroid disorders or diabetes). Twenty-seven pregnant mothers were enrolled. Fourteen participants have delivered, with 12 participants providing cord blood and placental samples. We are in the process of collecting breast milk samples and conducting our “two weeks after delivery” interviews. In addition, we are approaching the 6-month period following the delivery of our first study baby. All interview and medical extraction procedures are in place to facilitate the collection of information on the child’s atopic status at 6 months of age. Laboratory analyses of our samples are in progress. Immune markers are being determined in cord blood, whereas HOCs are being quantified in placental and breast milk samples.
Future Activities:
We will increase enrollment by enlarging our target population through the inclusion of two additional obstetric offices from adjoining communities and by using ethnically sensitive promotional videos at each site. We will continue determining exposure and outcome and analyzing data.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 9 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
infants, atopic, biomarkers, cord blood mononuclear cells, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunoassays, halogenated organic compounds, HOCs, lactational exposure, breast milk exposure, immune markers, placental samples, atopic status,, RFA, Health, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, HUMAN HEALTH, Health Risk Assessment, Chemicals, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Risk Assessments, endocrine disruptors, Allergens/Asthma, Health Effects, Physical Processes, Biochemistry, Children's Health, Environmental Policy, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, Biology, Risk Assessment, asthma, asthma triggers, biomarkers, prenatal exposure, childhood development, asthma indices, exposure, airway disease, endocrine disrupting chemicals, exposure studies, air pollution, children, Human Health Risk Assessment, developmental biology, halogenated organic compounds, assessment of exposure, childhood respiratory disease, children's vulnerablity, fetal development, human growth and development, asthmatic children, human exposure, children's environmental health, harmful environmental agents, embryonic development, allergic response, halogenated orgaic compounds, biomarkerProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.