Grantee Research Project Results

2003 Progress Report: Validation of Meconium Markers of Fetal Neurotoxicant Exposures

EPA Grant Number: R829389C002
Subproject: this is subproject number 002 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829389
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Center for Research on Early Childhood Exposure and Development in Puerto Rico
Center Director: Alshawabkeh, Akram
Title: Validation of Meconium Markers of Fetal Neurotoxicant Exposures
Investigators: Dietrich, Kim , Barr, Dana Boyd , Lanphear, Bruce , Bearer, Cynthia , Khoury, Jane , Hornung, Richard
Current Investigators: Bearer, Cynthia
Institution: University of Cincinnati , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Children Hospital of Cincinnati , Case Western Reserve University
Current Institution: Case Western Reserve University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: November 1, 2001 through October 31, 2006
Project Period Covered by this Report: November 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to test meconium levels as a biomarker of fetal exposure to numerous toxicants.

Progress Summary:

To date we have: (1) transferred successfully a methodology for meconium analysis of ethanol metabolites to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); (2) shown dry weight to be the best denominator of comparison between meconium samples; (3) developed, with the CDC, a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy technique for meconium analysis of ethanol metabolites that currently is being adapted to a gas chromatography/positive ion chemical ionization method; (4) obtained Institutional Review Board approvals from university hospitals and the CDC to conduct this study; (5) amended the research protocol and consent forms to be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; and (6) developed a protocol for meconium collection and shipment.

Significance

The validation of biomarkers of prenatal neurotoxicant exposure will allow earlier recognition of contaminated environments, early identification of at-risk women, and early identification of at-risk infants. Use of validated biomarkers will facilitate future interventional trials.

Future Activities:

We will: (1) develop methodologies with the CDC for multiple neurotoxicant analysis (most of this technology exists at the CDC for matrices other than meconium); and (2) begin collecting and analyzing biomarkers.

Supplemental Keywords:

toxicology, ADHD, behavioral assessment, behavioral deficit, genetic susceptibility, pesticides, biomarkers, environmental agents, exposure, exposure assessment, hearing loss, lead, meconium, neurotoxicity, pesticide exposure, risk assessment, toxicants, lead-based paint, lead hazard control,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Toxicology, Health Risk Assessment, Chemistry, Risk Assessments, Children's Health, Biology, Risk Assessment, pesticide exposure, behavioral assessment, lead, pesticides, neurotoxicity, children, fetus, toxicity, behavioral deficits, biological markers, exposure assessment, biomarker

Relevant Websites:

http://www.healthyhomestoday.com Exit
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/project/enviro Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R829389 Center for Research on Early Childhood Exposure and Development in Puerto Rico

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829389C001 Neurobehavioral Effects of Prevalent Toxicants in Children
R829389C002 Validation of Meconium Markers of Fetal Neurotoxicant Exposures
R829389C003 Community-Based Research Project Identifying Residential Hazards Using Home Test Kits
R829389C004 Early Exposure to Lead and Adult Antisocial Outcome
R829389C005 Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Brain Function Altered by Lead Exposure

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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.