Grantee Research Project Results

Final 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: Bearer, Cynthia
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: November 1, 2001 through October 31, 2006
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Children's Health , Human Health

Objective:

Meconium, the first stool passed by a newborn, has been utilized to establish exposure to drugs of abuse. The presence of environmental toxicants in meconium has also been reported (see preliminary data). Research in Dr. Bearer’s lab has shown a significant association between the quantity of fatty acid ethyl esters in meconium and low to moderate levels of drinking during pregnancy, and infants’ performance on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. This project’s objective was to address the hypothesis that environmental toxicants as well as nicotine and ethanol metabolites in meconium are useful biological markers for exposure to developmental neurotoxicants, and may indicate infants at risk for poor neurodevelopment. This project’s objective was to address the hypothesis that environmental toxicants as well as nicotine and ethanol metabolites in meconium are useful biological markers for exposure to developmental neurotoxicants, and may indicate infants at risk for poor neurodevelopment.

Research Objectives:

To determine a methodology to accurately analyze and compare 6 classes of neurotoxicants in a single sample of meconium.
To describe the presence of these neurotoxicants in a cohort of 400 infants (Project 1) and characterize their relationship to more traditional maternal and environmental measures obtained as part of Project 1.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

We have collected approximately six meconium stools per newborn. The meconium samples, which are being analyzed at the Centers for Disease Controls as part of our NIH/EPA-Children’s Environmental Health Center, are pending.

Conclusions:

Meconium samples are pending.

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.cincinnatichildrens.org/homestudy/

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.