Metals Dysregulation, Brain Development, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Project Description:
The goal of this study is to examine the effect of prenatal and early life metals exposure on the developing brain, cognitive and adaptive function, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dramatic changes in brain structure and function are well known in early life. The unfolding of autistic behaviors across the first few years of childhood is accompanied by age-specific brain changes that differ between children with ASD and those with typical developmental trajectories. Heavy metals are both established neurotoxicants and essential nutrients. While studies have examined the effect of single metals exposure on cognition, most have focused on early childhood exposure. Studies of prenatal exposure are more limited, and few have been able to quantify effects of exposure directly on the fetus. Here we propose to examine the relationship between prenatal and early life metals exposure and longitudinal measures of brain structure and white matter integrity, cognitive and adaptive function, and ASD and related traits in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Enriched Risk (ASD-ER) cohort or cohorts. These cohorts enroll infants at high familial risk for ASD, allowing for contrast of familial genetic influences and follow them longitudinally through 36 months of age. Standardized neuroimaging protocols, along with cognitive, behavior, and ASD assessments, were and are being conducted over regular intervals, creating a rich resource for the study of environmental exposures on the developing brain. We examine metals exposure using novel methodology which quantifies metals exposure in shed deciduous teeth with weekly resolution, allow for exposure directly to the fetus to be captured from the second trimester of pregnancy through the first year of life. Specific aims are: (1) to evaluate the effect of prenatal and early life metals exposure on the early trajectory of cognitive development and adaptive function; (2) to assess the effect of prenatal and early life metals exposure on the development of ASD and dimensional characteristics of autism; and (3) to examine the effect of prenatal and early life metals exposure on early longitudinal brain development. Because exposure to neurotoxic metals can be mitigated and that to essential nutrients be augmented, the potential public health impact of this study is large. Additionally, identification of a risk factor in very young children provides the opportunity for early intervention where reduction of risk for disordered development is still possible.
Keyword(s):
Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , metals dysregulation, brain development
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
