The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74787

Michael S. Bloom, MS, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, 270 Farber Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214, 716-829-2975 ext. 613, msbloom@buffalo.edu, John E Vena, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29208, Jim R Olson, PH D, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, 143 Cary Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214, and Kirsten B Moysich, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.

PCBs, and related compounds, have been reported in high concentrations in Great Lakes sportfish, with certain congeners bearing a structural resemblance to thyroid hormones. Reports describe studies in which the treatment of animal models with these compounds has produced thyroid toxicity. Observational studies of both acute poisoning, and background exposures, have reported equivocal results with regard to thyroid toxicity in humans. Using participants selected from among Western New York State anglers and sportsmen, recruited as part of the New York State Angler Cohort Study, we will examine associations between body burdens of PCBs and related compounds, and biomarkers of thyroid function. Employing GC-ECD, sera samples donated by 205 males and 103 females, aged 19 to 40, were measured for 82 ortho- PCB congeners in ng/g serum lipids (median "PCBs= 7.54, range= 3.15, 29.04), DDE (median= 2.88, range= 0.05, 18.87), HCB (median= 0.20, range= 0.01, 0.99), and Mirex (median= 0.09, range= 0.01, 1.45). Total and free T4, total T3, and TSH were measured as well. Nineteen measured PCB congeners, DDE, HCB, and Mirex, were identified as potentially thyroid active during review of the literature, and will be considered as possible predictors of thyroid biomarker levels, using several gender stratified linear multivariate regression models. Data from questionnaires completed by participants, at the time of sample procurement, will be used to adjust the models for potential confounders, such as age and BMI. This research will help clarify the issue of human thyroid disruption in association with environmental levels of PCBs and related compounds.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Understand the continuing exposure of human populations to PCBs, and related compounds, via the consumption of contaminated Great Lakes sportfish.
• 2. Recognize chemical similarities between environmental PCBs and related compounds, and human thyroid hormones, the susceptibility of the human thyroid function to disruption by these compounds, and potential health risks as a consequence of this similarity and susceptibility.
• 3. Become familiarized with methodological issues pertinent to the investigation of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment, and human health effects.

Keywords: Environmental Health,

Related Web page: www.smbs.buffalo.edu/spm/angler.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.