Clinical Trial: Reproductive Effects of Pesticide, PCB and Mercury Exposure in Laotian Immigrants

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Organochlorine Compounds and Menstrual Cycle Function

Brief Summary: This project is examining the reproductive effects of exposure to certain compounds that are suspected to act on the endocrine system, e.g. they may act like or interfere with hormones such as estrogen. The study is being conducted among Laotian women, as it is suspected that they may have higher exposures to the compounds of interest (pesticides and PCBs) from their homeland and from consumption of fish caught in the San Francisco Bay. Fifty Laotian immigrants were recruited by community workers to collect urine daily during 3 menstrual cycles for measurement of steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Additionally, they provided a blood sample to measure exposure levels, and completed 2 interviews in their native language. These measured levels, as well as the self-reported data on a number of factors including fish consumption, will be examined for possible effects on hormone levels and menstrual function.

Detailed Summary:

We are conducting a study to examine whether women who have been exposed to chlorinated pesticides or PCBs have alterations in their ovarian function as measured by the frequency of menstrual cycle disturbances. Such disturbances may impact the frequency of infertility and sub-fertility, as well as that of other hormone-dependent illnesses such as breast cancer and osteoporosis. The target population is a group of Laotian immigrants who are frequent consumers of fish caught locally in the San Francisco Bay. Contaminant levels above health protective advisories have been documented in Bay fish and shellfish for a number of these substances. Immigration from Asia, as well as consumption of contaminated fish, have been shown to be associated with higher organochlorine pesticide body burdens. Exposure is determined by measuring serum levels of a panel of pesticide metabolites, including those of DDT, chlordane, hepatochlor and others, as well as PCB congeners. In addition, mercury levels are measured in the blood. Menstrual function is assessed by measuring urinary metabolites of steroid hormones daily during three menstrual cycles of 50 Laotian women of reproductive age. The participants were also asked to complete two detailed in-person interviews about various factors, including fish consumption.

We previously conducted a study of menstrual function in a group of 400 women during which we developed algorithms to determine ovulatory status, day of ovulation and menstrual cycle disturbances such as short luteal phase that can also be applied to the new sample. This previously collected sample (or the Asians therein) will serve as a baseline comparison group for the current sample. In addition, it will provide a source of data on the effects of lifestyle (such as smoking and alcohol consumption) and demographic (such as age and ethnicity) factors on menstrual function, allowi
Sponsor: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

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Information By: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Dates:
Date Received: February 16, 2001
Date Started:
Date Completion:
Last Updated: March 22, 2006
Last Verified: March 2006