Relationship of Metal Exposures to Health Risk Markers, Mood, and Cognitive Functioning in Military Veterans
Abstract
The goal of this project is to determine exposures to metals, such as lead, in military Veterans and to evaluate how exposure to one metal versus a combination of metals relates to brain functioning. For some metals, the effects on the central nervous system (CNS) have been well-studied. For example, lead has been related to IQ decline and reduced overall brain function. For other metals, some unique to military settings (e.g., depleted uranium), the effects are not as well understood, but previous studies suggest possible nervous system effects. Military duties may result in exposures to various metals that can substantially harm the CNS. The long-term goal of this project is to assess the type and extent of metal exposures in Veterans experiencing CNS-related illnesses, to improve intervention strategies in Veterans, and to inform procedures to help prevent these problems for present and future military personnel. Occupational exposure to metals in military personnel has been documented, although the extent of exposure is unclear. Levels of two metals in particular, lead and uranium, have been shown to be higher in military personnel. Lead exposure can come from bullets in the firing range, while a source of uranium exposure is its use as anti-armor ballistic material. Studies have investigated the effect of embedded uranium, but little is known about uranium exposure from other sources (e.g., through inhalation). In addition, other metals have been released into the air in war zones. In a previous study, we found a relationship between blood lead and inflammation in the blood. We also found that lead measured in bone was related to impaired brain function in men and that stress worsened the adverse effect of lead on brain functioning. More relatedly, we detected levels of multiple metals in a pilot study of the military Veterans proposed to be participants in this study. Our research team has expertise in neuropsychology, metal assessment, and metal epidemiology. We have distinguished histories assessing metals exposure, investigating the associations between metal exposures and human health, and working with military and Veteran populations. Also, in the larger study we are partnering with, we have a Veteran advocate group that we can consult regarding our study design and outcomes. Our proposed study is relevant to the Toxic Exposure Research Program s Goal, Focus Area, and aligned Topic Area to diagnose the effects of military-related toxic exposures, including metals, and seeking to understand links between metal exposures and mood and cognitive functioning, while evaluating behaviors, work histories, and presence of other diseases, as collected in the ongoing study of Veterans. This study will determine the amount and types of multiple metal exposures in military Veterans and the relationship to brain function. This research proposes to: (1) identify the extent of military exposures of a comprehensive list of more than 28 metals in military Veterans; (2) highlight new sources of metal exposures using data from a larger study of Gulf War Veterans on military, other occupations, and hobbies, to help distinguish these sources from military exposure; (3) determine mechanisms of metals toxicity in military Veterans for the purpose of improving Veterans long-term health outcomes; (4) determine the impact of metals on cognitive function; and (5) complement an existing study of the etiology/biology of Gulf War Illness. We hypothesize that military Veterans are exposed to a unique combination of metals. We further hypothesize that exposure to individual metals and combinations of metals (metal mixtures) will negatively relate to brain function. We proposed to address these hypotheses using the following specific aims: (1) Measure a comprehensive list of metals in blood and urine (biospecimens) using validated methods to identify the full extent of exposure and to compare with civilian popu
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2024
- Source ID
- HT94252310734
Entities
People
- Junenette Peters
Organizations
- Boston University Medical Campus
- United States Army