Biomarkers of Organophosphorus Pesticide-Induced Neurotoxicity

Title: Biomarkers of Organophosphorus Pesticide-Induced Neurotoxicity

Principal Investigator: James Olson, PhD

Funding Agency: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Period: 06/01/08 - 04/30/13

Abstract: The proposed studies will test the hypotheses that OP-induced neurobehavioral deficits are dose-related and that measures of oxidative stress and inflammation are better predictors of neurobehavioral deficit than cholinesterase inhibition. These hypotheses will be tested by studying a cohort of adult pesticide application workers in Egypt’s Menoufia Governorate previously reported to exhibit the broadest range of neurobehavioral deficits in humans following OP exposure. Rat studies will be conducted in parallel to test candidate biomarkers as predictors of OP-induced neurobehavioral deficits. The proposed studies will provide critical data needed to develop effective biomarkers of OP exposure, biological response and genetic susceptibility.