Exposure to alcohol in utero can have devastating effects on the developing fetus, including growth deficits, cognitive and behavioral anomalies, alterations in brain, and distinct facial characteristics; collectively these are referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). While research over the last 40 years has characterized these alterations and provided numerous potential mechanisms for the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), very little data exists on long-term consequences as the majority of clinical research has focused on children and adolescents. Many of the consequences of PAE are thought to be lifelong, yet data on individuals past young adulthood are rare, despite animal model data suggesting long-term consequences and altered trajectories of behavioral development. The goal of this application is to address this significant shortfall in our knowledge by evaluating the protracted effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the brain. Previous large studies from Seattle, WA developed well-characterized research samples of individuals with a classification of having an FASD who are now adults between 30 and 60 years of age. These individuals are currently being recruited into a registry of research participants. Over 150 of these individuals have had previous structural MRI scans conducted while in their teens and twenties. A subset of subjects and matched controls (N=90) will be recruited to have another MRI session in which structural, DTI, and connectivity assessments will be conducted. Comparisons between these and earlier scans will provide insight into the changes in overall brain structure, white matter integrity, and function with age in subjects with alcohol exposure histories. We postulate that brain maturation following PAE follows an altered trajectory relative to normal developing controls. This work will begin to examine a major gap in our knowledge about the impact of PAE by addressing for the first time the longitudinal changes in brain during the adult period, and identify gaps in knowledge regarding FASD in adulthood.

Public Health Relevance

This project is directly relevant to public health concerns surrounding the effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure, defining the impact of such exposure on the brain in adults. Very little is known about consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure in adulthood. The knowledge gained from this project will improve our understanding of this critical age group, and allow us to better anticipate outcomes in adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AA026994-03
Application #
9970375
Study Section
Neurotoxicology and Alcohol Study Section (NAL)
Program Officer
Matochik, John A
Project Start
2018-07-01
Project End
2023-06-30
Budget Start
2020-07-01
Budget End
2021-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
San Diego State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
073371346
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92182