Lead is a known neurotoxic metal, and child externalizing behavior (aggression, ADHD, and oppositional disorder) has been identified as a risk factor for adolescent delinquency and later adult violence. There is preliminary evidence that even at sub- clinical lead exposure levels, children experence negative cognitive and behavioral outcomes. However, it is still unclear whether such effects are sustained or how the pathogenesis of the effect of sub-clinical lead exposure is shaped. Based on the evidence from our preliminary analyses in a longitudinal cohort study, we propose to study the mediating mechanisms by which exposure to lead during the preschool years contribute to externalizing behavior in early adolescence. Lead exposure is hypothesized to give rise to two related symptoms, cognitive impairment (low IQ, reduced P300 event- related potentials, poor school performance) and emotion dysregulation (low vagal tone, low arousal, and low stress reactivity) which in turn form the mechanistic pathway to childhood externalizing behavior. This new R01 builds on the PI's current NIEHS-funded K award and unique data from an on-going large prospective cohort study. The initial epidemiological sample consisted of 1,650 3-5 year-old Chinese boys and girls whose blood lead levels were obtained in 2004, and their IQ test scores and behavioral measures were assessed at age 6 years. We propose to add new neurocognitive and emotion measures in addition to repeating measures of blood lead, IQ, behavior, school performance, and psychosocial risk factors during preadolescent years (estimate N =1,200). Structural equation modeling will be used to test the main effect, interactive and mediating effects of early lead exposure on later externalizing behavior. The interdisciplinary research team has decades of experience in studying lead exposure, child behavior problems, psychophysiology, and child mental health. Findings have potential theoretical and clinical implications for understanding the symptoms of neurocognitive and emotional effects of lead exposure on children's externalizing behavior. By integrating neuroscience assessment tools with epidemiology and toxicology, this study could potentially inform strategies for lowing current CDC-defined safe lead levels, and reduce the likelihood of neurocognitive deficits and behavior problems. Ultimately it will potentially minimize the impact of negative environmental exposures on children's mental health, thus improving their subsequent well-being over the life-course.

Public Health Relevance

Understanding the neurobiological basis of lead exposure on children's externalizing behavior will be significant to future attempts to tackle two important global public health issues: lead exposure and children externalizing behavior, ultimately helping to improve the quality life of the individual and the family unit.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01ES018858-05S1
Application #
8848165
Study Section
Child Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Study Section (CPDD)
Program Officer
Gray, Kimberly A
Project Start
2010-09-08
Project End
2015-04-30
Budget Start
2014-05-01
Budget End
2015-04-30
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Ye, Tianpeng; Cui, Naixue; Yang, Wen et al. (2018) Evaluation of the Factor Structure of the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire in Chinese Adolescents. Psychol Rep :33294118792686
Cui, Naixue; Deatrick, Janet A; Liu, Jianghong (2018) Maternal and paternal physical abuse: Unique and joint associations with child behavioral problems. Child Abuse Negl 76:524-532
Ji, Xiaopeng; Li, Junxin; Liu, Jianghong (2018) The Relationship Between Midday Napping And Neurocognitive Function in Early Adolescents. Behav Sleep Med :1-15
Liu, Jianghong; Cui, Ying; Li, Linda et al. (2017) The mediating role of sleep in the fish consumption - cognitive functioning relationship: a cohort study. Sci Rep 7:17961
Ji, Xiaopeng; Cui, Naixue; Liu, Jianghong (2017) Neurocognitive Function Is Associated With Serum Iron Status in Early Adolescents. Biol Res Nurs 19:269-277
Cui, Naixue; Liu, Jianghong (2016) Cognitive and behavioral risk factors for child physical abuse among Chinese children: a multiple-informant study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 10:36
Liu, Jianghong; Ulrich, Connie (2016) Mediation analysis in nursing research: a methodological review. Contemp Nurse 52:643-656
Su, Jianhua; Cui, Naixue; Zhou, Guoping et al. (2016) Hemoglobin Status and Externalizing Behavioral Problems in Children. Int J Environ Res Public Health 13:
Tuvblad, Catherine; Dhamija, Devika; Berntsen, Leslie et al. (2016) Cross-Cultural Validation of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) Using Four Large Samples from the US, Hong Kong, and China. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 38:48-55
Li, Yuli; Cui, Naixue; Cao, Fenglin et al. (2016) Children's Bonding with Parents and Grandparents and Its Associated Factors. Child Indic Res 9:551-564

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