JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) is conducting community-engaged health research “environmental toxicant scans” in the Yuma County (Yuma, Somerton, San Luis) regions in collaboration with community health stakeholders including the Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. (RCBH), Campesinos sin Fronteras (CSF), the Yuma County Public Health District, and government agencies and NGO’s working on border health issues.

Objective:

We set out to construct a joint community/university effort to examine human exposures to the water-soluble contaminant perchlorate and to agricultural pesticides. This project includes development of a new animal model for investigation of mechanisms of toxicity following a “one health” approach. The ultimate goal of this community-engaged effort is to develop interventions to reduce exposures and health impacts of contaminants in Yuma populations.

Methods:

All participants completed the informed consent process, which included information on the purposes of the study, a request for access to health history and medical records data, and an interview. The interview included questions related to: 1) demographics, 2) social determinants of health, 3) health screening (e.g., family history of diseases), 4) occupation and environmental exposure to perchlorate and pesticides, and 5) access to health services. Each participant provided a hair sample for quantification of metals used in pesticides, a urine sample for perchlorate quantification, and a blood sample for endocrine assays. Data are modeled with measured levels of contaminants and hormones, and health status of the clinical population; data from the clinical population are compared to results from the general population. In parallel, an animal model for the impact of perchlorate and toxic metal exposure is being established through the collection of rodents that live near residences, farms, and local water sources.

Results:

We recruited, consented, enrolled, and surveyed 323 adults currently residing in Yuma County over a period of one year. One hundred and forty-seven residents are patients from either YRMC or RCBH with a primary diagnosis of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, or goiter. The remaining 176 participants are from the general population but with no history of thyroid disorder. All participants completed the informed consent process, which included information on the purposes of the study, a request for access to health history and medical records data, and an interview. In parallel, an animal model for the impact of perchlorate and toxic metal exposure is being established through the collection of rodents that live near residences, farms, and local water sources. We are measuring perchlorate and toxic metals in tissues and examining the same health outcomes as with people (endocrine disruption), plus organ-specific histopathology, gene expression, and lipid accumulation.

Conclusions:

Findings will elucidate mechanisms of toxicity and the population health effects of contaminants, as well as provide a new animal model to develop precision medicine capabilities for the population. Clinical Trial: not a clinical trial