Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in the programming effects of prenatal manganese on timing perception in children
Neurotoxicology and teratology, Vol.109(Supplement 1), 107496
05/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2025.107496
Abstract
Background
Limited knowledge exists about Mn effects on children's time perception, an understudied component of executive function, and whether impacts differ by sex.
Objective
We proposed that the effects of prenatal Mn exposure on children's ability to perceive time can be best assessed using a multi-media biomarker (MMB) to estimate cumulative exposure.
Methods
Children (N = 563) aged 6–9 from Mexico City were administered a TRD task, an operant test in which they repeatedly held a lever down between 10 and 14 s. Correctly timed lever holds elicit a nickel as a reward. Short (<10s) and long holds (>14 s) are incorrect and are not rewarded. Blood and urinary Mn levels were assessed from mothers in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. A covariate-adjusted generalized weighted quantile sum regression estimated the effect of an MMB (combining blood and urine biomarkers into a single metric) on TRD performance. Sex-stratified models were also explored.
Results
A higher MMB index was significantly associated with impaired performance across multiple time-related measures in the overall sample. Sex-stratified analyses revealed females exhibiting significantly poorer performance than males, who showed largely non-significant trends. Among females, higher MMB exposure was associated with fewer timing holds (β = −2.14; 95 %CI:-3.57,-0.72), fewer total holds (β = −2.11; 95 %CI:-4.18,-0.04), and lower timing accuracy, (β = −1.29; 95 %CI:-1.49,-1.09), and greater variability in lever hold durations for total holds (β = 0.67; 95 %CI:0.09,1.24).
Conclusion
Our results accentuate sex as a biological factor in the neuroprogramming of prenatal Mn, with stronger effects in females possibly linked to sex-specific susceptibility via dopamine signaling, neurodevelopmental timing, or hormonal influences.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Sexual dimorphism in the programming effects of prenatal manganese on timing perception in children
- Creators
- Jamil M. Lane - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiShelley H. Liu - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiDeborah Cory-Slechta - University of Rochester Medical CenterVishal Midya - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiShoshannah Eggers - University of IowaGabriela Gil-Martinez - National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, MexicoMartha Tellez-Rojo - National Institute of Public Health, Morelos, MexicoRobert O. Wright - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Neurotoxicology and teratology, Vol.109(Supplement 1), 107496
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ntt.2025.107496
- ISSN
- 0892-0362
- eISSN
- 1872-9738
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2025
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9984833492402771
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