What is Good Science, and How Does it Relate to Food Consumption? Keith R. Cooper, Ph.D. June 8, 2004

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What is Good Science? Results from well designed studies that are based on a testable hypothesis. Results from well designed studies that are based on a testable hypothesis. Results that are reproducible by independent studies or laboratories. Results that are reproducible by independent studies or laboratories. Results that are statistically defensible. Results that are statistically defensible.

What is Bad Science? When the outcome of the studies are designed in such a fashion as to give a predetermined outcome. When the outcome of the studies are designed in such a fashion as to give a predetermined outcome. When the study design is too small and apparent correlations are due too statistical error. When the study design is too small and apparent correlations are due too statistical error. When QA/QC protocols are compromised. When QA/QC protocols are compromised.

How can the same data examined by different groups give differing opinions as to risk? It may be dependent on the model used to extrapolate to obtain a risk number. It may be dependent on the model used to extrapolate to obtain a risk number. It may be dependent on the assumptions used in the model for unknown parameters. It may be dependent on the assumptions used in the model for unknown parameters. It may be dependent on the endpoint (cancer-benign vs malignant or non- cancer endpoints) examined. It may be dependent on the endpoint (cancer-benign vs malignant or non- cancer endpoints) examined.

Toxicology of Natural & Anthropogenic Sources of Contamination Food pathogens (Hepatitis, Vibrio, E. coli, Algal toxins and others) associated with waterborne contamination. Food pathogens (Hepatitis, Vibrio, E. coli, Algal toxins and others) associated with waterborne contamination. Anthropogenic sources of metals, and persistent organic compounds. Anthropogenic sources of metals, and persistent organic compounds. These pathogens and contaminants bioaccumulate into various tissues. These pathogens and contaminants bioaccumulate into various tissues.

Metals Persistent Organic Compounds Mercury 2,3,7,8-TCDD

mRNA TCDD AhR TCDD AhR ARNT TCDD AhR ARNT DRE TranscriptionTranslation DNA Receptor bindingActivation Gene products that regulate proliferation and differentiation of cells cytoplasm Nucleus Mechanisms of 2,3,7,8-TCDD

Seawater control N= 10 oysters/day; No significant difference Equivalents based on ALP levels (mg/ml) N= 10 oysters/day; significantly different (ANOVA P<0.05) *# *# Matured eggs Maturing egg Developed follicle Follicle Growing egg

2,3,7,8-TCDD: 10 pg/gram N=10 oyster; significantly different (ANOVA P< 0.05); Equivalents are based on ALP levels (mg/ml) N=10 oyster; significantly different (ANOVA P< 0.05) * Follicle Abnormal egg growth Inhibited egg growth and maturation Growing egg Inhibited egg growth *# *! #!

Integrated Eco-toxicological Modeling Contamination of Aquatic and Terrestrial Systems (CATS): Traas and Aldenberg Biotic Characteristics *foodweb *function Contaminant Properties *solubility *Kow Abiotic Characteristics *hydrology *geochemistry *climate Toxicology Ecology Environmental Chemistry Ecology Toxicology Environmental Chemistry Contaminant Properties Abiotic Conditions Biota Sorption leaching partitioning Metabolization assimilation excetion Habitat factors nutrient cycling

Uniqueness of Mercury Modeling The primary concern is methyl mercury which is produced in the environment. In other words, one must actually model four mercury species simultaneously. Collaboration with Dr. Buckley has allowed us to look at rates of metal speciation, which are essential in developing rate constants. The primary concern is methyl mercury which is produced in the environment. In other words, one must actually model four mercury species simultaneously. Collaboration with Dr. Buckley has allowed us to look at rates of metal speciation, which are essential in developing rate constants.

Burial to Deep Sediments and Re-entrainment Inert Hg Benthos Atmosphere Inert Hg Aqueous Phase Hg 0 Hg II MeHg (Adapted From Bale (2000)) Green Boxes denote particulate bound While clear denote dissolved Hg IIInert HgHg IIHg 0 Mercury Cycling in the Enviroment

Comparative Risk/Benefit Ratio US Dietary Guidelines potential health benefits from eating fish (omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest and other ailments.) US Dietary Guidelines potential health benefits from eating fish (omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest and other ailments.) Breastfeeding has been clearly shown for infant and mother bonding, intervention on reducing dietary intake of animal fat for children. Reduction of intake in adult women will have little effect on stored body burdens. Breastfeeding has been clearly shown for infant and mother bonding, intervention on reducing dietary intake of animal fat for children. Reduction of intake in adult women will have little effect on stored body burdens. Cooking methods to reduce high fat containing portions. Cooking methods to reduce high fat containing portions.