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SPIROMETRIC RESPONSE TO OZONE (O3) IN YOUNG ADULTS AS A FUNCTION OF BODY MAASS INDEX (BMI)
Citation:
BENNETT, W., M. HAZUCHA, L. FOLINSBEE, P. A. BROMBERG, G. E. KISSLING, AND S. J. LONDON. SPIROMETRIC RESPONSE TO OZONE (O3) IN YOUNG ADULTS AS A FUNCTION OF BODY MAASS INDEX (BMI). Presented at American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, May 19 - 24, 2006.
Description:
Recent studies in murine models of obesity have shown enhanced responsiveness to ozone in obese vs. lean mice. To assess whether previous human ozone exposure data from our laboratory support an effect of BMI on the spirometric response to ozone we analyzed the post-O3 percent decrement in forced expiratory volume in 1s (Δ) as a function of BMI (range 16-34 kg/m2) in young adults (age 18-35) (n = 197). Each subject was exposed to 0.42 ppm O3 for 1.5 h with intermittent exercise designed to produce a minute ventilation of 20 l/min / m2 body surface area (BSA). Spirometry was measured pre- and immediately post- exposure to determine Δ. Among all subjects Δ (mean+/-SD=16.1+/-11.0%) was significantly correlated with BMI, R = 0.16, p = 0.03 (two-tailed analysis), i.e. greater Δ with increasing BMI. This relationship, BMI v. Δ, was more evident in women (n=75) (mean Δ=16.4+/-10.8%), R = 0.22, p = 0.05 than men (n=122) (mean Δ=15.9+/-11.1%), R = 0.14, p = 0.13 (NS). Normalization of ventilation to BSA may have contributed to this relationship, but the stronger correlation in women suggests that variable dose of O3 may not fully explain the effect of BMI on Δ. The observed gender effect is consistent with murine studies also showing a stronger response in female (vs. male) obese mice. This preliminary analysis suggests that BMI may be a risk factor for adverse effects of ozone exposure, especially for women. Because this group of subjects included few with BMI > 30 kg/m2, a more targeted study of obese subjects is warranted. This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.