Grantee Research Project Results
Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
EPA Grant Number: R830838Title: Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
Investigators: Christiani, David , Coull, Brent , Sioutas, Constantinos , Schwartz, Joel , Levy, Jonathan , Herrick, Robert , Magari, Shannon
Current Investigators: Christiani, David , Eisen, Ellen , Schwartz, Joel , Magari, Shannon
Institution: Harvard University , University of Southern California
Current Institution: Harvard University
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: May 5, 2003 through May 4, 2006 (Extended to May 4, 2009)
Project Amount: $1,017,689
RFA: Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects: Cardiovascular Mechanisms (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Particulate Matter , Human Health , Air
Description:
Population-based epidemiologic studies of communities in the United States have revealed a consistent association between ambient particulate air pollution and increases in morbidity and mortality. More recent studies have focused on the cardiovascular complications of ambient air pollution in primarily elderly cohorts using area PM2.5 monitoring. These studies have begun to examine potential biomarkers of effect, such as heart rate variability. However, the community studies reported cardiovascular mortality in response to airborne particles in persons under age 65, and little is known of the potential mechanisms in that population. The objective of this proposal is to use personal measurements of particulates to investigate the role of both PM2.5 and a smaller fraction, PM1.0 in the development of cardiac responses in a relatively young community cohort. We will employ a detailed continuous, real-time exposure-response assessment with repeated measures of biologic and physiologic markers of response. The continuous real-time exposure assessment will allow for insight into physiologic changes associated with particulate exposure, but also will allow the investigators to examine the time course of action of these toxicants. Determination of the time course of action is critical to identify mechanisms of action of particulates on the cardiovascular system.
Objective:
Specific hypotheses to be tested will include: (1) particulate exposures will result in acute changes in cardiovascular function, as reflected in changes in heart rate, heart-rate variability and blood pressure; (2) particulate exposure will result in increased serum fibrinogen levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease; (3) particulate exposure will result in increases in C-reactive protein, an identified inflammatory marker; and (4) chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma predispose individuals to particulate-induced changes in cardiac function.
Approach:
The experimental approach will be an epidemiologic study employing a prospective, repeat-measurement design assessing several biological parameters in relation to exposure to PM2.5 and PM1.0 over a minimum of a 48-hour period in a community-based inner-city population living in close proximity to a large Boston bus terminal.
Expected Results:
The expected results will clarify the exposure-response relationship and time course of action between particulate exposure and human cardiovascular responses. Clarification of the exposure-response relationships and time course of action will lend valuable insight into the mechanism of action of particulates, and will have important implications for preventive efforts aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from exposure to particulates.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 5 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
air pollution, particulate matter., RFA, Health, Air, Scientific Discipline, HUMAN HEALTH, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, Health Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, particulate matter, Biology, genetic susceptability, Exposure, Epidemiology, air toxics, inhaled, air quality, environmental hazard exposures, inhaled pollutants, sensitive populations, diesel exhaust, stratospheric ozone, fine particles, lung inflammation, oxidant gas, acute lung injury, human exposure, mortality, automotive emissions, motor vehicle emissions, cardiopulmonary responses, particulate exposure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, morbidity, motor vehicle exhaust, Acute health effects, airway epithelial cells, copollutant exposures, cardiac arrest, cardiotoxicity, acute exposure, chronic health effects, susceptible subpopulations, concentrated particulate matter, air contaminant exposure, toxics, atmospheric particulate matter, heart rate, air pollutants, atmospheric aerosols, air pollution, highrisk groups, human susceptibility, acute cardiovascular effects, airborne urban contaminants, cardiovascular disease, cardiopulmonary, human health risk, PM 2.5Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.