Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
EPA Grant Number: R830838Title: Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
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 Period Covered by this Report: May 5, 2006 through May 4,2007
Project Amount: $1,017,689
RFA: Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects: Cardiovascular Mechanisms (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Human Health , Particulate Matter
Objective:
The overall objective of this proposal is to investigate the role of exposure to ambient airborne particulates in the development of adverse cardiovascular responses with the primary objective of identifying possible mechanisms of action. These relationships will be investigated in a community cohort living in close proximity to a large Boston bus terminal. Specific objectives include examining cardiovascular changes in healthy individuals and those with predisposing risk factors such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Serum fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels will also be investigated in this group.
Progress Summary:
- X-ray fluorescence assessment of integrated air samples was completed.
- Models were fit for heart rate (bpm), including fixed effects for corrected real-time fine particulate and other factors, indicating no significant alteration of heart rate by increasing exposure to fine particulate after inclusion of anticipated confounders.
- Additional mixed models defining heart rate variability, as the five-minute SDNN, were fit to the data set. Models that allow for individual slopes and intercepts, along with a variety of potential confounders and effect modifiers were investigated. After additionally controlling for concomitant heart rate (a surrogate measure for activity), a statistically significant association between 5-minute SDNN and fine particulate remained, showing a 28.5 msec decrease in 5-minute SDNN (p=0.030) associated with a 1 mg/m3 increase in fine particulate.
- Oxidative damage, as measured by urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), associated with fine particulate exposure appeared to be modified by the presence of specific chronic health conditions, particularly hypertension. An interquartile range increase in fine particulate (from 0.011 mg/ m3 to 0.031 mg/ m3) was associated with a 4.29 μg/g, 95% CI [0.44, 8.14] decrease in 8-OHdG in subjects with hypertension compared to those without hypertension.
Future Activities:
Preliminary analyses will be finalized. Splines will be explored as a means of controlling confounding by continuous factors. These data will be incorporated into draft manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 5 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Particulate matter, heart rate variability, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, 8-OHdG, oxidative damage, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Health, Air, HUMAN HEALTH, particulate matter, Health Risk Assessment, air toxics, Exposure, Epidemiology, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, Risk Assessments, genetic susceptability, Biology, copollutant exposures, sensitive populations, atmospheric particulate matter, airway epithelial cells, cardiopulmonary responses, fine particles, PM 2.5, inhaled pollutants, acute cardiovascular effects, acute lung injury, stratospheric ozone, morbidity, air pollutants, motor vehicle emissions, automotive emissions, motor vehicle exhaust, air pollution, susceptible subpopulations, cardiac arrest, diesel exhaust, chronic health effects, lung inflammation, oxidant gas, particulate exposure, cardiopulmonary response, heart rate, human exposure, atmospheric aerosols, Acute health effects, inhaled, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, highrisk groups, human susceptibility, cardiotoxicity, cardiopulmonary, mortality, concentrated particulate matter, air contaminant exposure, air quality, environmental hazard exposures, toxics, airborne urban contaminants, cardiovascular disease, acute exposureProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.