Air Pollution and Inflammation in Heart Disease Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Delfino Ralph J., Staimer Norbert, Tjoa Thomas, Polidori Andrea, Arhami Mohammad, Gillen Daniel L., Kleinman Micheal T., Vaziri Nosratola D., Longhurst John, Zaldivar Frank, Sioutas Constantinos
Primary Institution: University of California, Irvine
Hypothesis
Biomarkers of systemic inflammatory responses will be positively associated with ultrafine PM mass, total PN concentration, and markers of primary combustion-related organic compounds from sources such as vehicular exhaust.
Conclusion
Traffic emission sources of organic carbon and quasi-ultrafine particles lead to increased systemic inflammation and platelet activation and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity in elderly people with coronary artery disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant positive associations were found for CRP, IL-6, sTNF-RII, and sP-selectin with outdoor and/or indoor concentrations of quasi-ultrafine PM.
- Inverse associations were found for erythrocyte Cu,Zn-SOD with these pollutants.
- Indoor associations were often stronger for estimated indoor EC, OCpri, and PN of outdoor origin.
Takeaway
This study found that air pollution from traffic can make older people with heart disease more inflamed and less able to fight off damage in their bodies.
Methodology
The study followed 29 nonsmoking elderly subjects with coronary artery disease, measuring blood plasma biomarkers weekly over 12 weeks and assessing air pollution exposure using various air monitors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported health status and limited sample size.
Limitations
The study could not correct for exposures in other environments and had a limited assessment of differences based on clinical characteristics.
Participant Demographics
Elderly individuals (mean age 85.7 years) with a history of coronary artery disease, predominantly female (58.6%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI for various biomarkers and pollutant associations.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website