Impact of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health in Aging Men
Author Information
Author(s): Wilker Elissa H, Alexeeff Stacey E, Suh Helen, Vokonas Pantel S, Baccarelli Andrea, Schwartz Joel
Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Hypothesis
Longer averaging times of particulate air pollution are associated with higher levels of soluble adhesion molecules, and genetic polymorphisms in miRNA-processing genes may modify these associations.
Conclusion
Higher seven-day moving averages of PM2.5 and sulfates are associated with increased levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in elderly men, with genetic factors influencing these associations.
Supporting Evidence
- An interquartile range change in PM2.5 was associated with 3.1% higher sICAM-1 levels.
- Sulfate changes were associated with 1.4% higher sICAM-1 levels.
- The study included 723 participants with 1652 observations.
Takeaway
Breathing in dirty air for a week can make older men have higher levels of certain markers in their blood that show inflammation, and some people might be more affected because of their genes.
Methodology
The study measured sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in participants over several years and analyzed the effects of air pollution using mixed-effects models.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of adhesion molecules and residual confounding from unmeasured variables.
Limitations
The study used stationary measures of air pollution, which may not accurately represent personal exposures, and there may be residual confounding.
Participant Demographics
Elderly male participants, primarily white, with a history of smoking and hypertension.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 1.6, 4.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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