Effects of Diesel Exhaust on Blood Vessels
Author Information
Author(s): Peretz Alon, Sullivan Jeffrey H., Leotta Daniel F., Trenga Carol A., Sands Fiona N., Allen Jason, Carlsten Chris, Wilkinson Charles W., Gill Edward A., Kaufman Joel D.
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
Diesel exhaust inhalation would result in vasoconstriction and decreased endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery within 30 min of exposure.
Conclusion
Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with acute endothelial response and vasoconstriction of a conductance artery.
Supporting Evidence
- Exposure to diesel exhaust at 200 μg/m3 decreased brachial artery diameter by 0.11 mm.
- Plasma levels of endothelin-1 increased after exposure to diesel exhaust but not after filtered air.
- The effect of diesel exhaust on vascular reactivity appeared to be dose-related.
Takeaway
Breathing in diesel exhaust can make your blood vessels tighten up, which isn't good for your heart.
Methodology
A double-blind, crossover, controlled exposure study with 27 adult volunteers exposed to filtered air and two levels of diesel exhaust.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to small sample size and variability in healthy participants.
Limitations
Small number of healthy participants with available data and variability in baseline measurements.
Participant Demographics
10 healthy adults and 17 with metabolic syndrome, aged 18-49.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.02–0.18
Statistical Significance
p = 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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