Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and circulating biomarkers of endothelial cell activation: The Framingham Heart Study

Environ Res. 2019 Apr:171:36-43. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.10.027. Epub 2018 Oct 28.

Abstract

Background: Short-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with cardiovascular events, potentially by promoting endothelial cell activation and inflammation. A few large-scale studies have examined the associations and have had mixed results.

Methods: We included 3820 non-current smoking participants (mean age 56 years, 54% women) from the Framingham Offspring cohort examinations 7 (1998-2001) and 8 (2005-2008), and Third Generation cohort examination 1 (2002-2005), who lived within 50 km of a central monitoring station. We calculated the 1- to 7-day moving averages of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), sulfate (SO42-), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone before examination visits. We used linear mixed effect models for P-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity and mass, and osteoprotegerin that were measured up to twice, and linear regression models for CD40 ligand and interleukin-18 that were measured once, adjusting for demographics, life style and clinical factors, socioeconomic position, time, and meteorology.

Results: We found negative associations of PM2.5 and BC with P-selectin, of ozone with MCP-1, and of SO42- and NOx with osteoprotegerin. At the 5-day moving average, a 5 µg/m3 higher PM2.5 was associated with 1.6% (95% CI: - 2.8, - 0.3) lower levels of P-selectin; a 10 ppb higher ozone was associated with 1.7% (95% CI: - 3.2, - 0.1) lower levels of MCP-1; and a 20 ppb higher NOx was associated with 2.0% (95% CI: - 3.6, - 0.4) lower levels of osteoprotegerin.

Conclusions: We did not find evidence of positive associations between short-term air pollution exposure and endothelial cell activation. On the contrary, short-term exposure to higher levels of ambient pollutants were associated with lower levels of P-selectin, MCP-1, and osteoprotegerin in the Framingham Heart Study.

Keywords: Air pollution; Biomarker; Endothelial dysfunction; Environment; Epidemiology; Inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants
  • Air Pollution / statistics & numerical data*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Particulate Matter

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Biomarkers
  • Particulate Matter