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Cheng C, Liu Y, Han C, Fang Q, Cui F, Li X. Effects of extreme temperature events on deaths and its interaction with air pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:170212. [PMID: 38246371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both extreme temperature events (ETEs) and air pollution affected human health, and their effects were often not independent. Previous studies have provided limited information on the interactions between ETEs and air pollution. METHODS We collected data on deaths (non-accidental, cardiovascular, and respiratory) in Zibo City along with daily air pollution and meteorological data from January 2015 to December 2019. Distributed lag non-linear model was used to explore the health effects of ETEs on deaths. Non-parametric binary response model, hierarchical model and joint effect model were used to further explore the interaction between ETEs and air pollution in different seasons. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis by gender and age (≥ 65 years old and < 65 years old) was conducted to identify the vulnerable population. RESULTS ETEs increased death risk, especially for cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. Heat waves had a stronger impact than cold spells. Cold spells had a longer lag and fluctuating trend. Heat waves had a short-term impact, followed by a decrease. Females and those aged ≥ 65 were more affected, but subgroup differences were not significant. During ETEs and non-ETEs, there were different effects on deaths with per IQR increase in air pollutant concentrations. Joint effect models revealed that there was a significant interaction between ETEs and air pollution on non-accidental deaths. The interaction between PM2.5 and cold spells was antagonistic in the cold season. In the warm season, the health effects of heat waves and high O3 concentration were enhanced. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) of cold spells and PM2.5 in total population was -0.09 (95 % CI: -0.17, -0.01), and 9 % (95 % CI: 1 %, 17 %) of the total effect was attributable to interaction. Subgroup analysis confirmed the interactions in females and those aged ≥ 65. CONCLUSIONS Significant association observed between ETEs and deaths. Females and ≥ 65 age groups were vulnerable. There were interactions between ETEs and air pollution. The effect of PM2.5 on deaths decreased during cold spells, while the effect of O3 increased during heat waves. In addition to improving air quality, it is necessary to further strengthen the prevention and control of ETEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanlong Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Ma'anshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ma'anshan 243000, Anhui, China
| | - Chuang Han
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qidi Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Cui
- Zibo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zibo, Shandong, China
| | - Xiujun Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Zhang S, Wang B, Wang S, Hu W, Wen X, Shao P, Fan J. Influence of air pollution on human comfort in five typical Chinese cities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110318. [PMID: 33058812 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It is known that air pollution is harmful to creatures, though until now most of the human thermal comfort indices that existed were calculated only with meteorological conditions. Therefore, a new index - meteorology and environment comfort (MEC) - was given out in this paper that considers both meteorology and air pollution conditions and presents the comprehensive and synergistic effects of meteorological and air pollution. The meteorology and air pollution data were used to establish the influence function of the five air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, and SO2) according to Fechner's law; then, we calculated the somatosensory temperature (ST, a class of human thermal comfort indices) and MEC values of five typical cities (Beijing, Xining, Nanjing, Kunming, and Guangzhou). The results showed average improvements of five cities on MEC as a new comprehensive human comfort index to new ST. In spring, the MEC comfort proportion fell by 29.25%. Besides, the extreme heat discomfort ratio in Nanjing and Kunming has increased over 20%. In summer, the comfort proportion fell 12.54%; the extreme heat discomfort proportion of Beijing increased 37.86% and Kunming increased 24.09%. Air pollution significantly raised discomfort stress in Beijing. In fall, the comfort proportion fell by 20.87%; and the extreme heat discomfort of Nanjing increased 23.67% caused by poor air quality. About winter, the comfort ratio decreased 12.72%, and the cold discomfort proportion of Nanjing increased 30.30%, signifying awful air quality in winter. Air pollution levels significantly affect the comfort levels in all seasons, which is more evident with good weather patterns. MEC can offer early warnings of extreme weather events and provide a basis for the better prevention and control of air pollution to protect human health basing on the predictions of meteorological and environmental impact factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixuan Zhang
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
| | - Bingyun Wang
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China.
| | - Shigong Wang
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
| | - Wendong Hu
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
| | - Xiaohang Wen
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
| | - Ping Shao
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
| | - Jin Fan
- College of Atmosphere Science, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, 610225, China
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3
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Farra YM, Eden MJ, Coleman JR, Kulkarni P, Ferris CF, Oakes JM, Bellini C. Acute neuroradiological, behavioral, and physiological effects of nose-only exposure to vaporized cannabis in C57BL/6 mice. Inhal Toxicol 2020; 32:200-217. [PMID: 32475185 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2020.1767237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The rapid increase of cannabis consumption reinforces the need to elucidate the health hazards of this practice. The presence of fine particulate matter in cannabis smoke and vapor poses a major concern, as it may contribute to cardiopulmonary disease. To facilitate the assessment of risks associated with cannabis inhalation, we developed and characterized a method for exposing mice to cannabis in a way that mimics the delivery of the drug to the airways of smokers. Materials and Methods: Cannabis (10.3% THC, 0.05% CBD) was vaporized to generate aerosols with a reproducible particle profile. Aerosols were acutely delivered to male, adult C57BL/6 mice via a nose-only exposure system. Serum THC levels were measured for increasing cannabis doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at baseline and following exposure. Behavioral response to cannabis inhalation in the open field was documented. Awake neurological activity upon cannabis exposure was monitored using BOLD fMRI.Results and Discussion: Cannabis aerosols contained particles with count median diameter of 243 ± 39 nm and geometric standard deviation of 1.56 ± 0.06. Blood serum THC levels increased linearly with aerosolized mass and peaked at 136 ± 5 ng/mL. Cannabis inhalation decreased heart rate and blood pressure but promoted anxiety-like behavior. Observed differences in BOLD activation volumes linked cannabis to increased awareness to sensory stimuli and reduced behavioral arousal.Conclusions: Quantified physiological, behavioral, and neurological responses served as validation for our mouse model of cannabis inhalation. Animal models of aerosol exposure will be instrumental for uncovering the health outcomes of chronic cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M Farra
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Eden
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James R Coleman
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Praveen Kulkarni
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Department of Psychology, Center for Translational NeuroImaging, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica M Oakes
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiara Bellini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Nayebare SR, Aburizaiza OS, Siddique A, Carpenter DO, Arden Pope C, Mirza HM, Zeb J, Aburiziza AJ, Khwaja HA. Fine particles exposure and cardiopulmonary morbidity in Jeddah: A time-series analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:1314-1322. [PMID: 30282325 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Health effects linked to PM2.5, have been extensively studied in developed countries of Europe and N. America. However, little has been done in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. This study evaluated the morbidity risk for cardiovascular (CVD) and respiratory (RD) diseases, associated with PM2.5 exposure in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 24-h PM2.5 sampling was conducted at 3 sites for 6 weeks quarterly from Apr 8th, 2013-Feb 18th, 2014 with simultaneous hospital data collection. The relative risks (RRs) for cardiopulmonary morbidity at different moving averages (MAs) of lagged exposures were estimated using a generalized linear time-series model. Elevated risks for RD were associated with recent PM2.5 exposures (0-2 days). RD prevalence was highest in children 0-14 years. Overall, RD morbidity risk ranged from 1.081 (CI: 1.005-1.162) to 1.096 (CI: 1.023-1.173) at MAs_2-4; male, 1.081 (CI: 1.019-1.146) to 1.087 (CI: 1.020-1.159) at MAs_2-3, and female, 1.086 (CI: 1.007-1.172) to 1.093 (CI: 1.017-1.175) at MAs_2-4. Generally, females 0-14 years were the most at risk for RDs with RR = 1.097 (CI: 1.025-1.174) to 1.148 (CI: 1.049-1.257). CVD morbidity risk was highest in ER visits with overall RR = 1.057 (CI: 1.005-1.111) to 1.137 (CI: 1.065-1.213) across all MAs; male, 1.060 (CI: 1.007-1.204) to 1.131 (CI: 1.060-1.208); female, 1.065 (CI: 1.008-1.125) to 1.116 (CI: 1.045-1.192). PM2.5 exposure showed significantly increased cardiopulmonary morbidity risk, accentuating the severe health effects associated with elevated PM2.5 in Jeddah. Overall, females (0-14 years) were more at risk for RD morbidity than males. CVD morbidity risk was relatively higher in males than females, with highest risk observed in age-groups above 40 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shedrack R Nayebare
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Omar S Aburizaiza
- Unit for Ain Zubaida Rehabilitation and Ground Water Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azhar Siddique
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - David O Carpenter
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Institute for the Health and the Environment, University at Albany, 5 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - C Arden Pope
- Department of Economics, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Hussain M Mirza
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Jahan Zeb
- Unit for Ain Zubaida Rehabilitation and Ground Water Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haider A Khwaja
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12201, USA; Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
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5
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Marty MS, Borgert C, Coady K, Green R, Levine SL, Mihaich E, Ortego L, Wheeler JR, Yi KD, Zorrilla LM. Distinguishing between endocrine disruption and non-specific effects on endocrine systems. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 99:142-158. [PMID: 30217484 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocrine system is responsible for growth, development, maintaining homeostasis and for the control of many physiological processes. Due to the integral nature of its signaling pathways, it can be difficult to distinguish endocrine-mediated adverse effects from transient fluctuations, adaptive/compensatory responses, or adverse effects on the endocrine system that are caused by mechanisms outside the endocrine system. This is particularly true in toxicological studies that require generation of effects through the use of Maximum Tolerated Doses (or Concentrations). Endocrine-mediated adverse effects are those that occur as a consequence of the interaction of a chemical with a specific molecular component of the endocrine system, for example, a hormone receptor. Non-endocrine-mediated adverse effects on the endocrine system are those that occur by other mechanisms. For example, systemic toxicity, which perturbs homeostasis and affects the general well-being of an organism, can affect endocrine signaling. Some organs/tissues can be affected by both endocrine and non-endocrine signals, which must be distinguished. This paper examines in vitro and in vivo endocrine endpoints that can be altered by non-endocrine processes. It recommends an evaluation of these issues in the assessment of effects for the determination of endocrine disrupting properties of chemicals. This underscores the importance of using a formal weight of evidence (WoE) process to evaluate potential endocrine activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sue Marty
- The Dow Chemical Company, Toxicology & Environmental Research and Consulting, 1803 Building, Midland, MI, 48674, USA.
| | - Chris Borgert
- Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology, Inc., C.E.H.T. Dept. Physiological Sciences, University of FL College of Veterinary Medicine, 2250 NW 24th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32605, USA.
| | - Katie Coady
- The Dow Chemical Company, Toxicology & Environmental Research and Consulting, 1803 Building, Midland, MI, 48674, USA.
| | - Richard Green
- Dow AgroSciences, 3b Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RN, United Kingdom.
| | - Steven L Levine
- Monsanto Company, Global Regulatory Science, 700 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Ellen Mihaich
- Environmental and Regulatory Resources, LLC, 6807 Lipscomb Drive, Durham, NC, 27712, USA.
| | - Lisa Ortego
- Bayer CropScience, 2 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - James R Wheeler
- Dow AgroSciences, 3b Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RN, United Kingdom.
| | - Kun Don Yi
- Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, 410 S Wing Rd, Greensboro, NC, 27409, USA.
| | - Leah M Zorrilla
- Bayer CropScience, 2 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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6
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Chuang HC, Lin YJ, Chou CCK, Hwang JS, Chen CC, Yan YH, Hsieh HI, Chuang KJ, Cheng TJ. Alterations in cardiovascular function by particulate matter in rats using a crossover design. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:812-820. [PMID: 28866422 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate associations between cardiovascular effects and urban ambient particle constituents using an in vivo crossover experimental design. Ambient particles were introduced to an exposure chamber for whole-body exposure of WKY rats, where the particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) mass concentration, particle number concentration, and black carbon (BC) were monitored. Organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and soluble ions of PM2.5 were determined. In a crossover design, rats were exposed to ambient particles or high-efficiency particle arrestance (HEPA)-filtered control air for 7 days following a 7-day washout interval. The crossover exposure between particles and HEPA-filtered air was repeated 4 times. Radiotelemetric data on blood pressure (BP) [systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP)], heart rate (HR), and heart rate viability (HRV) were subsequently obtained during the entire study. Exposure to the PM2.5 mass concentration was associated with decreases in the SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes in the BP or HR occurred with the particle number or black carbon. For HRV, the ln 5-min standard deviation of the normal-to-normal (NN) interval (LnSDNN) and the ln root mean square of successive differences in adjacent NN intervals (LnRMSSD) were positively associated with the PM2.5 mass concentration (p < 0.05). There were no significant effects of the particle number concentration or BC on HRV. Alterations in the HR were associated with OC, EC, Na+, Cl-, and NO3-. Cl- was associated with the DBP, MAP, HR, SDNN, and RMSSD. NO3- was correlated with the SBP, MAP, HR, SDNN, and RMSSD. In conclusion, we observed cardiovascular responses to ambient particles in vivo using a crossover design which can reduce animal use in future environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Yin-Jyun Lin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Charles C K Chou
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | - Chu-Chih Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Horng Yan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-I Hsieh
- Department of Family Medicine, Cathay General Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsun-Jen Cheng
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Dye JA, Gibbs-Flournoy EA, Richards JH, Norwood J, Kraft K, Hatch GE. Neonatal rat age, sex and strain modify acute antioxidant response to ozone. Inhal Toxicol 2017; 29:291-303. [PMID: 28880688 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2017.1369602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the US and its impact continues to increase in women. Oxidant insults during critical periods of early life appear to increase risk of COPD through-out the life course. To better understand susceptibility to early life exposure to oxidant air pollutants we used Fisher (F344), Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Wistar (WIS) male and female neonatal rat pups to assess: (A) if strain (i.e. genetics), sex, or stage of early life development affected baseline lung antioxidant or redox enzyme levels and (B) if these same factors modulated antioxidant responsiveness to acute ozone exposure (1 ppm × 2 h) on post-natal day (PND) 14, 21, or 28. In air-exposed pups from PND14-28, some parameters were unchanged (e.g. uric acid), some decreased (e.g. superoxide dismutase), while others increased (e.g. glutathione recycling enzymes) especially post-weaning. Lung total glutathione levels decreased in F344 and SD pups, but were relatively unchanged in WIS pups. Post-ozone exposure, data suggest that: (1) the youngest (PND14) pups were the most adversely affected; (2) neonatal SD and WIS pups, especially females, were more prone to ozone effects than males of the same age and (3) F344 neonates (females and males) were less susceptible to oxidative lung insult, not unlike F344 adults. Differences in antioxidant levels and responsiveness between sexes and strains and at different periods of development may provide a basis for assessing later life health outcomes - with implications for humans with analogous genetic or dietary-based lung antioxidant deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice A Dye
- a National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, Durham , NC , USA
| | - Eugene A Gibbs-Flournoy
- b ORISE, Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park , NC , USA
| | - Judy H Richards
- a National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, Durham , NC , USA
| | - Joel Norwood
- a National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, Durham , NC , USA
| | | | - Gary E Hatch
- a National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory (NHEERL) Office of Research and Development , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park, Durham , NC , USA
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8
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Li J, Woodward A, Hou XY, Zhu T, Zhang J, Brown H, Yang J, Qin R, Gao J, Gu S, Li J, Xu L, Liu X, Liu Q. Modification of the effects of air pollutants on mortality by temperature: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 575:1556-1570. [PMID: 27780592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Temperature extremes and air pollution both pose significant threats to human health, but it remains uncertain whether pollutants' effects on mortality are modified by temperature levels. In this review, we summarized epidemiologic evidence on the modification by temperature of the acute effects of air pollutants on non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality. The EMBASE, PubMed, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Elsevier Science Direct databases were used to identify papers published up to 2nd December 2014. Studies with appropriate design, exposures and outcome indicators, quantitative estimates and high/intermediate quality were included. Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 12 reported the effects of PM10 on mortality modified by temperature, 10 studied O3, and the rest examined NO2, SO2, PM2.5, PM10-2.5, CO and black smoke. We divided temperature into low, medium, and high categories as defined in each study. In high temperature days, a 10μg/m3 increment in PM10 concentration corresponded to pooled estimates of 0.78% (95% CI: 0.44%, 1.11%) and 1.28% (0.66%, 1.91%) increase in non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality, both statistically significantly higher than the estimates in medium temperature stratum. Pooled effects of O3 on non-accidental mortality on low and high temperature days were increases of 0.48% (0.28%, 0.69%) and 0.47% (0.32%, 0.63%) respectively, for 10μg/m3 increase in exposure, both significantly higher than the increase of 0.20% (0.07%, 0.34%) on medium temperature days. The effect of O3 on cardiovascular mortality was strongest on high temperature days with pooled estimate of 1.63% (1.14%, 2.13%). No significant interactions between SO2/NO2 and temperature were detected by meta-analysis. Other pollutants were not analyzed due to the lack of suitable studies. In summary, we observed interactions between high temperature and PM10 and O3 in the effects on non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality. Low temperature modified the effects of air pollutants but not in a consistent fashion: the effect of PM10 oncardiovascular mortality was diminished but the association between O3 and non-accidental mortality was strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; Changping District Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102200, China.
| | - Alistair Woodward
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Xiang-Yu Hou
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Tong Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering Director, Centre for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jinliang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Helen Brown
- Campden BRI (Chipping Campden) Limited - part of the Campden BRI group, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, UK.
| | - Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Rennie Qin
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jinghong Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Shaohua Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Lei Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Qiyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; Climate Change and Health Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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9
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Prueitt RL, Lynch HN, Zu K, Sax SN, Venditti FJ, Goodman JE. Weight-of-evidence evaluation of long-term ozone exposure and cardiovascular effects. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 44:791-822. [PMID: 25257962 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.937855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a weight-of-evidence (WoE) analysis to assess whether the current body of research supports a causal relationship between long-term ozone exposure (defined by EPA as at least 30 days in duration) at ambient levels and cardiovascular (CV) effects. We used a novel WoE framework based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standards causal framework for this analysis. Specifically, we critically evaluated and integrated the relevant epidemiology and experimental animal data and classified a causal determination based on categories proposed by the Institute of Medicine's 2008 report, Improving the Presumptive Disability Decision-making Process for Veterans. We found that the risks of CV effects are largely null across human and experimental animal studies. The few positive associations reported in studies of CV morbidity and mortality are very small in magnitude, mainly reported in single-pollutant models, and likely attributable to bias, chance, or confounding. The few positive effects in experimental animal studies were observed mainly in ex vivo studies at high exposures, and even the in vivo findings are not likely relevant to humans. The available data also do not support a biologically plausible mechanism for the effects of ozone on the CV system. Overall, the current WoE provides no convincing case for a causal relationship between long-term exposure to ambient ozone and adverse effects on the CV system in humans, but the limitations of the available studies preclude definitive conclusions regarding a lack of causation; thus, we categorize the strength of evidence for a causal relationship between long-term exposure to ozone and CV effects as "below equipoise."
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Goodman JE, Prueitt RL, Sax SN, Lynch HN, Zu K, Lemay JC, King JM, Venditti FJ. Weight-of-evidence evaluation of short-term ozone exposure and cardiovascular effects. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 44:725-90. [PMID: 25257961 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.937854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is a relatively large body of research on the potential cardiovascular (CV) effects associated with short-term ozone exposure (defined by EPA as less than 30 days in duration). We conducted a weight-of-evidence (WoE) analysis to assess whether it supports a causal relationship using a novel WoE framework adapted from the US EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards causality framework. Specifically, we synthesized and critically evaluated the relevant epidemiology, controlled human exposure, and experimental animal data and made a causal determination using the same categories proposed by the Institute of Medicine report Improving the Presumptive Disability Decision-making Process for Veterans ( IOM 2008). We found that the totality of the data indicates that the results for CV effects are largely null across human and experimental animal studies. The few statistically significant associations reported in epidemiology studies of CV morbidity and mortality are very small in magnitude and likely attributable to confounding, bias, or chance. In experimental animal studies, the reported statistically significant effects at high exposures are not observed at lower exposures and thus not likely relevant to current ambient ozone exposures in humans. The available data also do not support a biologically plausible mechanism for CV effects of ozone. Overall, the current WoE provides no convincing case for a causal relationship between short-term exposure to ambient ozone and adverse effects on the CV system in humans, but the limitations of the available studies preclude definitive conclusions regarding a lack of causation. Thus, we categorize the strength of evidence for a causal relationship between short-term exposure to ozone and CV effects as "below equipoise."
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11
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Jhun I, Fann N, Zanobetti A, Hubbell B. Effect modification of ozone-related mortality risks by temperature in 97 US cities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:128-34. [PMID: 25113626 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Many time-series studies have characterized the relationship between short-term ozone exposure and adverse health outcomes, controlling for temperature as a confounder. Temperature may also modify ozone effects, though this has been largely under-investigated. In this study, we explored whether temperature modifies the effect of short-term ozone exposure on mortality. We used the database developed for the National Morbidity and Mortality Air Pollution Study to estimate ozone mortality risks in 97 US cities in May through September, 1987-2000. We treated temperature as a confounder as well as an effect modifier by estimating risks at low, moderate, and high temperature categories. When temperature was treated as a confounder, a 10-ppb increase in daily 24-h ozone was associated with a 0.47% (95% CI: 0.19%-0.76%) increase in mortality. When we assessed effect modification by temperature, the interaction between ozone and temperature was not statistically significant. However, there was a U-shaped pattern in mortality risk, which was greater at the low (<25th percentile) and high (>75th percentile) temperature levels than moderate temperature levels. At the high temperature category, a 10% increase in AC prevalence mitigated mortality risk associated with 10-ppb of ozone exposure by -0.18% (95% CI: -0.35%, -0.02%). Furthermore, ozone mortality risk in the high temperature category increased as we restricted our analyses to hotter days. On days where temperatures exceeded the 75th, 90th, and 95th percentile temperatures, a 10-ppb increase in ozone was associated with a 0.65% (95% CI: 0.20%-1.09%), 0.83% (95% CI: 0.17%-1.48%), and 1.35% (95% CI: 0.44%-2.27%) increase in mortality, respectively. These results suggested that high temperatures may exacerbate physiological responses to short-term ozone exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iny Jhun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Neal Fann
- Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Antonella Zanobetti
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan Hubbell
- Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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Devlin RB, Duncan KE, Jardim M, Schmitt MT, Rappold AG, Diaz-Sanchez D. Controlled exposure of healthy young volunteers to ozone causes cardiovascular effects. Circulation 2012; 126:104-11. [PMID: 22732313 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.112.094359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent epidemiology studies have reported associations between short-term ozone exposure and mortality. Such studies have previously reported associations between airborne particulate matter pollution and mortality, and support for a causal relationship has come from controlled-exposure studies that describe pathophysiological mechanisms by which particulate matter could induce acute mortality. In contrast, for ozone, almost no controlled-human-exposure studies have tested whether ozone exposure can modulate the cardiovascular system. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-three young healthy individuals were exposed in a randomized crossover fashion to clean air and to 0.3-ppm ozone for 2 hours while intermittently exercising. Blood was obtained immediately before exposure, immediately afterward, and the next morning. Continuous Holter monitoring began immediately before exposure and continued for 24 hours. Lung function was performed immediately before and immediately after exposure, and bronchoalveolar lavage was performed 24 hours after exposure. Immediately after ozone exposure, we observed a 98.9% increase in interleukin-8, a 21.4% decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a 51.3% decrease in the high-frequency component of heart rate variability, and a 1.2% increase in QT duration. Changes in interleukin-1B and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were apparent 24 hours after exposure. In agreement with previous studies, we also observed ozone-induced drops in lung function and an increase in pulmonary inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This controlled-human-exposure study shows that ozone can cause an increase in vascular markers of inflammation and changes in markers of fibrinolysis and markers that affect autonomic control of heart rate and repolarization. We believe that these findings provide biological plausibility for the epidemiology studies that associate ozone exposure with mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01492517.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Devlin
- National Health and Environmental Effects, Research Laboratory MD 58D, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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13
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Ramos-Bonilla JP, Breysse PN, Dominici F, Geyh A, Tankersley CG. Ambient air pollution alters heart rate regulation in aged mice. Inhal Toxicol 2010; 22:330-9. [DOI: 10.3109/08958370903349365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Rowan WH, Campen MJ, Wichers LB, Watkinson WP. Heart rate variability in rodents: uses and caveats in toxicological studies. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2007; 7:28-51. [PMID: 17646680 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-007-0004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of cardiac pacing dynamics that has recently garnered a great deal of interest in environmental health studies. While the use of these measures has become popular, much uncertainty remains in the interpretation of results, both in terms of human and animal research. In humans, HRV endpoints, specifically chronic alterations in baseline HRV patterns, have been reasonably well characterized as prognostic indicators of adverse outcomes for a variety of diseases. However, such information is lacking for reversible HRV changes that may be induced by short-term exposures to environmental toxicants. Furthermore, there are minimal substantive data, either acute or chronic, regarding the pathological interpretation or prognostic value of toxicant-induced changes in HRV in rodents. The present report summarizes the physiological and clinical aspects of HRV, the methodological processes for obtaining these endpoints, and previous human and animal studies in the field of environmental health. Furthermore, we include a discussion of important caveats and recommendations for the interpretation of HRV data in animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Rowan
- Pulmonary Toxicology Branch, Experimental Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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Hazari MS, Rowan WH, Winsett DW, Ledbetter AD, Haykal-Coates N, Watkinson WP, Costa DL. Potentiation of pulmonary reflex response to capsaicin 24h following whole-body acrolein exposure is mediated by TRPV1. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2007; 160:160-71. [PMID: 17950047 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2007.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Revised: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary C-fibers are stimulated by irritant air pollutants producing apnea, bronchospasm, and decrease in HR. Chemoreflex responses resulting from C-fiber activation are sometimes mediated by TRPV1 and release of substance P. While acrolein has been shown to stimulate C-fibers, the persistence of acrolein effects and the role of C-fibers in these responses are unknown. These experiments were designed to determine the effects of whole-body acrolein exposure and pulmonary chemoreflex response post-acrolein. Rats were exposed to either air or 3 ppm acrolein for 3 h while ventilatory function and HR were measured; 1-day later response to capsaicin challenge was measured in anesthetized rats. Rats experienced apnea and decrease in HR upon exposure to acrolein, which was not affected by either TRPV1 antagonist or NK(1)R antagonist pretreatment. Twenty-four hours later, capsaicin caused apnea and bronchoconstriction in control rats, which was potentiated in rats exposed to acrolein. Pretreatment with TRPV1 antagonist or NK(1)R antagonist prevented potentiation of apneic response and bronchoconstriction 24h post-exposure. These data suggest that although potentiation of pulmonary chemoreflex response 24h post-acrolein is mediated by TRPV1 and release of substance P, cardiopulmonary inhibition during whole-body acrolein exposure is mediated through other mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi S Hazari
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7270, United States.
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Chang CC, Hwang JS, Chan CC, Cheng TJ. Interaction effects of ultrafine carbon black with iron and nickel on heart rate variability in spontaneously hypertensive rats. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1012-7. [PMID: 17637915 PMCID: PMC1913579 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter (PM) has been reported to be associated with alterations in heart rate variability (HRV); however, the results are inconsistent. We propose that different components of PM cause the discrepancy. OBJECTIVE In this study, our goal was to determine whether different types of exposure would cause different HRV effects, and to verify the interactions between co-exposing components. METHODS Ultrafine carbon black (ufCB; 14 nm; 415 microg and 830 microg), ferric sulfate [Fe(2)(SO(4))(3); 105 microg and 210 microg], nickel sulfate (NiSO(4); 263 mug and 526 microg), and a combination of high-dose ufCB and low-dose Fe(2)(SO(4))(3) or NiSO(4) were intratracheally instilled into spontaneously hypertensive rats. Radiotelemetry data were collected in rats for 72 hr at baseline and for 72 hr the following week to determine the response to exposure. Effects of exposure on 5-min average of normal-to-normal intervals (ANN), natural logarithm-transformed standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (LnSDNN), and root mean square of successive differences of adjacent normal-to-normal intervals (LnRMSSD) were analyzed using self-control experimental designs. RESULTS Both high- and low-dose ufCB decreased ANN marginally around hour 30, with concurrent increases of LnSDNN. LnRMSSD returned to baseline levels after small initial increases. We observed minor effects after low-dose Fe and Ni instillation, whereas biphasic changes were noted after high-dose instillations. Combined exposures of ufCB and either Fe or Ni resulted in HRV trends different from values estimated from individual-component effects. CONCLUSIONS Components in PM may induce different cardioregulatory responses, and a single component may induce different responses during different phases. Concurrent exposure to ufCB and Fe or Ni might introduce interactions on cardioregulatory effects. Also, the effect of PM may be mediated through complex interaction between different components of PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuen-Chau Chang
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chang-Chuan Chan
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsun-Jen Cheng
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Address correspondence to T.J. Cheng, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Rd., Rm 720, Taipei, Taiwan 10055. Telephone and Fax: +886-2-3322-8090. E-mail:
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van Eijl S, van Oorschot R, Olivier B, Nijkamp FP, Bloksma N. Stress and hypothermia in mice in a nose-only cigarette smoke exposure system. Inhal Toxicol 2006; 18:911-8. [PMID: 16864409 DOI: 10.1080/08958370600822672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In nose-only exposure systems, animals need to be restrained inside a tube, which leads to stress. Stress is known to cause hyperthermia in rodents. Chronically repeated episodes of hyperthermia could be detrimental to animal health and influence results of nose-only exposure studies. Therefore we investigated whether hyperthermia occurred in male C57BL/6J mice that were restrained for increasing lengths of time, using nosepieces held at room temperature, preheated at 37 degrees C, or thermostat controlled at different temperatures, with and without exposure to different concentrations of cigarette smoke. Body temperature, body weight, plasma corticosterone levels, and adrenal weights were recorded. Restraint using nosepieces at room temperature caused a time-dependent decrease in body temperature, which could be reversed by preheating the nosepieces to 37 degrees C. Cigarette smoke dose-dependently caused an additional decrease, which was counteracted by controlling nosepiece temperature at 38 degrees C. During 3 mo of exposure using heated nosepieces, Delta body temperature remained constant. Body weight gain did not differ between smoke-exposed and room air-breathing animals exposed using either heated or room-temperature nosepieces, but both groups gained significantly less weight, while adrenal weights were significantly and similarly increased, when compared to unrestrained littermates. Plasma corticosterone levels did not differ between the three groups. In conclusion, during restraint in nose-only exposure tubes with room temperature metal nosepieces, mice suffer a pronounced hypothermia. Preventing this by heating the nosepieces does not reduce the stress experienced by the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S van Eijl
- Pharmacology and Pathophysiology Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Schulz H, Harder V, Ibald-Mulli A, Khandoga A, Koenig W, Krombach F, Radykewicz R, Stampfl A, Thorand B, Peters A. Cardiovascular effects of fine and ultrafine particles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 18:1-22. [PMID: 15741770 DOI: 10.1089/jam.2005.18.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of the past decades have provided a strong body of evidence that elevated levels of ambient particulate air pollution (PM) are associated with increased cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality. Exacerbations of ischemic and/or arrhythmic cardiac diseases have been linked to PM exposure. At a workshop held at the GSF- National Center for Environment and Health in November 2003, relevant epidemiological and toxicological data of the past 5 years were compiled and potential biological pathways discussed. Available clinical and experimental evidence lends support to the following mechanisms mediating cardiovascular effects of inhaled ambient particles: (i) pulmonary and/or systemic inflammatory responses inducing endothelial dysfunction, a pro-coagulatory state and promotion of atherosclerotic lesions, (ii) dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in response to direct reflexes from receptors in the lungs and/or to local or systemic inflammatory stimuli, and (iii) cardiac malfunction due to ischemic responses in the myocardium and/or altered ion-channel functions in myocardial cells. While an increasing number of studies addressing these questions support the notion that PM exposure is associated with cardiovascular effects, these studies at present provide only a fragmentary and at times inconclusive picture of the complex biological pathways involved. The available data are consistent with the occurrence of a systemic inflammatory response and an alteration of autonomic cardiac control, but evidence on endothelial dysfunction, pro-coagulatory states, and PM-related myocardial malfunction is as yet scarce. Further studies are therefore needed to substantiate our current understanding of the pathophysiological links between PM exposure and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Schulz
- Institute for Inhalation Biology, GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Neuherberg/Munich, Germany
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Harder V, Gilmour P, Lentner B, Karg E, Takenaka S, Ziesenis A, Stampfl A, Kodavanti U, Heyder J, Schulz H. Cardiovascular responses in unrestrained WKY rats to inhaled ultrafine carbon particles. Inhal Toxicol 2005; 17:29-42. [PMID: 15764481 DOI: 10.1080/08958370590885681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on epidemiologic observations, the issue of adverse health effects of inhaled ultrafine particles (UFP) is currently under intensive discussion. We therefore examined cardiovascular effects of UFP in a controlled animal exposure on young, healthy WKY rats. Short-term exposure (24 h) to carbon UFPs (38 nm, 180 microg m (-3)), generated by spark discharging, induced a mild but consistent increase in heart rate (18 bpm, 4.8%), which was associated with a significant decrease in heart-rate variability during particle inhalation. The timing and the transient character of these responses point to a particle induced alteration of cardiac autonomic balance, mediated by a pulmonary receptor activation. After 24 h of inhalation exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage revealed significant but low-grade pulmonary inflammation (clean air 1.9% vs. UFPs 6.9% polymorphonuclear cells) and on histopathology sporadic accumulation of particle-laden macrophages was found in the alveolar region. There was no evidence of an inflammation-mediated increase in blood coagulability, as UFP inhalation did not induce any significant changes in plasma fibrinogen or factor VIIa levels and there were no prothrombotic changes in the lung or the heart at both the protein and mRNA level. Histological analysis revealed no signs of cardiac inflammation or cardiomyopathy. This study therefore provides toxicological evidence for UFP-associated pulmonary and cardiac effects in healthy rats. Our findings suggest that the observed changes are mediated by an altered sympatho-vagal balance in response to UFP inhalation, but do not support the concept of an inflammation-mediated prothrombotic state by UFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Harder
- Institute for Inhalation Biology GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
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