Abstract
Context: Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested as a potential mechanism by which ambient air pollution may cause acute cardiovascular events. Recently, plasma nitrite has been developed as a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Objectives: We examined the changes in plasma nitrite concentration associated with increases in ambient air pollutant concentrations in the previous 7 d. Materials and methods: We linked up to three measurements of plasma nitrite concentrations obtained from 49 students to 24-h average concentrations of five criteria air pollutants [particle mass3) and CO (161.7 parts per billion) concentrations in the first 24h before the plasma nitrite measurement were associated with increased plasma nitrite concentrations (PM2.5: 15.5 nanomolar; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4, 28.5; CO: 15.6 nanomolar; 95% CI: 2.4, 28.9). Increased plasma nitrite associated with IQR increases in O3 and SO2 concentrations over longer lags were observed. Discussion and conclusion: Rapid increases in plasma nitrite following exposure to ambient air pollutants support the hypothesis that ambient air pollution is associated with inducible nitric oxide synthase-mediated systemic inflammation in humans.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 426-434 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Inhalation Toxicology |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Air pollution
- Ambient air pollutants
- Plasma nitrite concentration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
- Medicine(all)