Short-term effects of physical activity, air pollution and their interaction on the cardiovascular and respiratory system

Laeremans, M; Dons, E; Avila-Palencia, I; Carrasco-Turigas, G; Orjuela, JP; Anaya, E; Cole-Hunter, T; de Nazelle, A; Nieuwenhuijsen, M; Standaert, A; Van Poppel, M; De Boever, P; Int Panis, L

HERO ID

4775388

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2018

Language

English

PMID

29729518

HERO ID 4775388
In Press No
Year 2018
Title Short-term effects of physical activity, air pollution and their interaction on the cardiovascular and respiratory system
Authors Laeremans, M; Dons, E; Avila-Palencia, I; Carrasco-Turigas, G; Orjuela, JP; Anaya, E; Cole-Hunter, T; de Nazelle, A; Nieuwenhuijsen, M; Standaert, A; Van Poppel, M; De Boever, P; Int Panis, L
Journal Environment International
Volume 117
Page Numbers 82-90
Abstract Physical activity (PA) in urban environments may lead to increased inhalation of air pollutants. As PA and air pollution (AP) have respectively beneficial and detrimental effects on the cardiorespiratory system, the responses to these exposures can interact. Therefore, we assessed the short-term effects of PA, AP and their interaction on a set of subclinical cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes in a panel of healthy adults: heart rate variability (HRV), retinal vessel diameters, lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). One hundred twenty two participants measured their PA level and exposure to black carbon (BC), a marker of AP exposure, with wearable sensors during an unscripted week in three different seasons. The study was part of the PASTA project in three European cities (Antwerp: 41 participants, Barcelona: 41 participants, London: 40 participants). At the end of each measurement week, the health outcomes were evaluated. Responses to PA, BC and their interaction were assessed with mixed effect regression models. Separate models were used to account for a 2-h and 24-h time window. During the 2-h time window, HRV and lung function changed statistically significantly in response to PA (METhours) and logarithmic BC (%change). Changes in HRV marked an increased sympathetic tone with both PA (logarithmic LF/HF: +7%; p < 0.01) and BC (logarithmic HF: -19%; p < 0.05). In addition, PA provoked bronchodilation which was illustrated by a significant increase in lung function (FEV1: +15.63 mL; p < 0.05). While a BC %increase was associated with a significant lung function decrease (PEF: -0.10 mL; p < 0.05), the interaction indicated a potential protective effect of PA (p < 0.05). We did not observe a response of the retinal vessel diameters. Most subclinical outcomes did not change in the 24-h time window (except for a few minor changes in LF/HF, FeNO and PEF). Our results on the separate and combined effects of short-term PA and AP exposure on subclinical markers of the cardiorespiratory system are relevant for public health. We provide insights on the physiological responses of multiple, complementary markers. This may move further research towards elucidating potential pathways to disease and the long-term clinical impact of the observed physiological changes.
Doi 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.040
Pmid 29729518
Wosid WOS:000436573400010
Url https://search.proquest.com/docview/2084043354?accountid=171501
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Black carbon; Heart rate variability; Lung function; article; air pollutants; air pollution; breathing; heart rate; nitric oxide; physical activity; physiological response; protective effect; public health; regression analysis; respiratory system; urban areas; Belgium