Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/18058
Title: Blood pressure changes in association with black carbon exposure in a panel of healthy adults are independent of retinal microcirculation.
Authors: LOUWIES, Tijs 
NAWROT, Tim 
COX, Bianca 
DONS, Evi 
PENDERS, Joris 
PROVOST, Eline 
INT PANIS, Luc 
DE BOEVER, Patrick 
Issue Date: 2015
Source: ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL, 75, p. 81-86
Abstract: Exposure to ambient particulate matter and elevated blood pressure are risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Microvascular changes might be an important pathway in explaining the association between air pollution and blood pressure. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of the retinal microcirculation in the association between black carbon (BC) exposure and blood pressure.We estimated subchronic BC exposure based on 1-week personal measurements (μAethalometer, AethLabs) in 55 healthy nurses. Blood pressure and retinal microvasculature were measured on four different days (range: 2–4) during this week.Subchronic BC exposure averaged (± SD) 1334 ± 631 ng/m3 and ranged from 338 ng/m3 to 3889 ng/m3. An increased exposure of 631 ng/m3 BC was associated with a 2.77 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.39 to 5.15, p = 0.027) increase in systolic blood pressure, a 2.35 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.52 to 4.19, p = 0.016) increase in diastolic blood pressure and with 5.65 μm (95% CI: 1.33 to 9.96, p = 0.014) increase in central retinal venular equivalent. Mediation analysis failed to reveal an effect of retinal microvasculature in the association between blood pressure and subchronic BC exposure.In conclusion, we found a positive association between blood pressure and subchronic black carbon exposure in healthy adults. This finding adds evidence to the association between black carbon exposure and cardiovascular health effects, with elevated blood pressure as a plausible intermediate effector. Our results suggest that the changes in a person's blood pressure as a result of subchronic black carbon exposure operate independently of the retinal microcirculation.
Notes: De Boever, P (reprint author), VITO, Vlasmeer 7, B-2400 Mol, Belgium. patrick.deboever@vito.be
Keywords: air pollution; black carbon; blood pressure; retinal microcirculation; mediation analysis
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/18058
Link to publication/dataset: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268695179_Blood_pressure_changes_in_association_with_black_carbon_exposure_in_a_panel_of_healthy_adults_are_independent_of_retinal_microcirculation
ISSN: 0160-4120
e-ISSN: 1873-6750
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.006
ISI #: 000348746600007
Rights: © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Category: A1
Type: Journal Contribution
Validations: ecoom 2016
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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