Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution
Conditions
Keywords
Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Ambient Air Pollution
Brief summary
This observational study recruits healthy individuals who have been routinely taking high amount (at least 3 g/wk) of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and those who don't, and examines the efficacy of dietary EPA and DHA in ameliorating the cardiopulmonary effects of exposure to ambient air pollution.
Detailed description
Purpose: To examine the relationship between blood levels of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and cardiopulmonary responses to environmental air pollution in healthy adults. EPA and DHA are two important omega-3 fatty acids that are mainly found in seafoods and fish oils and associated with beneficial effects to human physiology. Participants: Healthy 35-55 year-old male and female subjects will be screened for their dietary intake of EPA and DHA. Qualified volunteers will be divided into two groups, group 1: individuals voluntarily taking at least 3 g/wk of EPA and DHA from dietary sources including fish oil supplements and ocean fish/shellfish consumption for a period of at least 6 months prior to enrollment in the study; group 2: individuals who have consumed no more than 1 serving size (4-6 oz)/month of ocean fish/shellfish, or no more than 1 pill/month of fish oil supplement during the 6 month period preceding enrollment. Procedures (Methods): In this observational panel study, subjects will come to the U.S. EPA Human Studies Facility for up to 5 sessions, each consisting of 2 consecutive visit days. The following endpoints will be collected: blood pressure, heart rate variability measurements, blood biomarkers, endothelial cell function, retinal venule and arteriole diameter, and lung function. Air pollution exposure will be assessed using area-specific air quality data derived from local air monitoring stations interfaced with activity monitoring and GPS tracked location for each subject.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTomega-3 fatty acids
Sponsors
U.S. EPA Human Studies Facility
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 25-55 years old healthy male and female (19≤BMI≤30). * Normal resting ECG. No history of heart arrhythmia. * Oxygen saturation greater than 96% at the time of physical exam. * Taking at least 3 grams of EPA and DHA from dietary sources including fish oil supplements and ocean fish/shellfish for a 6 months or longer period of time preceding enrollment in the study; or taking no more than 1 serving size (4-6 oz)/month of ocean fish/shellfish, or no more than 1 pill/month of fish oil supplement during the previous 6 months or longer period of time.
Exclusion criteria
* Individuals with a history of acute or chronic cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction. * Individuals with a history of chronic respiratory disease, such as COPD and asthma. * Individuals with a history of cancer (possible exception for history of non-melanoma skin cancer). * Uncontrolled hypertension (≥150 systolic, ≥90 diastolic). * Individuals who are diabetic (previously diagnosed or with hemoglobin A1c level \>6.4%). * Individuals who are currently smoking (including vaping, or using hookah or e cigarettes) or have a smoking history within 1 year of study (defined as more than 1 pk/yr in the past year) or have a greater than/equal to a 5 pack year smoking history. * Individuals living with a smoker who smokes inside the house. * Individuals who are regularly exposed to high levels of vapors, dust, gases, or fumes. * Individuals who do not understand or speak English. * Individuals who are taking b-blocker medications. * Individuals who are taking statins. * Individuals that are unwilling or unable to maintain their current dietary pattern for the whole study. * Individuals with bleeding or clotting disorders. * Individuals who have active allergies. * Individuals who have an allergy to latex, or skin allergy to tape or electrodes. * Individuals who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. * Individuals who have unspecified illnesses, which in the judgment of the investigators might increase the risk associated with clinical procedures will be a basis for exclusion. * Individuals who are currently taking anti-depressants. Temporary
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| heart rate variability | Sep. 2016 to Sep 2019 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| endothelial cell function | Sep. 2016 to Sep 2019 |
| diameters of retinal arteries and veins | Sep. 2016 to Sep 2019 |
| pulmonary function indices | Sep. 2016 to Sep 2019 |
| blood biomarkers | Sep. 2016 to Sep 2019 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed