Arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and smoke exposure in wildland firefighters

Abstract

Objectives To assess the association between exposure, oxidative stress, symptoms, and cardiorespiratory function in wildland firefighters. Methods We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, pulse wave analysis for arterial stiffness, spirometry, urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoprostane) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and the smoke exposure marker (urinary levoglucosan). Arterial stiffness was assessed by examining levels of the aortic augmentation index, expressed as a percentage. An oxidative stress score comprising the average of z-scores created for 8-OHdG and 8-isoprostane was calculated. Results Mean augmentation index % was higher for participants with higher oxidative stress scores after adjusting for smoking status. Specifically for every one unit increase in oxidative stress score the augmentation index % increased 10.5% (95% CI: 2.5, 18.5%). Higher mean lower respiratory symptom score was associated with lower percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity. Conclusions Biomarkers of oxidative stress may serve as indicators of arterial stiffness in wildland firefighters.

A cross‐sectional survey of occupational history as a wildland firefighter and health

“…In one study, urinary levoglucosan, a biomarker of wood smoke exposure, was associated with higher oxidative stress scores. These, in turn, were linked to stiffer arteries in WLFFs [Gaughan et al, ]. Of note in our survey, two subclinical and well‐established risk factors for cardiovascular events, high blood pressure, and heart arrhythmia, were associated significantly with a longer history of employment as a WLFF.…”

Measured Pulmonary and Systemic Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Following Wildland Firefighter Simulations

“…40 Collectively, these studies suggest that particulate exposure, including wood smoke, increase 8-isoprostane concentrations in body tissues including urine. The results in our study also suggest that 8-isoprostane levels in EBC are affected by wood smoke inhalation during physical activity that mimics wildland firefighting.…”

Wildfire smoke exposure and human health: Significant gaps in research for a growing public health issue

“…The serum findings are in contrast with human experimental wood smoke exposure studies showing either no change or a decrease in serum IL-6, which may have to do with the extreme nature of the exposure in the Swiston study or the different chemical compositions of wildfire smoke and wood smoke (Ghio et al, 2012; Stockfelt et al, 2012). A recent study by Gaughan et al showed an increase in two urinary markers of oxidative stress, 8-isoprostane and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (Gaughan et al, 2014). This is consistent with one study of relatively high human exposure to wood smoke showing increased urinary 8-iso-prostaglandinF2α, while another study with lower concentration smoke exposure found decreased urinary 8-iso-prostaglandinF2α (Barregard et al, 2006; Stockfelt et al, 2013).…”