Effects of noise on vascular function, oxidative stress, and inflammation: mechanistic insight from studies in mice

Abstract

AimsEpidemiological studies indicate that traffic noise increases the incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension and stroke. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Field studies with nighttime noise exposure demonstrate that aircraft noise leads to vascular dysfunction, which is markedly improved by vitamin C, suggesting a key role of oxidative stress in causing this phenomenon.Methods and resultsWe developed a novel animal model to study the vascular consequences of aircraft noise exposure. Peak sound levels of 85 and mean sound level of 72 dBA applied by loudspeakers for 4 days caused an increase in systolic blood pressure, plasma noradrenaline and angiotensin II levels and induced endothelial dysfunction. Noise increased eNOS expression but reduced vascular NO levels because of eNOS uncoupling. Noise increased circulating levels of nitrotyrosine, interleukine-6 and vascular expression of the NADPH oxidase subunit Nox2, nitrotyrosine-positive proteins and of endothelin-1. FACS analysis demonstrated an increase in infiltrated natural killer-cells and neutrophils into the vasculature. Equal mean sound pressure levels of white noise for 4 days did not induce these changes. Comparative Illumina sequencing of transcriptomes of aortic tissues from aircraft noise-treated animals displayed significant changes of genes in part responsible for the regulation of vascular function, vascular remodelling, and cell death.ConclusionWe established a novel and unique aircraft noise stress model with increased blood pressure and vascular dysfunction associated with oxidative stress. This animal model enables future studies of molecular mechanisms, mitigation strategies, and pharmacological interventions to protect from noise-induced vascular damage.

Environmental noise induces the release of stress hormones and inflammatory signaling molecules leading to oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction—Signatures of the internal exposome

“…These observations are in accordance with our own observations that low-level noise exposure induces increased circulating cytokines and infiltration of immune cells of the vasculature (Fig. 4) [39] as well as a neuroinflammatory phenotype [40].…”

“…4C and 4D). Using nextgeneration sequencing, we also found downregulation of genes encoding for antioxidant systems (e.g., intracellular SOD1, glutathione peroxidase-1, forkhead-box-protein O3), whereas proapoptotic/cell death factors were upregulated (e.g., caspases, Fas, p38) [39]. These findings show a striking similarity in molecular mechanism between traditional cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes [41], hypertension [42], and hypercholesterolemia [43]) and noise-associated cardiovascular risk, with commonality in the presence of endothelial dysfunction.…”

“…C and 3D) . Phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser 1177 was increased upon noise exposure, which can be seen as a futile counterregulatory mechanism without improvement in endothelial function and high blood pressure . The activation of cardiovascular stress pathways was evident by induction of endothelin‐1 expression/signaling and increased nitro‐oxidative stress in the vasculature (Figs.…”

Immune Relevant and Immune Deficient Mice: Options and Opportunities in Translational Research

“…Environmental noise and vibration Altered tumor resistance; immunosuppression; reduced body weight; reduced fertility. [348][349][350][351]477 Inappropriate handling; untrained personnel Increased risk of infection associated with inappropriate PPE and insufficient sterilization of equipment; pain, discomfort and stress associated with frequent/ improper handling. 316 Altered light-dark cycle Suppressed immune response; decreased splenic T cells; continuous illumination associated with decreased CD8+ and CD4+ cells in thymus and lymph nodes.…”

“…Noise and vibration are shown to cause stress, induce corticosterone, and negatively affect reproduction. [348][349][350][351] Bedding While contemporary commercial contact bedding materials tend to be far more standardized with more quality control and freedom from contaminants than previously, contaminants with potential effects on research outcomes can still occur in bedding material. Dust, ammonia levels, fungal spores, phytoestrogens, and endotoxins in bedding also have implications for diverse research.…”