The association of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers and cardiovascular disease in the US population

Abstract

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potent atmospheric pollutants produced by incomplete combustion of organic materials. Pre-clinical and occupational studies have reported a positive association of PAHs with oxidative stress, inflammation and subsequent development of atherosclerosis, a major underlying risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the current study is to estimate the association between levels of PAH biomarkers and CVD in a national representative sample of United States (US) adults. Methods We examined adult participants (≥20 years of age) from the merged US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2010. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations of each urinary PAH biomarker and CVD. Post-exploratory structural equation modeling was then used to address the interdependent response variables (angina, heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease) as well as the interdependencies of PAH biomarkers. Results PAH biomarkers were positively associated with cardiovascular disease in multiple logistic regression models, although some associations were not statistically robust. Using structural equation modelling, latent PAH exposure variable was positively associated with latent CVD level variable in the multivariable adjusted model (β = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.20). Conclusion A modest association between levels of PAH biomarkers and CVD was detected in US adults. Further prospective studies with adequate sample size are needed to replicate or refute our findings.

Lipophilic Chemicals from Diesel Exhaust Particles Trigger Calcium Response in Human Endothelial Cells via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Non-Genomic Signalling

“…Soluble organic chemicals (OC), such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), appear to be central to the biological effects from DEPs and other combustion-derived PM, including vascular outcomes [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Levels of urinary PAH biomarkers have been associated with CVD in US adults [ 12 ], and a link between exposure to PAHs and pre-hypertension has been reported in children [ 13 ]. Furthermore, benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P), often used as an indicator of PAHs [ 14 ], was associated with blood pressure elevation in coke oven workers [ 15 ].…”

Individual and cumulative impacts of fire emissions and tobacco consumption on wildland firefighters’ total exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

“…Moreover, biomonitoring of wildland firefighter's exposure to PAHs from fire emissions has been mostly performed during training exercises [11,34,37,38] and typically based exclusively on 1OHPy analysis [31,33,37,38]. Exposure to PAHs has been associated with the development and/or aggravation of lung function reduction, specifically with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, some cardiovascular pathologies and cancer [39][40][41]. Excess morbidity and mortality in firefighters have been related with those diseases and some selected site-specific cancers comparatively with general population [42][43][44][45][46][47].…”

Meat Cooking Methods and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Three Prospective Cohort Studies

“…Moreover, accumulating evidence has suggested that cooking meats at high temperature can produce several hazardous chemicals, including heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (12)(13)(14), which are known carcinogens or can impact inflammation and insulin sensitivity (15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Cooking temperature, duration, and doneness level can significantly affect the levels of these chemicals in cooked meats (12)(13)(14).…”