Abstract 14730: Effects of Diesel Exhaust Fumes Exposure on Vascular Wall Properties Inflammation and Endothelial Function

Introduction:Diesel exhaust fumes are harmful toxins affecting the population.Short-term impact of diesel fumes has not been studied.Hypothesis:Acute and short-term (24 h) effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) on endothelial function, vascular properties, inflammation.Methods:In this cross over study, 40 healthy subjects (40 years old) were exposed to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and filtered air (FA) over a 2hour session. Measurements were assessed before (T0), after 2 hours(T2) and 24 hours after exposure (T24). DEPs were based on mass of microparticles less than 2,5 microns (PM 2,5). Endothelial function, vascular properties were assessed with flow mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Inflammation and fibrinolysis were evaluated with C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and functionalities of protein C and S. Heart rate variability was assessed with standard deviation of normal to normal intervals R-R intervals (SDNN).Results:At T0 of DEP and FA, there was no difference in baseline measurements. Exposure to DEP decreased significantly FMD (T0: 11.97?4.61% ,T2: 7.71?3.36% ,T24: 6.17?3.19%, p<0.001) and SDNN (T0: 63 (48, 82), T2: 70 (50, 92), T24: 57 (41, 72), p<0.001). PWV (T0: 6.09?1.03m/s, T2: 7.22?1.31m/s,T24: 6.90?1.03m/sec, p<0.001), AIx (T0: 6.17?3.19%,T2: 7.71?3.36% ,T24: 11.97?4.61%, p<0.001), CRP (T0: 1.41?.18 mg/L,T2: 1.99?.21mg/L,T24: 2.08?.24mg/L, p=0.04) and fibrinogen (T0: 269?44 mg/dL,T2: 331?75 mg/dL,T24: 307?51 mg/dL, p=0.002) were increased. Functionalities of proteins C and S were significantly reduced (T0: 121?26%,T2: 104?21%,T24: 105?20%, p=0.003), (T0: 77?13, T2: 66?12, T24: 57?13, p<0.001).Conclusions:Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes may have significant prolonged effects with impairment of endothelial function, arterial wall properties, inflammation and fibrinolysis highlighting the harmful impact of particle matter to cardiovascular health.