Impact of short-term ambient NO2 exposure on circulating microRNAs in healthy adults
On this page:
Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a key epigenetic factor in the regulation of gene expression. We examined the influence of short-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on circulating miRNAs relevant to cardiovascular function. Twenty-four healthy participants were enrolled in a panel study in which each participant was assessed for five visits that included collection of blood samples for analysis of miRNAs expression and inflammation markers. The FirePlex® cardiology panel was used to profile 65 miRNAs involved in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Plasma inflammatory markers including c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL8, and soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM1) were measured using ELISA. Daily ambient NO2 concentrations were obtained from nearby ambient air quality monitoring stations. The association between exposure to air pollution and miRNA levels was evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model with random subject effects adjusted for relative humidity and temperature. We showed that expression of miR-let-7e, miR-26a, and miR-126 was positively associated with an interquartile increase in NO2 concentrations at lag days 2–4 and a 5d moving average. In addition, miR-146a was positively associated with NO2 exposure at 5d moving average. Further mediation analysis indicates that these NO2 – related miRNA changes are involved in mediating alterations in inflammation markers including IL-6, IL-8, CRP, and sVCAM1. In this study, we observed an association between exposure to ambient NO2 and circulating levels of miRNAs related to inflammation. These results suggest that cardiovascular effects induced by short-term exposure to NO2 are mediated through miRNA regulation.
THIS ABSTRACT OF A PROPOSED PRESENTATION DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT EPA POLICY.