Exposure to Diesel Exhaust and Plasma Cortisol Response: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study

Thomson, Errol M.; Filiatreault, Alain; Williams, Andrew; Rider, Christopher F.; Carlsten, Chris

doi:10.1289/ehp8923

Cited by 10 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…In a cross-over trial of healthy students, 9-day exposure to elevated PM2.5 was associated with higher morning cortisol, compared to when exposed to filtered air . Controlled exposure for 2 h to diluted diesel exhaust acutely increased the plasma cortisol level in a randomized double-blind cross-over study, providing causal support for a relationship between exposure to TRAP and cortisol response. In experiments with rats, the rapid increase of the glucocorticoid corticosterone following pollutant exposure was linked to effects throughout the body, including the modulation of biological pathways in the brain, highlighting the systemic consequences of pollutant effects on the HPA axis …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomized Cross-Over Study of In-Vehicle Cabin Air Filtration, Air Pollution Exposure, and Acute Changes to Heart Rate Variability, Saliva Cortisol, and Cognitive Function

Mallach

Shutt

Thomson

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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To determine how traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposures affect commuter health, and whether cabin air filtration (CAF) can mitigate exposures, we conducted a cross-over study of 48 adults exposed to TRAP during two commutes with and without CAF. Measurements included particulate air pollutants (PM 2.5 , black carbon [BC], ultrafine particles [UFPs]), volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen dioxide. We measured participants' heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cortisol, and cognitive function. On average, CAF reduced concentrations of UFPs by 26,232 (95%CI: 11,734,40,730) n/cm 3 , PM 2.5 by 6 (95%CI: 5, 8) μg/m 3 , and BC by 1348 (95%CI: 1042, 1654) ng/m 3 , or 28, 30, and 32%, respectively. Each IQR increase in PM 2.5 was associated with a 28% (95%CI: 2, 60) increase in high-frequency power HRV at the end of the commute and a 22% (95%CI: 7, 39) increase 45 min afterward. IQR increases in UFPs were associated with increased saliva cortisol in women during the commute (18% [95%CI: 0, 40]). IQR increases in UFPs were associated with strong switching costs (19% [95%CI: 2, 39]), indicating a reduced capacity for multitasking, and PM 2.5 was associated with increased reaction latency, indicating slower responses (5% [95%CI: 1, 10]). CAF can reduce particulate exposures by almost a third.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Randomized Cross-Over Study of In-Vehicle Cabin Air Filtration, Air Pollution Exposure, and Acute Changes to Heart Rate Variability, Saliva Cortisol, and Cognitive Function

Mallach

Shutt

Thomson

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…Accordingly, the results are consistent with the notion that the higher glucocorticoid levels in F344 rats reduce lung inflammatory responses to O 3 in F344, compared to less inhibition by the lower glucocorticoid levels in LEW. In a randomised double-blind crossover study, we recently showed that short-term exposure to diesel exhaust increased plasma cortisol levels, with the greatest effects seen in those with asthma or with risk alleles for antioxidant genes [7]. Investigation of inter-individual differences in glucocorticoid response and regulation in the lungs may provide insight into factors affecting the course and treatment of inflammatory lung diseases.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Normal adrenal cortical function is essential to resolve systemic and local inflammation, and dysfunction leads to various pathophysiological conditions [3,4]. Acute exposure to air pollutants (ozone [O 3 ], particulate matter, diesel exhaust) has been demonstrated to increase concentrations of plasma glucocorticoids (corticosterone in rodents, cortisol in humans) [5][6][7][8]. We have shown previously that pharmacological inhibition of glucocorticoid synthesis increased O 3 -induced lung inflammatory responses, suggesting that glucocorticoids play a key role in regulating air pollutant-induced lung inflammatory responses [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modulation by Ozone of Glucocorticoid-Regulating Factors in the Lungs in Relation to Stress Axis Reactivity

Thomas

Thomson

2021

Toxics

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Exposure to air pollutants increases levels of circulating glucocorticoid stress hormones that exert profound effects relevant to health and disease. However, the nature and magnitude of tissue-level effects are modulated by factors that regulate local glucocorticoid activity; accordingly, inter-individual differences could contribute to susceptibility. In the present study, we characterized effects of ozone (O3) inhalation on glucocorticoid-regulating factors in the lungs of rat strains with contrasting hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal stress axis responses. Hyper-responsive Fischer (F344) and less responsive Lewis (LEW) rats were exposed to air or 0.8 ppm O3 for 4 h by nose-only inhalation. Levels of the high-specificity and -affinity corticosteroid-binding globulin protein increased in the lungs of both strains proportional to the rise in corticosterone levels following O3 exposure. Ozone reduced the ratio of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSDB1)/HSDB2 mRNA in the lungs of F344 but not LEW, indicating strain-specific transcriptional regulation of the major glucocorticoid metabolism factors that control tissue-level action. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and total elastase activity were increased by O3 in both strains, consistent with extravasation and tissue remodeling processes following injury. However, mRNA levels of inflammatory markers were significantly higher in the lungs of O3-exposed LEW compared to F344. The data show that strain differences in the glucocorticoid response to O3 are accompanied by corresponding changes in regulatory factors, and that these effects are collectively associated with a differential inflammatory response to O3. Innate differences in glucocorticoid regulatory factors may modulate the pulmonary effects of inhaled pollutants, thereby contributing to differential susceptibility.

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“…The response starts in the brain and activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis to produce more cortisol which triggers inflammatory and apoptotic gene expression. This eventually leads to dementia and depression ( 131 ).…”

Section: Endocrine Toxicity Of Other Trace Compounds In Smogmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive review on endocrine toxicity of gaseous components and particulate matter in smog

Saleem,

Awan,

Akhtar

2024

Front. Endocrinol.

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Smog is a form of extreme air pollution which comprises of gases such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen and carbon oxides, and solid particles including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Different types of smog include acidic, photochemical, and Polish. Smog and its constituents are hazardaous to human, animals, and plants. Smog leads to plethora of morbidities such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Smog components alter the activity of various hormones including thyroid, pituitary, gonads and adrenal hormones by altering regulatory genes, oxidation status and the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Furthermore, these toxicants are responsible for the development of metabolic disorders, teratogenicity, insulin resistance, infertility, and carcinogenicity of endocrine glands. Avoiding fossil fuel, using renewable sources of energy, and limiting gaseous discharge from industries can be helpful to avoid endocrine disruption and other toxicities of smog. This review focuses on the toxic implications of smog and its constituents on endocrine system, their toxicodynamics and preventive measures to avoid hazardous health effects.

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Exposure to Diesel Exhaust and Plasma Cortisol Response: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study

Cited by 10 publications

References 10 publications

Randomized Cross-Over Study of In-Vehicle Cabin Air Filtration, Air Pollution Exposure, and Acute Changes to Heart Rate Variability, Saliva Cortisol, and Cognitive Function

Randomized Cross-Over Study of In-Vehicle Cabin Air Filtration, Air Pollution Exposure, and Acute Changes to Heart Rate Variability, Saliva Cortisol, and Cognitive Function

Modulation by Ozone of Glucocorticoid-Regulating Factors in the Lungs in Relation to Stress Axis Reactivity

A comprehensive review on endocrine toxicity of gaseous components and particulate matter in smog

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