Physiological Changes in Adults With Metabolic Syndrome Exposed to Ultrafine Air Particles (XCON)

The purpose of this study is to examine the acute health effects of concentrated ambient ultrafine (UF) particulate matter (PM) exposure in patients with metabolic syndrome. Without lifestyle changes or medical intervention these patients are at considerable risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Subjects (25-70) were exposed to both UF PM and filtered air for 2hr (at least 2 week interval), physiologic endpoints were measure pre-, post-, and 20hr post-exposure. Our hypothesis is that PM exposure in this population will result in changes in vascular and endothelial response as assessed by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery and various heart rate variability and blood endpoints. This study and similar studies of susceptible populations are needed to provide the EPA with information regarding the health risks associated with ambient levels of UF PM.

• Other: Ultrafine Air Pollution Particulate Matter
  Ultrafine (particle diameter less than 2.5 microns) Air Pollution Particulate Matter, concentrated from the ambient air outside of the Chapel Hill EPA Human Studies Facility
  Other Names:

  • ultrafine particulate matter
  • concentrated ambient particulates (CAPS)
• Other: Filtered Air
  Filtered Air
  Other Name: clean air

• Active Comparator: Ultrafine Air Pollution Particulate Matter
  <2.5 microns concentrated from outside ambient air
  Intervention: Other: Ultrafine Air Pollution Particulate Matter
• Sham Comparator: Filtered Air
  Filtered Air
  Intervention: Other: Filtered Air

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 25-70 years old

• Metabolic syndrome as defined by the participant having at least three of the following criteria:

  • Abdominal obesity: Men waist circumference >102 cm (>40 in) Women waist circumference >88 cm (>35 in)
  • Triglycerides: ≥150 mg/dL
  • HDL cholesterol: Men <40 mg/dL and Women <50 mg/dL
  • Blood pressure: ≥130/≥85 mmHg OR have a history of high blood pressure requiring medication
  • Fasting glucose: ≥100 mg/dL and ≤126 mg/dL
• Normal resting electrocardiograph (ECG).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current smoker or smoking history within 3 months of study (defined as more than one pack of cigarettes in the past 3 months).
• Oxygen saturation below 95% at the time of physical exam.
• Blood pressure ≥160/≥100 mmHg
• Fasting blood glucose >126 mg/dl
• Hypersensitivity to nitroglycerin or other nitrates
• Any chronic medical condition including active pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, rhythm disturbances, etc.), neurological disease, liver disease, kidney disease, muscular disease, diabetes, other endocrine disease, hematologic/lymphatic disease, immune deficiency or autoimmune disease.
• Medications specifically prohibited include nitrates or other vasodilators (exception here includes erectile dysfunction medications if the participant agrees to refrain for 96 hours prior to study), anti-arrhythmics, physician prescribed anti-inflammatory agents, physician prescribed antioxidants, insulin and other medications for the treatment of diabetes. Participants must refrain from all over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and anti-oxidants for a period of one week prior to exposure. Low dose aspirin and statin regimens are acceptable. Medications not specifically mentioned here may be reviewed by the investigators prior to a participant's inclusion in the study. Additionally, medication regimens must remain constant during the study.
• Hepatitis B carriers
• Skin diseases or sensitivity precluding the use of ECG electrodes
• Active cancer, history of cancer within the last 5 years, untreated cancer. Potential participants may have a history of mild, treated skin cancer provided the condition does not interfere with ECG electrode placement.
• No exposure will be conducted within 4 weeks of a respiratory tract infection.
• History of serve migraines
• Pregnant women or nursing mothers