Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and risk of disability among an elderly population

Associations between household solid fuel use and activities of daily living trajectories: A nationwide longitudinal study of middle and older adults in China

BACKGROUND

More studies focus on reporting the effects of ambient air pollution on physical activity while ignoring the hazards of indoor air pollution caused by household solid fuel use. Moreover, the impact of individual cognitive and depressive status on the health effects of air pollution is often overlooked.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the association between household solid fuel and activities of daily living (ADL) trajectories, and further examined this association in homogeneous subgroups of cognitive or depressive trajectories.

METHODS

Participants were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which conducted four waves of surveys from 2011 to 2018. We collected information on participants' household fuel use, then the ADL, cognitive and depressive performances were assessed in each wave. The latent growth mixture model (LGMM) was used to identify the optimal trajectory class for ADL, cognition, and depression. Then, the multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between solid fuel use and ADL trajectories in total population, as well as subgroups with different cognitive or depression trajectories. Furthermore, we examined the association between switching household fuel types and ADL trajectories across the four-wave survey.

RESULTS

The study sample included 7052 participants. We identified three ADL trajectory classes in total population: "Low-stable", "Moderate-anterior rise", and "Moderate-posterior rise". The multinomial logistic regression results showed that solid fuel use was associated with elevated odds for the adverse ADL trajectories, and this association was still shown in homogeneous subgroups of cognitive or depressive trajectories, while some effects were less significant. In addition, the risk of adverse ADL trajectories generally increases with the times of solid fuel use across the four-wave survey.

CONCLUSIONS

For middle and older adults in China, household solid fuel use was not conducive to physical activity development, which inspires that a further transformation to cleaner fuels is an important intervention.

Molecular signatures of organic particulates as tracers of emission sources

Chemical signature of airborne particulates and deposition dusts is subject of study since decades. Usually, three complementary composition markers are investigated, namely, (i) specific organic compounds; (ii) concentration ratios between congeners, and (iii) percent distributions of homologs. Due to its intrinsic limits (e.g., variability depending on decomposition and gas/particle equilibrium), the identification of pollution sources based on molecular signatures results overall restricted to qualitative purposes. Nevertheless, chemical fingerprints allow drawing preliminary information, suitable for successfully approaching multivariate analysis and valuing the relative importance of sources. Here, the state-of-the-art is presented about the molecular fingerprints of non-polar aliphatic, polyaromatic (PAHs, nitro-PAHs), and polar (fatty acids, organic halides, polysaccharides) compounds in emissions. Special concern was addressed to alkenes and alkanes with carbon numbers ranging from 12 to 23 and ≥ 24, which displayed distinct relative abundances in petrol-derived spills and exhausts, emissions from microorganisms, high vegetation, and sediments. Long-chain alkanes associated with tobacco smoke were characterized by a peculiar iso/anteiso/normal homolog fingerprint and by n-hentriacontane percentages higher than elsewhere. Several concentration ratios of PAHs were identified as diagnostic of the type of emission, and the sources of uncertainty were elucidated. Despite extensive investigations conducted so far, the origin of uncommon molecular fingerprints, e.g., alkane/alkene relationships in deposition dusts and airborne particles, remains quite unclear. Polar organics resulted scarcely investigated for pollution apportioning purposes, though they looked as indicative of the nature of sources. Finally, the role of humans and living organisms as actual emitters of chemicals seems to need concern in the future.

Residential proximity to major roadway and progression in physical disability in older adults in China

Evidence of a connection between living near major roadway and adverse health outcome has come to light. However, little is known about the effect of residential traffic exposure on aging-related physical disability and whether this effect can be modified. We used data derived from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Surveys in 2018, with a total of 15,771 participants aged ≥ 65. Residential proximity to major roadway was used as a surrogate for traffic-related air pollution and physical function was measured using basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Logistic regression models were adopted for the analyses. Compared with those living > 300 m from major road, participants living within 200 m had higher risk of poorer physical functioning. The peak odds ratio was observed in severe disability caused by 101-200 m distance (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.66). And this association got stronger with longer duration of living close to major road. In dichotomized analyses using 200 m as a cutoff point, the effect associated with living close to major road was greater in male and current smoker. Specially, poor physical function appears earlier in female, but less severe than that in male. The result emphasizes the adverse effect of residential proximity to major roadways to aging-related declines in health-especially for basic living ability. This association was more pronounced in male and current smokers, which cannot be reversed by lowering the indoor air pollution.

The relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and serum klotho among adult population

Background

Klotho is an important factor involving aging process. Recently, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure was reported to have adverse impact on DNA methylation associated with aging. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between serum klotho and PAHs exposure in an adult population.

Methods

A total of 2597 participants obtained from NHANES 2015–2016 were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum klotho levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PAHs exposure was estimated by urinary sample using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The relationship between serum klotho and exposure to PAHS was analyzed by a multivariable linear regression model.

Results

2-napthol and 3-fluorene were significantly associated with decreased klotho. After fully adjusting pertinent variables, PAH exposure was significantly associated with decreased klotho, particularly in men.

Conclusion

In the present study we highlighted the significant association between PAHs exposure and serum klotho levels. The importance of environmental effect on aging process and age-related disorders should be paid more attention and clinical intervention is necessary.

Relationship Between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Objective: The primary aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and elaborate the current knowledge and recent advances in the area of PAH and its effects on CVDs and discuss the growing epidemiological evidence linking PAH to CVDs on the health of human populations. In this systematic review, the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and their relationship with PAHs were discussed in detail.

Methods: On 05th April 2021, a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Web of Science search engines in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The search was limited to articles that were written in English and dealt with human issues. All original peer-review publications were considered for inclusion. Comments, case reports, reviews, duplicated papers, and conference reports were excluded. Data was collected from included papers by two independent reviewers.

Results: Conclusively, 20 research articles published between 2005 and 2021 were chosen for the final analysis. The systemic review included 20 studies with a variety of geographical studies. The most common research category among the nominated studies were time-series studies followed by retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, panel, and case-control studies. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States, whereas others were showed in various geographical countries around the world, such as Denmark, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, France, China, Norway, Korea, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium. Eight studies assessed the association between PAH exposure and CVDs, four articles observed this relationship with blood pressure (BP), two observed association between atherosclerotic CVD and PAH, one congenital heart disease, cardiovascular events, and two with obesity. Furthermore, in some investigations, a favorable association between PAH exposure and hypertension as well as PAH exposure and obesity was found.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this systematic review examined the relationship of PAH exposure with CVDs and CVD-related risk factors by searching several digital databases. After a comprehensive literature searches and summarizing findings from 20 articles, the authors concluded that a positive relationship was observed between PAH exposure and CVD risks.

Association between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure and Diarrhea in Adults

Objective: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are not only natural but also anthropogenic contaminants that exist in many places in the environment. Human beings often accidentally ingest PAHs via smoking. Furthermore, smoking may increase the risk of bowel disorder, including diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, PAH exposure is hypothesized to be related to diarrhea risk. This study discusses the association between diarrhea and PAH exposure in the United States adult population. Method: 10,537 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2001–2006) were involved in this cross-sectional analysis. Bowel disorders were assessed via examination of stool frequency and stool type. The concentrations of urinary PAH metabolites were used to evaluate PAH exposure. The association between bowel habits and PAH exposure was assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model with covariate assessment of gender, age, race, liver function, kidney function, and common chronic health diseases. Results: All PAH metabolites except 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-hydroxypyrene, and 9-hydroxyfluorene were substantially correlated with an increased risk of diarrhea (p < 0.05) after modification of relevant covariables. This study also revealed significant association in the group of females (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all PAH metabolites except 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, and 9-hydroxyfluorene show significantly positive association in the non-obesity group (BMI < 30, p < 0.05). Conclusions: PAH exposure is highly associated with risk of bowel disorders among the adult population in the United States, especially in female and non-obesity populations. More research is necessary to shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms associated to PAH exposure and diarrhea.

Physiological significance of link between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and serum nutritional biomarkers

It is well-known that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may cause adverse health impacts. However, there are few investigations assessing the association between PAH exposure and the nutritional status of the general population. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the correlation between PAH metabolites and nutritional biomarkers in the U.S. general population. From the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 4,545 eligible participants were included in this cross-sectional study. To assess PAH exposure, ten urinary PAH metabolites were measured. Eleven serum nutritional biomarkers including carotenoids and vitamins were measured. The association between PAH metabolites and serum nutritional biomarkers was investigated using multivariate linear regression models. Increased 2-hydroxyfluorene was inversely correlated with elven serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (β = -0.529, p < 0.001), β-cryptoxanthin (β = -0.968, p < 0.001), cis-β carotene (β = -0.149, p < 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (β = -1.188, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (β = -0.145, p < 0.001), retinyl stearate (β = -0.025, p = 0.006), total lycopene (β = -1.074, p < 0.001), trans-β carotene (β = -2.268, p < 0.001), trans-lycopene (β = -0.466, p < 0.003), retinol (β = -0.694, p = 0.004) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (β = -1.247, p = 0.007). Increased 3-hydroxyfluorene was inversely correlated with eleven serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (β = -0.740, p < 0.001), β-cryptoxanthin (β = -1.377, p < 0.001), cis-β carotene (β = -0.205, p < 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (β = -1.521, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (β = -0.209, p < 0.001), retinyl stearate (β = -0.034, p = 0.014), total lycopene (β = -1.20, p = 0.007), trans-β carotene (β = -3.185, p < 0.001), trans-lycopene (β = -0.490, p = 0.039), retinol (β = -1.366, p < 0.001) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (β = -2.483, p < 0.001). Increased 1-hydroxypyrene was inversely correlated with eight serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (β = -0.601, p = 0.001), β-cryptoxanthin (β = -1.071, p = 0.001), cis-β carotene (β = -0.170, p = 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (β = -1.074, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (β = -0.214, p = 0.005), retinyl stearate (β = -0.041, p = 0.043), total lycopene (β = -1.664, p = 0.011) and retinol (β = -1.381, p = 0.011). These results demonstrate that PAH exposure is significantly correlated with decreased levels of serum nutritional biomarkers.