Too Loud to Handle? Transportation Noise and Cardiovascular Disease

Road traffic noise and breast cancer: DNA methylation in four core circadian genes

BACKGROUND

Transportation noise has been linked with breast cancer, but existing literature is conflicting. One proposed mechanism is that transportation noise disrupts sleep and the circadian rhythm. We investigated the relationships between road traffic noise, DNA methylation in circadian rhythm genes, and breast cancer. We selected 610 female participants (318 breast cancer cases and 292 controls) enrolled into the Malmö, Diet, and Cancer cohort. DNA methylation of CpGs (N = 29) in regulatory regions of circadian rhythm genes (CRY1, BMAL1, CLOCK, and PER1) was assessed by pyrosequencing of DNA from lymphocytes collected at enrollment. To assess associations between modeled 5-year mean residential road traffic noise and differentially methylated CpG positions, we used linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders, including sociodemographics, shiftwork, and air pollution. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate road traffic noise and differentially methylated regions. Unconditional logistic regression was used to investigate CpG methylation and breast cancer.

RESULTS

We found that higher mean road traffic noise was associated with lower DNA methylation of three CRY1 CpGs (CpG1, CpG2, and CpG12) and three BMAL1 CpGs (CpG2, CpG6, and CpG7). Road traffic noise was also associated with differential methylation of CRY1 and BMAL1 promoters. In CRY1 CpG2 and CpG5 and in CLOCK CpG1, increasing levels of methylation tended to be associated with lower odds of breast cancer, with odds ratios (OR) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-1.02), 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.96), and 0.80 (95% CI 0.68-0.94), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our data suggest that DNA hypomethylation in CRY1 and BMAL1 could be part of a causal chain from road traffic noise to breast cancer. This is consistent with the hypothesis that disruption of the circadian rhythm, e.g., from road traffic noise exposure, increases the risk of breast cancer. Since no prior studies have explored this association, it is essential to replicate our results.

Spatial analysis of the impact of urban built environment on cardiovascular diseases: a case study in Xixiangtang, China

BACKGROUND

The built environment, as a critical factor influencing residents' cardiovascular health, has a significant potential impact on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

METHODS

Taking Xixiangtang District in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China as a case study, we utilized the geographic location information of CVD patients, detailed road network data, and urban points of interest (POI) data. Kernel density estimation (KDE) and spatial autocorrelation analysis were specifically employed to identify the spatial distribution patterns, spatial clustering, and spatial correlations of built environment elements and diseases. The GeoDetector method (GDM) was used to assess the impact of environmental factors on diseases, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis was adopted to reveal the spatial heterogeneity effect of environmental factors on CVD risk.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the built environment elements and CVDs samples exhibit significant clustering characteristics in their spatial distribution, with a positive correlation between the distribution density of environmental elements and the incidence of CVDs (Moran's I > 0, p < 0.01). Further factor detection revealed that the distribution of healthcare facilities had the most significant impact on CVDs (q = 0.532, p < 0.01), followed by shopping and consumption (q = 0.493, p < 0.01), dining (q = 0.433, p < 0.01), and transportation facilities (q = 0.423, p < 0.01), while the impact of parks and squares (q = 0.174, p < 0.01) and road networks (q = 0.159, p < 0.01) was relatively smaller. Additionally, the interaction between different built environment elements exhibited a bi-factor enhancement effect on CVDs. In the local analysis, the spatial heterogeneity of different built environment elements on CVDs further revealed the regional differences and complexities.

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial distribution of built environment elements is significantly correlated with CVDs to varying degrees and impacts differently across regions, underscoring the importance of the built environment on cardiovascular health. When planning and improving urban environments, elements and areas that have a more significant impact on CVDs should be given priority consideration.

Road traffic noise exposure and its impact on health: evidence from animal and human studies-chronic stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress as key components of the complex downstream pathway underlying noise-induced non-auditory health effects

In heavily urbanized world saturated with environmental pollutants, road traffic noise stands out as a significant factor contributing to widespread public health issues. It contributes in the development of a diverse range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although the exact mechanisms behind these non-auditory health effects remain unclear, the noise reaction model centres on the stress response to noise. When exposed to noise, the body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the secretion of stress hormones like catecholamines and cortisol. Prolonged exposure to noise-induced stress results in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This review underscores the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the progression of noise-induced vascular dysfunction, disruption of the circadian rhythm, accelerated aging, neuroinflammation, and changes in microbiome. Additionally, our focus is on understanding the interconnected nature of these health outcomes: These interconnected factors create a cascade effect, contributing to the accumulation of multiple risk factors that ultimately lead to severe adverse health effects.

Association of transportation noise with cardiovascular diseases

This comprehensive article delves into the intricate and multifaceted issue of noise pollution, shedding light on its diverse sources, profound health implications, and the economic burden it imposes on societies. Noise pollution is an increasingly prevalent environmental challenge, impacting millions of people worldwide, often without their full awareness of its adverse effects. Drawing from a wealth of scientific research, the article underscores the well-established links between noise pollution and a spectrum of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbances, and psychological stress. While exploring the sources and consequences of noise pollution, the article highlights the urgent need for a holistic and collaborative approach to mitigate its impact. This entails a combination of regulatory measures, technological innovations, urban planning strategies, and public education campaigns. It is increasingly evident that the detrimental effects of noise pollution extend beyond physical health, encompassing mental and social well-being. The article also addresses the synergistic relationship between noise pollution and other environmental stressors, emphasizing the importance of considering noise in conjunction with factors like air pollution and access to green spaces. It examines the potential of green spaces to mitigate the effects of noise pollution and enhance overall health.

Noise annoyance due to different sources is associated with tinnitus presence and distress in the general population

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology of tinnitus is not yet fully understood. Although there is a large amount of evidence associating traffic noise exposure with non-auditory health outcomes, there is no evidence regarding the impact of noise annoyance on auditory disorders such as tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between noise annoyance due to different sources and tinnitus presence and distress in the general population.

METHODS

Data of 6813 participants from a large German population-based cohort were used (Gutenberg Health Study). Participants were asked about the presence of tinnitus and how much they were bothered by it. In addition, information on annoyance from road traffic, aircraft, railways, industrial, and neighborhood noise during the day and sleep was collected through validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

The prevalence of tinnitus was 27.3%, and the predominant sources of noise annoyance in these subjects were aircraft, neighborhood, and road traffic noise. Overall, logistic regression results demonstrated consistent positive associations between annoyance due to different noise sources and prevalent risk of tinnitus with increases in odds ratios ranging from 4 to 11% after adjustment for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Likewise, consistent increases in odds ratios were observed for tinnitus distress in subjects with prevalent tinnitus. For instance, neighborhood noise annoyance during the sleep was associated with a 26% increase in tinnitus distress (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13; 1.39).

IMPACT

This is the first study investigating the association between noise annoyance and tinnitus presence and distress in a large cohort of the general population. Our results indicate consistent and positive associations between various sources of noise annoyance and tinnitus. These unprecedented findings are highly relevant as noise annoyance and tinnitus are widespread. The precise etiology and locus of tinnitus remain unknown, but excessive noise exposure is thought to be among the major causes. This study suggests that transportation and neighborhood noise levels thought merely to contribute to annoyance and non-auditory health effects may be sufficient to cause or exacerbate tinnitus.

Noise Sensitivity in Cataract Patients: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Noise sensitivity results from a series of variables and processes, and it can be used to predict the annoyance caused by noise and health-related outcomes. This study aimed to compare the noise sensitivity between cataract patients and healthy subjects and explore the effect of high noise sensitivity on cataract patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 cataract patients and 78 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao from February 2020 to February 2023. Noise sensitivity was evaluated by adopting the 8-Item Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS-8). Comparisons were conducted on the psychological state scores, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) of the high- (HG) and low-noise-sensitivity (LG) groups.

RESULTS

Cataract patients exhibited lower visual acuity (P < 0.001) and higher WNSS-8 scores than the healthy subjects (P < 0.05). On the basis of the median of WNSS-8, the cataract patients were divided into HG (n = 42) and LG (n = 58). Compared with the LG, the HG presented higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores, Beck Depression Inventory scores, systolic BP, diastolic BP and HR (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High noise sensitivity in cataract patients may be associated with vision disorders, and it may affect their BP and HR and damage physical and mental health.