KC Donnelly Externship–Promotion of Translational/Transdisciplinary Efforts in Graduate & Post-Doctoral Research

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Abstract The overarching goal of my research is to investigate the role of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Volatile organic compounds are gaseous chemicals present in industrial solvents, petroleum products, automobile exhaust, tobacco smoke, and household chemicals. VOCs are abundant at several Superfund and hazardous waste sites. Population based studies at the University of Louisville SRP show that VOCs, such as 1,3-butadiene (BD), used in the production of synthetic rubber, are positively associated with sub-clinical markers of cardiopulmonary injury (endothelial cell and lung microparticles) and proinflammatory cytokines. These associations are also accompanied by a decrease in endothelial progenitor cells, reflecting an impaired endothelial repair capacity. Studies performed by Dr. Arthur Penn (LSU SRP) have demonstrated that exposure to 1,3- butadiene via inhalation exacerbated atherosclerosis in cockerels.1 It is unclear whether cardiovascular injury of 1,3-butadiene is due to direct effects of the chemical or secondary effects of 1,3-butadiene-induced pulmonary toxicity. We will be assessing the toxicity of BD using a ‘state of the art’ air-liquid interface (ALI) cell exposure system (Vitrocell).