CARDIOVASCULAR LINKAGE BETWEEN ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION & AIR POLLUTION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Air pollution increases the risk for heart and vascular disease. This study is designed to improve our understanding of how air pollution effects blood vessels. Healthy, non-smoking adults, ages 18-50, of any gender, race or ethnicity, will be recruited to evaluate the impact of pollution on blood vessel function, blood pressure, and blood labs. Each subject will have their blood vessel function tested by an ultrasound and blood drawn before and immediately after breathing air that contains pollution concentrated from the natural atmosphere for 2 hours. The amount of pollution in the air is similar to that may be found in a busy city. In past studies subjects could not tell the difference between the "dirty" air and the clean air. A blood pressure monitoring cuff will be worn the day prior to and after the exposure. One hour prior to each exposure subjects will receive a pre-treatment of either a sugar pill (placebo), Vitamin C 2 g, or a blood pressure medication (Bosentan 500 mg). Patients will return the day after the exposure for a blood draw and a blood vessel function test. There will be a total of 3 study visits. During each visit patients will be exposed to the same air pollution, but will receive a different pre-treatment medication in random order.