The concentration of malondialdehyde in exhaled breath is influenced by air pollution exposure during physical activit

1. The concentration of malondialdehyde in exhaled breath is influenced by air pollution exposure during physical activity in adolescents KaytnaThaker Department of Environmental Health Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

2. BACKGROUND • Air pollution is a mix of solid particles and gases • Components include: • Particulate matter (PM) • Elemental or black carbon • Ozone

3. BACKGROUND (cont.) • Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between air pollutants and adverse health effects • Ozone, black carbon, PM and increased airway inflammation in addition to asthma exacerbation

4. BACKGROUND (cont.) • Oxidative stress and airway inflammation are processes that result from exposure to air pollutants • Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation product that derives from the process of oxidative stress • Can be quantified in biological matrices • Studies have demonstrated associations between MDA levels and air pollutant levels

5. BACKGROUND (cont.) • Data from the Atlanta Commuter Exposure study conducted at Emory University indicate that there is variability in MDA levels prior to and following exposure

6. Study of Air Pollution and Physical Activity (SAPPA) • Aims to address the question of whether outdoor physical activity during periods of poor air quality can increase and modify the health effects of air pollution exposure

7. SPECIFIC AIMS • Analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples to determine the levels of MDA present in each sample • Comparison of MDA levels and air pollutant data

8. HYPOTHESIS • MDA levels in EBC are associated with levels of measured air pollutants • Engaging in physical activity modifies the relationship between MDA levels and air pollutant levels

9. RESEARCH METHODS • Collection of samples and measurements from participants will take place both before and after sports team practices from high school athletes in the metro-Atlanta area • Air pollution measurements recorded for the duration of team practices

10. RESEARCH METHODS • EBC samples will be collected prior to and following exposure • MDA in EBC samples will be measured to determine if a statistically significant change is observed between the pre and post-practice measurements

11. RESEARCH METHODS: ANALYSIS • Comparison of MDA levels and air pollutant data will determine if an association exists between increased levels of MDA and increased levels of air pollutants • Further analysis to determine if engaging in physical activity modifies the association between MDA levels and air pollutant concentrations

12. EXPOSURE DATA: PM

13. EXPOSURE DATA: PM

14. EXPOSURE DATA: BLACK CARBON

15. EXPOSURE DATA: BLACK CARBON

16. NEXT STEPS • Analysis of EBC samples to determine MDA levels • Determine if a statistically significant change is observed between the pre and post-practice measurements • Comparison of MDA levels to air quality measurements • Determine the presence of an association

17. THANK YOU!