We have analyzed cross sectional data from the Prospective Cohort of Older Puerto Ricans for the effects of proximity to major roadways and density of traffic near their residences. This analysis did not assess levels of pollution because the cohort study was not originally designed to assess this exposure. Still, using traffic as a proxy, we have demonstrated associations between traffic proximity and hypertension, blood pressure, C-reactive protein and serum albumin. To oiu- knowledge this is the first study to assess traffic exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers in a Puerto Rican population, a population that has high prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular diseases. There is competing evidence that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with CVD. However, this fraction of PM is spread fairly evenly across geographic areas with variation within cities, but little increase next to heavy traffic. Ultrafine particulate pollution (UFP), which are extremely small particles have, however, been shown to be elevated locally near highways and heavily traveled roadways. Research besides ours also has shown associations between proximity to traffic and CVD. Thus, we will address both the role of traffic pollution in health disparities in the Puerto Rican population and develop evidence about whether there is a causal link between UFP and CVD. We propose three community-based participatory research studies that actively engage our community partners in the research process. Study one will build on our preliminary work and develop a model of UFP exposure across our study area in order to test associations of ambient UFP exposure with CVD in the core cohort (project 1 for the center). Study two will install HEPA air filtration in homes of 20 participants in the core cohort and assess whether reducing UFP in the home is associated with improvements in markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein, IL6, fibrinogen and TNF-a. Study three will develop and disseminate educational materials about traffic-related pollution and CVD to the local Puerto Rican population.

Public Health Relevance

This study addresses the public health impact of traffic-related air pollution on the development of cardiovascular disease in older Puerto Rican adults. By better understanding the magnitude ofthe risk and a potential intervention, the study may, in the long term, contribute to reducing CVD in this population.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
1P50HL105185-01
Application #
7881853
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRLB-3 (J1))
Project Start
2010-04-01
Project End
2015-03-31
Budget Start
2010-04-01
Budget End
2011-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$227,520
Indirect Cost
Name
Northeastern University
Department
Type
DUNS #
001423631
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Mattei, Josiemer; McClain, Amanda C; Falcón, Luis M et al. (2018) Dietary Acculturation among Puerto Rican Adults Varies by Acculturation Construct and Dietary Measure. J Nutr 148:1804-1813
Corlin, Laura; Woodin, Mark; Hart, Jaime E et al. (2018) Longitudinal associations of long-term exposure to ultrafine particles with blood pressure and systemic inflammation in Puerto Rican adults. Environ Health 17:33
Hudda, N; Simon, M C; Zamore, W et al. (2018) Aviation-Related Impacts on Ultrafine Particle Number Concentrations Outside and Inside Residences near an Airport. Environ Sci Technol 52:1765-1772
Arévalo, Sandra P; Scott, Tammy M; Falcón, Luis M et al. (2018) Vitamin B-6 and depressive symptomatology, over time, in older Latino adults. Nutr Neurosci :1-12
Noel, Sabrina E; Mangano, Kelsey M; Griffith, John L et al. (2018) Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass Among Puerto Rican Older Adults. J Bone Miner Res 33:396-403
Hong, Jaeyoung; Hatchell, Kathryn E; Bradfield, Jonathan P et al. (2018) Transethnic Evaluation Identifies Low-Frequency Loci Associated With 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 103:1380-1392
Simon, Matthew C; Hudda, Neelakshi; Naumova, Elena N et al. (2017) Comparisons of Traffic-Related Ultrafine Particle Number Concentrations Measured in Two Urban Areas by Central, Residential, and Mobile Monitoring. Atmos Environ (1994) 169:113-127
Sprague Martinez, Linda; Reisner, Ellin; Campbell, Maria et al. (2017) Participatory Democracy, Community Organizing and the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health (CAFEH) Partnership. Int J Environ Res Public Health 14:
Ma, Yiyi; Ordovas, Jose M (2017) The integration of epigenetics and genetics in nutrition research for CVD risk factors. Proc Nutr Soc 76:333-346
Brugge, Doug; Simon, Matthew C; Hudda, Neelakshi et al. (2017) Lessons from in-home air filtration intervention trials to reduce urban ultrafine particle number concentrations. Build Environ 126:266-275

Showing the most recent 10 out of 81 publications