Project R-8154

Exposure to airborne particles and ageing pathways in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort: integrating inflamming pathways with telomeres (Research)

The impact of air pollution on human health is a worldwide threat, moreover, current evidence suggests that health effects occur even at concentrations below the WHO guideline levels. In utero exposure has been associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes and damage to biomolecules, but also has an impact on disease development later in life. Of particular concern are recent studies describing effects of exposure to small particles on molecular ageing. Aging is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors interacting from early life on. Apart from singular pathways involved in aging, the complexity lies in extensive crosstalk between aging biomarkers. In this project I will integrate 2 molecular systems in early life: (i) telomeres, one of the most studied mechanisms of aging because their shortening reflect the limit of a cell to reproduce itself, a key feature of cellular ageing; (ii) "inflamming", a theory that describes that inflammation, that in early life and adulthood neutralize harmful agents, can become detrimental during ageing. I will study how these 2 systems are affected by air pollution at birth and in early life in the ENVIRONAGE (ENVIRmental influence on AGEing in early life) birth cohort. The study currently consists of 1200 newborns and enrolment is ongoing including a follow-up study with measures of health outcomes. My project will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms trough which aging pathways diverge by air pollutants.

01 October 2017 - 30 September 2021