Project R-4072

The association between in utero exposure to particulate air pollution and the microvasculature in children, a molecular epidemiological approach (Research)

A large body of literature shows that susceptibility to cardiovascular disease may have its origin in utero. Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to particulate air pollution affects the microvasculature, a proposed underlying mechanism to the established association between particulate air pollution exposure and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. So far, no studies have investigated the effect of early life exposures on the microvasculature. In this context, the proposed molecular epidemiological project aims to study the association between in utero exposure to particulate air pollution and the microvasculature in children as a follow-up study within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. I examine the microvasculature in children aged 4 to 6 years using a non-invasive retinal photography technique. Personal exposure to air pollution is estimated based on modeling and indicators of traffic. Bio-molecular markers, such as mitochondrial DNA content, are implemented in the analyses to investigate their association with particulate air pollution exposure and the microvasculature. This study provides new insights in the impact of air pollution on the etiology of cardiovascular disease during a susceptible period of life.

01 October 2012 - 30 September 2014