Modulation of atherogenesis induced by chronic exposure to automotive pollution: A study with traffic controllers from Sao Paulo city.

• Grant number: 09/14771-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2010
• End date: December 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Maria Lucia Bueno Garcia
• Grantee: Bruno Chiesa Gouveia Nascimento
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research will investigate the relation between chronic exposure to automotive pollution and development of atherosclerosis. We will recruit 120 traffic controllers from Sao Paulo city and therefore are daily exposed to a greater amount of automotive pollution, and measure intima media thickness (IMT), a noninvasive, well established and consider representative of systemic atherosclerosis. To quantify exposure for each subject, we will use time at present work, in years, which is an understandable way to synthesize both quantitative and cumulative aspects of exposure. In addition to that, we will also investigate the relation of chronic exposure and inflammatory activity, considered a key factor on atherogenesis and with acute relationship already describe previously. This is transversal study, data will be analyzed with linear regression models with IMT and inflammatory markers as dependent variables. Results will be controlled fot age, body mass index and secondhand smoke.