Effects of air pollution exposure on inflammatory and endurance performance in recreationally trained cyclists adapted to traffic-related air pollution

Author(s)

Silveira, Andre C. ; Hasegawa, Julio S. ; Cruz, Ramon ; Matsuda, Monique ; Marquezini, Monica, V ; Lima-Silva, Adriano Eduardo ; Giles, Luisa, V ; Saldiva, Paulo ; Koehle, Michael S. ; Bertuzzi, Romulo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY; v. 322, n. 6, p. 9-pg., 2022-06-01.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on markers of inflammatory, neuroplasticity, and endurance performance-related parameters in recreationally trained cyclists who were adapted to TRAP during a 50-km cycling time trial (50-km cycling TT). Ten male cyclists performed a 50-km cycling TT inside an environmental chamber located in downtown Sao Paulo (Brazil), under TRAP or filtered air conditions. Blood samples were obtained before and after the 50-km cycling TT to measure markers of inflammatory [interleukin-6 (IL-6),C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)] and neuroplasticity [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)]. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and power output (PO) were measured throughout the 50-km cycling TT. There were no significant differences between experimental conditions for responses of IL-6, CRP, and IL-10 (P > 0.05). When compared with exercise-induced changes in filtered air condition, TRAP provoked greater exercise-induced increase in BDNF levels (TRAP = 3.3 ?? 2.4-fold change; Filtered = 1.3 ?? 0.5-fold change; P = 0.04) and lower exercise-induced increase in ICAM-1 (Filtered = 1.1?? 0.1-fold change; TRAP = 1.0 ?? 0.1-fold change; P = 0.01). The endurance performance-related parameters (RPE, HR, PO, and time to complete the 50-km cycling TT) were not different between TRAP and filtered air conditions (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the potential negative impacts of exposure to pollution on inflammatory, neuroplasticity, and performance-related parameters do not occur in recreationally trained cyclists who are adapted to TRAP. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/21600-0 - Competing in the city of São Paulo: effects of air pollution on physiological parameters and performance during a 50 km time trial.
• Grantee: André Casanova Silveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate