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The dose-response decrease in heart rate variability: any association with the metabolites of polycyclic aromatic
Xiaohai Li1, Yingying Feng, Huaxin Deng
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Ministry of Education Key Lab for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Occupational exposure to coke oven emissions (COEs) significantly decreases heart rate variability (HRV) in a dose-dependent manner. Higher levels of 2-hydroxynaphthalene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite, are linked to reduced HRV, especially with increased years of work.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Cardiology
Background:
- Air pollution is linked to cardiopulmonary mortality and reduced heart rate variability (HRV).
- The specific impact of coke oven emissions (COEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on HRV remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to COEs and urinary PAH metabolite profiles with HRV in coke oven workers.
Main Methods:
- Measured workplace pollutants including PAHs and monitored HRV in 1333 coke oven workers.
- Analyzed 10 urinary PAH metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Assessed HRV using a 3-channel digital Holter monitor.
Main Results:
- A significant, dose-dependent decrease in HRV was observed with increasing COE exposure.
- Higher urinary 2-hydroxynaphthalene levels correlated inversely with five HRV indices (p<0.01).
- Each IQR increase in 2-hydroxynaphthalene was associated with a 5.46% decrease in SDNN, with further decline observed with increased years of work.
Conclusions:
- Occupational COE exposure leads to a dose-response reduction in HRV.
- Elevated 2-hydroxynaphthalene exposure is specifically associated with significantly decreased HRV.
- Cumulative exposure (working years and levels) progressively diminishes HRV.
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