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Published on: July 12, 2024
Biomarkers of Human Cardiopulmonary Response After Short-Term Exposures to Medical Laser-Generated Particulate Matter
Ramon Lopez1, Mark O Farber, Vincent Wong
1Indiana University, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Science (Drs Lopez, Lacey); Indiana University Health, Pulmonology-Critical Care (Dr Farber); and Indiana University, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indianapolis (Dr Wong).
Objective:
We conducted an exposure chamber study in humans using a simulated clinical procedure lasing porcine tissue to demonstrate evidence of effects of exposure to laser-generated particulate matter (LGPM).
Methods:
We measured pre- and post-exposure changes in exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), spirometry, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood markers of inflammation in five volunteers.
Results:
Change in pre- and post-exposure measurements of eNO and spirometry was unremarkable. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts increased and fibrinogen levels decreased in four of the five subjects. Measures of HRV showed decreases in the standard deviation of normal between beat intervals and sequential 5-minute intervals.
Conclusion:
These data represent the first evidence of human physiologic response to LGPM exposure. Further exploration of coagulation effects and HRV is warranted.
