Traffic-related air pollution exposure is associated with allergic sensitization, asthma and poor lung function in middle age

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2016
Source:Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Gayan Bowatte, Caroline J. Lodge, Luke D. Knibbs, Adrian J. Lowe, Bircan Erbas, Martine Dennekamp, Guy B. Marks, Graham Giles, Stephen Morrison, Bruce Thompson, Paul S. Thomas, Jennie Hui, Jennifer L. Perret, Michael J. Abramson, Haydn Walters, Melanie C. Matheson, Shyamali C. Dharmage
BackgroundTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure is associated with allergic airway diseases and reduced lung function in children, but evidence concerning adults, especially in low pollution settings, is scarce and inconsistent.ObjectivesTo determine if exposure to TRAP in middle age is associated with allergic sensitization, current asthma and reduced lung function in adults, and whether these associations are modified by variants in Glutathione S-Transferase genes.MethodsThe study sample comprised the 5^th decade follow-up of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study. Mean annual residential nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure was estimated for current residential addresses using a validated land-use regression model. Associations between TRAP exposure and allergic sensitization, lung function, current wheeze and asthma (n = 1,405) were investigated using regression models.ResultsIncreased mean annual NO2 exposure was associated with increased risk of atopy (aOR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28 per one IQR increase in NO2 [2.2 ppb]) and current wheeze (aOR 1.14; 1.02, 1.28). Similarly, living < 200 m from a major road was associated with current wheeze (1.38; 1.06, 1.80) and atopy (1.26; 0.99, 1.62), and was also associated with having significantly lower pre- and post-BD FEV1 and pre BD FEF25-75%. We found evidence of interactions between living <200m from a major road and GSTT1 polymorphism for atopy, asthma and atopic asthma. Overall, carriers of the GSTT1 null genotype had an increased risk of asthma and allergic outcomes if exposed to TRAP.ConclusionEven relatively low TRAP exposures confer an increased risk of adverse respiratory and allergic outcomes in genetically susceptible individuals.

Teaser

This study provides evidence that even very low levels of ambient air pollution exposure is associated with allergic sensitization, asthma and lower levels of lung function in middle age adults. These elevated risks are pronounced in carriers of GSTT1 null.


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