Genetic variation in the association of air pollutants with a biomarker of vascular injury in children and adolescents in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

• BACKGROUND: Some experimental studies revealed that exposure to air pollution increases the expression of tissue factor (TF) in atherosclerotic lesions. We aimed to investigate the role of TF +5466A>G (rs3917643) polymorphism in the association of air pollution on serum levels of TF as a biomarker of vascular injury in children.
• METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 children, consisting of 58 (52.8%) girls and 52 (47.2%) boys with a mean age of 12.7 + 2.3 years, living in Isfahan, Iran. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for measurement of serum TF. Genotype of +5466A>G (rs3917643) polymorphism was determined by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction length fragment polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method.
• RESULTS: We identified 2 individuals with +5466AG genotype and 108 homozygous for the +5466A allele (no +5466GG homozygotes). The mean pollution standards index (PSI) value was at moderate level, the mean particular matter measuring up to 10 μm (PM₁₀) was more than twice the normal level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors (weight status, dietary and physical activity pattern), serum TF level had significant relationship with PSI (beta: 0.55, SE: 0.07, P < 0.001) and PM₁₀ (beta: 0.51, SE: 0.03, P = 0.001).
• CONCLUSION: In spite of similar genetic polymorphism of TF, air pollutants might have an independent association with systemic inflammatory and coagulationresponses. The harmful effects of air pollutants on the first stages of atherosclerosis in the pediatric age group should be underscored in primordial and primary prevention of chronic diseases.
• KEYWORDS: Atherosclerosis, Prevention, Air Pollution, Genetics, Children.