Combatting epigenetic effects from outdoor air pollution

An international team led by scientists at Columbia University set out to determine whether the fine particles in air pollution may alter DNA methylation in CD4+ T-helper cells, a type of circulating white blood cell involved in the inflammatory response. They also investigated whether a nutrient involved in DNA methylation, specifically a B vitamin supplement, might counteract the methylation changes.

Exhaust from cars and trucks is a significant source of outdoor air pollution. Image credit: Zakysant/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Fine particles in the air are made of microscopic solids and liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

Ten healthy volunteers took part in the 3-stage study. In the first stage, they were given an inactive placebo for 2 weeks before being exposed to filtered air for 2 hours. They then took the placebo for 4 weeks and were exposed to air containing fine particles from vehicle exhaust for 2 hours.

The researchers obtained vehicle exhaust from a busy street in downtown Toronto and concentrated the fine particles before delivering them through an oxygen-type mask. In the final stage of the study, the participants took the vitamin B supplement for 4 weeks and were then exposed to fine particles for 2 hours.

At each stage, the scientists analyzed changes in the genes of CD4+ T-helper cells. They found that exposure to exhaust particles from outdoor air pollution was associated with DNA methylation changes.

However, these changes were not observed when the participants took the daily B vitamin supplement before exposure to the particles.

Larger, longer-term studies are needed to validate the findings of this small study. A better understanding of how outdoor air pollution causes epigenetic changes could provide insights to guide the development of future prevention therapies. (NIH)

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