Indoor and ambient black carbon and fine particulate matter associations with blood biomarkers in COPD patients.

Background: Systemic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular risk and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology. Associations between systemic inflammation and exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM ≤ 2.5 μm diameter; PM), and black carbon (BC), a PM component attributable to traffic and other sources of combustion, infiltrating indoors are not well described.

Pulmonary, inflammatory, and oxidative effects of indoor nitrogen dioxide in patients with COPD.

Introduction: Indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO) sources include gas heating, cooking, and infiltration from outdoors. Associations with pulmonary function, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are uncertain.

Methods: We recruited 144 COPD patients at the VA Boston Healthcare System between 2012 and 2017.

Modification of associations between indoor particulate matter and systemic inflammation in individuals with COPD.

Rationale: Little is known about personal characteristics and systemic responses to particulate pollution in patients with COPD.

Objectives: Assess whether diabetes, obesity, statins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) modify associations between indoor black carbon (BC) and fine particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM) on systemic inflammation and endothelial activation.