Metals in particulate pollutants affect peak expiratory flow of schoolchildren.
BACKGROUND
The contribution of the metal components of particulate pollutants to acute respiratory effects has not been adequately evaluated. Moreover, little is known about the effects of genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolism on pulmonary function.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to assess lung function decrement associated with metal components in particulate pollutants and genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1.


METHODS
We studied 43 schoolchildren who were in the 3rd to 6th grades. Each student measured peak expiratory flow rate three times a day for 42 days. Particulate air concentrations were monitored every day, and the concentrations of iron, manganese, lead, zinc, and aluminum in the particles were measured. Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genetic polymorphisms were determined using DNA extracted from participant buccal washings. We used a mixed linear regression model to estimate the association between peak expiratory flow rate and particulate air pollutants.


RESULTS
We found significant reduction in the peak expiratory flow rate after the children's exposure to particulate pollutants. The effect was shown most significantly 1 day after exposure to the ambient particles. Manganese and lead in the particles also reduced the peak expiratory flow rate. Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 did not significantly affect peak expiratory flow rate.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that particulate pollutants and metals such as manganese and lead in the particles are associated with a decrement of peak expiratory flow rate. These effects were robust even with consideration of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase.
Hong
Yun-Chul
YC
Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. ychong1@snu.ac.kr
Hwang
Seung-Sik
SS
Kim
Jin Hee
JH
Lee
Kyoung-Ho
KH
Lee
Hyun-Jung
HJ
Lee
Kwan-Hee
KH
Yu
Seung-Do
SD
Kim
Dae-Seon
DS
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D000393:Air Pollutants; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D008670:Metals; D052638:Particulate Matter; C413545:glutathione S-transferase T1