Biologic and epigenetic impact of commuting to work by car or using public transportation: a case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
Commuting by public transportation (PT) entails more physical activity and energy expenditure than by cars, but its biologic consequences are unknown.


METHODS
In 2009-2010, we randomly sampled New York adults, usually commuting either by car (n=79) or PT (n=101). Measures comprised diet and physical activity questionnaires, weight and height, white blood cell (WBC) count, C reactive protein, (CRP) gene-specific methylation (IL-6), and global genomic DNA methylation (LINE-1 methylation).


RESULTS
Compared to the 101 PT commuters, the 79 car drivers were about 9 years older, 2 kg/m(2) heavier, more often non-Hispanic whites, and ate more fruits and more meats. The 2005 guidelines for physical activity were met by more car drivers than PT users (78.5% vs. 65.0%). There were no differences in median levels of CRP (car vs. PT: 0.6 vs. 0.5mg/dl), mean levels of WBC (car vs. PT: 6.7 vs. 6.5 cells/mm(3)), LINE-1 methylation (car vs. PT: 78.0% vs. 78.3%), and promoter methylation of IL-6 (car vs. PT: 56.1% vs. 58.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
PT users were younger and lighter than car drivers, but their commute mode did not translate into a lower inflammatory response or a higher DNA methylation, maybe because, overall, car drivers were more physically active.
Center for Biology of Natural Systems, Queens College, City University of New York, NY 11367, USA. alfredo.morabia@qc.cuny.edu
Alfredo
A
Morabia
Fang Fang
FF
Zhang
Maya A
MA
Kappil
Janine
J
Flory
Frank E
FE
Mirer
Regina M
RM
Santella
Mary
M
Wolff
Steven B
SB
Markowitz
D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019175:DNA Methylation; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D002097:C-Reactive Protein