The concentration of malondialdehyde
in exhaled breath is influenced by air
pollution exposure during physical
activity in adolescents
Kaytna Thaker
Department of Environmental Health
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
BACKGROUND
• Air pollution is a mix of solid particles and gases
• Components include:
▫ Particulate matter (PM)
 Elemental or black carbon
▫ Ozone
BACKGROUND (cont.)
• Epidemiological studies have demonstrated
associations between air pollutants and adverse
health effects
▫ Ozone, black carbon, PM and increased airway
inflammation in addition to asthma exacerbation
BACKGROUND (cont.)
• Oxidative stress and airway inflammation are
processes that result from exposure to air
pollutants
• Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation
product that derives from the process of
oxidative stress
▫ Can be quantified in biological matrices
▫ Studies have demonstrated associations between
MDA levels and air pollutant levels
BACKGROUND (cont.)
• Data from the Atlanta
Commuter Exposure study
conducted at Emory
University indicate that there
is variability in MDA levels
prior to and following
exposure
Study of Air Pollution and Physical
Activity (SAPPA)
•
Aims to address the
question of whether
outdoor physical
activity during periods
of poor air quality can
increase and modify
the health effects of air
pollution exposure
SPECIFIC AIMS
1. Analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC)
samples to determine the levels of MDA present
in each sample
2. Comparison of MDA levels and air pollutant
data
HYPOTHESIS
• MDA levels in EBC are associated with levels of
measured air pollutants
• Engaging in physical activity modifies the
relationship between MDA levels and air
pollutant levels
RESEARCH METHODS
• Collection of samples and measurements from
participants will take place both before and after
sports team practices from high school athletes
in the metro-Atlanta area
• Air pollution measurements recorded for the
duration of team practices
RESEARCH METHODS
• EBC samples will be collected prior to and
following exposure
• MDA in EBC samples will be measured to
determine if a statistically significant change is
observed between the pre and post-practice
measurements
RESEARCH METHODS: ANALYSIS
• Comparison of MDA levels and air pollutant
data will determine if an association exists
between increased levels of MDA and increased
levels of air pollutants
• Further analysis to determine if engaging in
physical activity modifies the association
between MDA levels and air pollutant
concentrations
EXPOSURE DATA: PM
Particle Count, Suburban School
Particle Count ( #/cm3)
100000
10000
1000
100
9/17/2013
9/18/2013
9/19/2013
EXPOSURE DATA: PM
Particle Count, Urban School
Particle Count (#/cm3)
100000
10000
1000
10/8/2013
10/9/2013
10/10/2013
EXPOSURE DATA: BLACK CARBON
Average Daily Black Carbon Levels, Suburban
School
Black Carbon (μg/m3)
10000
1000
100
9/16/2013
9/17/2013
9/18/2013
EXPOSURE DATA: BLACK CARBON
Average Daily Black Carbon Levels, Urban School
Black Carbon (μg/m3)
10000
1000
100
10
10/8/2013- MA 1
10/8/2013 - MA 2
10/9/2013
10/10/2013
NEXT STEPS
• Analysis of EBC samples to determine MDA
levels
▫ Determine if a statistically significant change is
observed between the pre and post-practice
measurements
• Comparison of MDA levels to air quality
measurements
▫ Determine the presence of an association
THANK YOU!