Geoffrey A. Modest

Association between Fine Particulate Matter and Oxidative DNA Damage May Be Modified in Individuals with Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the association between particulate matter (PM2.5) and urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals. Methods: Twelve hypertensives and nine non-hypertensives were monitored during a 36-hour period using a repeated-measures panel study design. Personal exposure to PM2.5 was assessed using a real-time continuous monitor. Spot urine samples collected at 12-hour intervals were analyzed for 8-OHdG. Results: Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a decrease in 8-OHdG in hypertensives compared with an increase in non-hypertensives, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, and time of day. Conclusions: The results suggest modification of the association between PM2.5 exposure and urinary 8-OHdG by hypertension status. Antioxidant activity present in antihypertensive medications may play a role or PM2.5 exposure may reduce the capacity to repair DNA damage in hypertensives. These results should be confirmed with further investigation.

Managing multiple risk factors: A call to action

With the exception of obesity, risk factors for cardiovascular disease rarely occur as single conditions. Because these multiple factors often act synergistically, causing a geometric increase in overall cardiovascular risk, it is essential that their recognition and management be a goal of comprehensive preventive care. Physicians must make every effort to implement strategies to maximize risk reduction, including modification of an individuals lifestyle, appropriate pharmacologic treatment when indicated, involvement of the family, the community, and the media, patient education, and ready access to support and health services.