(CIRCADIAN) Circadian Disruption as Mediator of Cardiometabolic Risk in Air Pollution

ABSTRACT Particulate matter air pollution <2.5µm (PM2.5) is the leading environmental risk factor globally, contributing more to global mortality than AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and wars/famines combined. The health risks associated with PM2.5 are predominantly from cardiovascular (CV) causes, with data supporting a major public health impact due to disorders such as type 2 diabetes. Building on the substantial successes of our research program, that in large part have provided the foundational basis for our understanding of mechanisms of PM2.5-induced cardiometabolic disorders, we propose an innovative framework of translational investigations. Our new data provide compelling links between PM2.5 exposure and circadian rhythm (CR) disruption through epigenetic reprogramming, resulting in metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance. In accordance with the NIEHS Translational Research Framework, we propose an ambitious plan encompassing 3 goals over 8 years that will encompass harmonized studies involving concentrated ambient PM2.5 exposures (animal) and human intervention trials across the ambient exposure spectrum, predicated and supported by results from genome wide association and mendelian randomization approaches, that will identify pathways of air pollution mediated CV risk. Leveraging on-going translational clinical trials of air pollution reduction using personalized strategies in vulnerable populations in Beijing, and through one new study involving mitigation of air pollution (ITS-MY-AIR), we will evaluate the impact of exposure reduction on CR disruption/sleep and metabolic endpoints. Collectively, results from this project will help shed important new light on air pollution, its impact on CR and cardiometabolic disorders and provide influential data on protective effects of personal intervention strategies, that together could change public health policy.