Exosomes, miRNA and decreased particulate matter exposure in elderly: Can small structures mediate beneficial health responses? (R-5467)

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of small particles causing air pollution. This project focuses on the health benefits of reduced exposure to PM. Via an intervention study an air filter is placed in the living room of elderly living in an elderly home or a retirement home creating a room with reduced particulate matter and black carbon by 80% during 2 weeks. It is preferable to work with elderly since they are more prone to PM associated adverse health effects. Since they spend more time indoors, they are predominantly exposed to indoor PM. During 3 periods of 2 weeks (before, during and after indoor air filtering) several measurements carried out at the residency at different time points. First, I focus on clinical parameters for cardiovascular health. Further, I study the communication between cells by means of small vesicles in the blood called exosomes. I determine their genetic content and associate them with changes in exposure before intervention, during air filtering and after intervention. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms of PM and contribute to the search for biomarkers that could indicate increased health risks associated with PM exposure.

Keywords:MYCORRHIZA

Disciplines:General biology, Plant biology