Abstract
BackgroundLong-term exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 may cause immune system dysfunction and damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. PM2.5 may cause CD4 + T helper cells to polarize toward TH1 or TH2 cell types, which may be associated with the onset and progression of many human diseases. Recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can regulate human immune function and reduce physiological damage caused by air pollution; however, only limited research has examined the therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids on subjects with high exposure to PM2.5 in mass transit systems such as subways.MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective, randomized, double-blinded (to participants and researchers), placebo-controlled clinical trial. The research plan is to randomly select 120 eligible adults based on the difference in PM2.5 exposure in the Chengdu subway station. They should be aged 20–65 years old and work in the subway station more than or equal to 3 times a week, each time greater than or equal to 8 h, and had worked continuously in the subway station for more than 2 years. All participants will receive omega-3 fatty acids or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes will be changes in the TH1/TH2 cell polarization index and changes in serum cytokine concentrations. Secondary outcomes will be changes in early indicators of atherosclerosis, pulmonary function, COOP/WONCA charts, and scores on the Short-Form 36 Health Survey for quality of life. Results will be analyzed to evaluate differences in clinical efficacy between the two groups. A 6-month follow-up period will be used to assess the long-term value of omega-3 fatty acids for respiratory and cardiovascular disease endpoints.DiscussionWe will explore the characteristics of the TH1/TH2 cell polarization index in a population with high exposure to PM2.5. Omega-3 fatty acids and placebo will be compared in many ways to test the effect on people exposed to PM2.5 subway stations. This study is expected to provide reliable evidence to support the promotion of omega-3 fatty acids in clinical practice to protect individuals who are highly exposed to PM2.5.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000038065. Registered on September 9, 2020
Highlights
Long-term exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 may cause immune system dysfunction and damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
With the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization in many countries, air pollution has become an important factor that negatively affects the health of residents in these countries [1,2,3,4]
In recent years, damage to the human body caused by PM2.5 has been a research topic of great interest, and many scientists have been looking for effective intervention methods
Summary
Long-term exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 may cause immune system dysfunction and damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can regulate human immune function and reduce physiological damage caused by air pollution; only limited research has examined the therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids on subjects with high exposure to PM2.5 in mass transit systems such as subways. PM2.5 is a class of fine particulate matter with a diameter of < 2.5 microns. Unlike coarse PM, fine PM may reach the terminal bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs, causing oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and inflammatory reactions in epithelial cells, as well as persistent adverse effects to the human body [7,8,9,10]
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