Inhalation of Combustion Derived Particulate Matter During 30 Min Exercise Does Not Affect Lung Function

Abstract

PURPOSE: Associations between high particulate matter (PM) pollution from fossil fuel emissions and lung dysfunction and new-onset asthma have been identified for chronic exposure exercise. Likewise, decreased lung function has been shown in asthmatics after acute bouts of exercise in high PM. We hypothesized that an acute bout of high PM1 exercise would result in significant decrease in FEV1 and montelukast (MK), a leukotriene receptor antagonist, would attenuate that decrease. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of PM inhalation during high intensity short term exercise in healthy male subjects. METHODS: Ten healthy males exercised in an exposure chamber 4 times for 30 min in both high [550,286±42,004/cm3] and low PM1 [4,571±1,922/cm3] air after taking placebo (PL) or 10 mg MK (half-life 3-6 h). Lung function was measured by spirometry pre-, 5, 10, 50 min, 4 h, 24 h post- exercise. RESULTS: Baseline FEV1 was normal (103% predicted) and consistent among trials. An acute bout of exercise in high PM1 conditions did not result in decreased lung function up to 24 h post exercise. No difference in post-exercise FEV1 was noted between PM1 conditions or treatment (PL or MK).TableCONCLUSION: An acute bout of 30 min exercise in high PM1 conditions does not decrease lung function in healthy college-aged males. Whether 30 min of high intensity exercise in high PM1 conditions results in inflammatory mediator release is yet to be determined. AHA 0455734U