A new study has revealed concerning insights on how exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may influence cardiovascular health. Researchers investigated the non-linear relationship between VOC exposure and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) among U.S. adults, drawing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2011 and 2018. The findings indicate significant associations between elevated levels of specific VOCs and increased AIP, highlighting potential cardiovascular risks.
VOCs are common air pollutants released from both industrial processes and everyday activities. They have been linked to various health issues, including chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of lipids within arteries, contributes significantly to CVD risk. AIP serves as a reliable marker for assessing the risk of these cardiovascular conditions, defined as the logarithmic ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Higher AIP levels correspond to increased risk of heart disease.
The study analyzed data from 6,027 participants aged 18-59 years, with approximately 50% being male and about 3,011 individuals showing elevated AIP levels. Various statistical techniques were employed to assess the potential links between VOC exposure and AIP. Notably, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed strong joint exposure effects between certain VOCs, such as IPMA3 and HMPMA (ρ = 0.97).
Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression indicated positive associations between VOC exposure and total cholesterol (TC), alongside HDL-C levels, with the study reporting findings such as β = 5.45 (P = 0.04) for TC and β = 1.07 (P = 0.02) for HDL-C. These results suggest a detrimental effect of VOCs on lipid metabolism, which is pivotal in the development of cardiovascular risk factors.
Importantly, logistic regression analyses suggested several specific VOCs, including 3-4MHA, AAMA, and particularly ATCA, were significantly linked to higher AIP. Notably, when levels of ATCA exceeded 128.60 ng/mL, participants exhibited a staggering 60% increased risk of elevated AIP (Odds Ratio = 1.60). This information adds depth to current understandings of how VOCs may influence cardiovascular health.
Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, which accounts for potential non-linear associations, confirmed the complex relationship between VOC exposure and AIP levels. These findings indicate the potential for harmful interactions between various VOCs, complicate prediction models for cardiovascular disease risk, and suggest the importance of monitoring exposure levels.
To thoroughly assess the health impacts of VOCs, researchers divided participants based on their AIP quartiles. Those within the highest quartile exhibited distinct characteristics, including lower education levels, higher prevalence of smoking, increased rates of alcohol consumption, and lower levels of physical activity, alongside adverse health metrics like higher body fat percentage and elevated blood pressure.
The study offers significant insights, particularly indicating ATCA's role as both a risk factor for cholesterol abnormalities and, potentially, for the progression of hypertension and other cardiovascular morbidities. Its role as a biomarker for cyanide metabolism makes it particularly alarming, as cyanide is known for its harmful effects on health.
While the findings are alarming, they highlight the urgent need for public health initiatives focused on reducing VOC exposure and monitoring its health impacts. Studies like these are pivotal as they pave the path toward preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases linked to environmental toxins.
Conclusively, the study demonstrates the significant association between urinary VOC levels, primarily ATCA, and AIP, positing important questions about environmental exposure and heart health. This research emphasizes the necessity for continued exploration of VOCs' impacts and the development of strategies to mitigate their effects on cardiovascular health, which remain critically needed.