Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, brachial artery distensibility and blood pressure among children residing near an oil refinery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are produced by the burning and processing of fuel oils, and have been associated with oxidant stress, insulin resistance and hypertension in adults. Few studies have examined whether adolescents are susceptible to cardiovascular effects of PAHs.

Objective

To study associations of PAH exposure with blood pressure (BP) and brachial artery distensibility (BAD), an early marker of arterial wall stiffness, in young boys attending three schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in varying proximity to an oil refinery.

Methods

Air samples collected from the three schools were analyzed for PAHs. PAH metabolites (total hydroxyphenanthrenes and 1-hydroxypyrene) were measured in urine samples from 184 adolescent males, in whom anthropomet

SUBMITTER: Trasande L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5274701 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature