Effects of Air Pollution and Blood Mitochondrial DNA Methylation on Markers of Heart Rate Variability

摘要

BackgroundThe mitochondrion is the primary target of oxidative stress in response to exogenous environments. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is independent from nuclear DNA and uses separate epigenetic machinery to regulate mtDNA methylation. The mtDNA damage induced by oxidative stress can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and is implicated in human diseases; however, mtDNA methylation has been largely overlooked in environmental studies relating to human disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to fine metal‐rich particulates (particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter [PM 2.5]) from welding in a boilermaker union and blood mtDNA methylation in relation to heart rate variability.