Effect of Concentrated Ambient Particulate Matter on Blood Coagulation Parameters in Rats

摘要

Several epidemiologic studies have shown an association between short-term increases in ambient particulate matter and short-term increases in morbidity and mortality, especially in people with cardiovascular disease. The biological mechanisms by which particulate matter may affect cardiovascular events are not well understood, however. Dr Christine Nadziejko of the New York University School of Medicine hypothesized that exposure of healthy rats to ambient particles may cause changes in blood coagulation parameters. The hypothesis that particulate matter may exert its adverse health effects by altering blood coagulation parameters is biologically relevant because clots may precipitate cardiac arrest, especially in people with cardiovascular disease. The Health Effects Institute funded the animal study described in this report to address this hypothesis.