Area of Research Emphasis (ARE) #5:
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Toxicology
Overview: Cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular diseases are growing public health concerns in the U.S. Studies are increasingly pointing to the role that environmental factors such as diet and exposure to air pollutants play in diseases like asthma and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Researchers at the CEEH are particularly interested in discovering the genetic and environmental components of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in developing countries. A central challenge of these investigations is identifying a potential mechanism of toxicity, especially with particulate matter air pollution. Researchers are looking for clues about possible toxicity mechanisms using specially engineered animal models. They are also conducting studies that explore genetic susceptibility and gene expression in cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
CEEH Connections: There are 16 scientists affiliated with the CEEH that work in this area of research emphasis. Researchers are exploring the respiratory and cardiovascular response to air pollutants and the role environmental factors play in modifying those responses. Joel Kaufman is currently working with numerous CEEH investigators (David Siscovik, Michael Rosenfeld, Lianne Sheppard, Sverre Vedal, and Michael Chin) on a large study of the potential effects of air pollution, particularly diesel exhaust, on risk of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, CEEH affiliates Jane Koenig and Joel Kaufman have collaborated on a study of the relationship between various measures of air pollution and cardio-respiratory effects in older populations, and were able to show that even modest concentrations of air pollutants are associated with small changes in cardiac function.
ARE Director:
Dr. Joel Kaufman, UW Dept. of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
joelk@u.washington.edu
206-616-3501