The effects of facemasks on airway inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in healthy young adults: a double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12989-018-0266-0
• Publication Date: 2018-07-04T13:27:46Z
• Authors: Tianjia Guan; Songhe Hu; Yiqun Han; Ruoyu Wang; Qindan Zhu; Yaoqian Hu; Hanqing Fan; Tong Zhu
• Keywords: Crossover study; Exhaled breath condensate; Endothelial Dysfunction; Air purifier

Facemasks are increasingly worn during air pollution episodes in China, but their protective effects poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks and cardiopulmonary benefits associated with wearing pollution. measured particles ambient six types a manikin headform. The most effective one was used double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover study, involving 15 healthy young adults, conducted 2 days severe Beijing, China. Subjects were asked walk along busy-traffic road for h authentic or sham facemasks. Clinical tests performed four times determine changes levels biomarkers airway inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress within 24 after exposure. removed 48–75% number concentrations between 5.6 560 nm diameter. After adjustments multiple comparison, exhaled nitric oxide level interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 breath condensate increased significantly all subjects; however, increases those statistically lower than group. No significant between-group difference evident urinary creatinine-corrected malondialdehyde level. In arterial stiffness indicators, ejection duration subjects higher exposure compared group; no found augmentation pressure index. partially reduced acute particle-associated neither systemic nor dysfunction improved significantly. clinical significance these findings long-term remains be determined. trial registration (TRN) this study is ChiCTR1800016099 , which retrospectively registered on May 11, 2018.