- de Homdedeu M, et al. Late Breaking Abstract - The impact of the reduction of environmental pollution during COVID-19 lockdown on healthy individuals (POLCOV Study). Poster 1915. ERS 2021, 5-8 September.
The reduction of air pollution due to COVID-19-related lockdowns offers a great opportunity to study the effects of air pollutants on human health. The POLCOV study aimed to determine and compare oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokines in healthy individuals during the lockdown and 6 months after easing mobility restrictions in Barcelona.
In this prospective study, blood samples were collected from healthy, non-smoking adults (n=58). Age, sex, and postal district of residence were collected from all individuals. Blood samples were analysed for eosinophil and Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokine levels by a multiplex assay. In addition, levels of 8-isoprostane were measured as a biomarker for oxidative stress. At the moment of the first sample collection, the air pollution had been decreased with 80% compared to pre-lockdown.
After 6 months, air pollution had reached similar levels to pre-lockdown. Six months after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions an increase in the levels of 8-isoprostane, G-CSF, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-4, TNFα, eotaxin, PDGF-BB, MIF-1 β, IL-6, IL-7, and RANTES were found. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the level of eosinophils. Taken together, biomarkers and cytokines related to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation were found to be significantly increased 6 months after easing mobility restrictions.