Candidate gene expression in response to low-level air pollution

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies have linked air pollutant to adverse health effects even at low exposure levels, but limited evidence is available on its associations with gene expression levels. Aim: To investigate associations between air pollutants and gene expression levels. Methods: We collected data from Brisbane System Genetics Study (BSGS) — a family-based system genetics study. Expression levels of candidate genes were obtained for whole blood from 266 pairs of twins (192 monozygotic and 74 dizygotic pairs) and 165 parents. Data on individual phenotypes were also obtained, including age, sex, Body Mass Index and exposure to smoke. Daily data on mean temperature and air polluta..