Environmental Health Effects on Your Physiology

A rapidly evolving field of study suggests a link between the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome with obesity. Recent studies show that environmental exposures, such as ambient air pollution (AAP) exposure can affect gut bacteria and modify risk for obesity. Additionally, proximity to green space has been shown to reduce exposure to air pollutants and increase gut microbial diversity. The investigator's preliminary work has shown that near-roadway air pollution exposure was positively correlated with gut microbial taxa that have been linked with obesity. These findings suggest that air pollution exposure may increase susceptibility to obesity through alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Despite this, no studies have systematically examined the impact of air pollutants and green space on the gut microbiome and metabolome among adolescents. The overall goal of this research is to determine whether exposure to air pollutants and/or green space affect the gut microbiome and metabolome in young adults residing in Denver, Colorado. This study will examine residential-based estimates of air pollution exposure and green space and also perform detailed gut microbial and metabolite profiling in 100 adolescent and young adults.

Inclusion criteria

• The participant population includes young adults (18-25 years of age) who live in Denver, Colorado.

Exclusion criteria

• Exclusion criteria include physical, mental, or cognitive disability that prevents participation
• Current incarceration
• Antibiotic usage in the previous month
• Pregnant or nursing
• Non-English speaking
• Any medical conditions known to affect body composition, insulin secretion, or the gut microbiota (i.e., type 1 or 2 diabetes, intestinal bowel disease, Crohn's Disease, kidney disease, heart disease, autoimmune disease).