Environmental Triggers Of Cardiometabolic Disease

In aim 1, the investigators propose to establish feasibility of such an effort in Beijing, China, an effort that will involve implementation of novel exposure assessment methodologies simultaneously with the ability to execute key surrogate outcome measures of importance in cardiovascular risk with CM diseases. In Aim 2, the association between functional cardiovascular risk variables [insulin sensitivity, Blood Pressure, endothelial function] and acute and sub-acute variations in personal black carbon and ambient particulate matter 2.5 levels among 50 individuals with the chronic cardiometabolic syndrome will be investigated. In Aim 3, the investigators will examine potential biologic pathways of importance in the proposed functional outcomes. Specifically the investigators will determine the association between ambient particulate matter 2.5 levels and alterations in adipocytokines/inflammatory variables and autonomic nervous system balance.

Inclusion criteria

• Nonsmokers, 35-65 years living in a nonsmoking household.
• CM will be defined by IDF criteria (http://www.idf.org) specific for Asians [waist circumference >90 cm in males and 80 cm in females) plus any two of the following four factors: TG level: >150 mg/dL, HDL: < 40 mg/dL in males and < 50 mg/dL in females, systolic BP >130, fasting plasma glucose > 100 mg/dL or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Exclusion criteria

• Any active smoking within past 1 year, occupational exposures to pollutants (per discretion of investigators), self-reported daily secondhand smoke exposure > 1 hour long (workplace or home),
• History of any CV disease (e.g. previous myocardial infarction), or overt type 2 diabetes.
• Fasting glucose > 126 mg/dL or a screening BP is >160/100 mm Hg.
• Patients cannot be taking any anti-hypertensive, glucose-lowering, or lipid-lowering medications or drugs that can alter baseline insulin sensitivity, BP, or endothelial function (e.g. anti-oxidants, multi-vitamins, folic acid, fish oil supplementation, L-arginine),
• Daily use of NSAIDS is not allowed; however intermittent PRN usage is acceptable.

In the course of the year should a subject develop any of exclusion criteria they will be allowed to complete the study and the potential confounding effects will be assessed in statistical analyses.