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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research

Heart rate variability and cardiac repolarization after exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles in healthy adults

Authors: Assem Aweimer, Birger Jettkant, Christian Monsé, Olaf Hagemeyer, Vera van Kampen, Benjamin Kendzia, Vitali Gering, Eike-Maximilian Marek, Jürgen Bünger, Andreas Mügge, Thomas Brüning, Rolf Merget

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Exposure to airborne zinc oxide (ZnO) particles occurs in many industrial processes, especially in galvanizing and welding. Systemic inflammation after experimental inhalation of ZnO particles has been demonstrated previously, but little is known about the impact on the cardiovascular system, particularly on the autonomic cardiac system and the risk of arrhythmias. In this study we investigated the short-term effects of ZnO nanoparticles on heart rate variability (HRV) and repolarization in healthy adults in a concentration-dependent manner at rest and during exercise in a controlled experimental set-up.

Methods

Sixteen healthy subjects were exposed to filtered air and ZnO particles (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/m³) for 4 h, including 2 h of cycling at low workloads. Parameters were assessed before, during, immediately after, and about 24 h after each exposure. For each subject, a total number of 46 10-min-sections from electrocardiographic records were analyzed. Various parameters of HRV and QT interval were measured.

Results

Overall, no statistically significant effects of controlled ZnO inhalation on HRV parameters and QT interval were observed. Additionally, a concentration-response was absent.

Conclusion

Inhalation of ZnO nanoparticles up to 2.0 mg/m³ for 4 h does not affect HRV and cardiac repolarization in healthy adults at the chosen time points. This study supports the view that cardiac endpoints are insensitive for the assessment of adverse effects after short-term inhalation of ZnO nanoparticles.

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Title: Heart rate variability and cardiac repolarization after exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles in healthy adults
Authors: Assem Aweimer
Birger Jettkant
Christian Monsé
Olaf Hagemeyer
Vera van Kampen
Benjamin Kendzia
Vitali Gering
Eike-Maximilian Marek
Jürgen Bünger
Andreas Mügge
Thomas Brüning
Rolf Merget
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-020-00255-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Heart rate variability and cardiac repolarization after exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles in healthy adults

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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