Environmental Health Effects on Your Physiology

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study evaluates the associations between exposure to air pollutants, green space, and the gut microbiome and metabolome.

Detailed Description
-----------------
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.

Official Title
-----------------
Exposure to Air Pollutants and Green Space: Implications for the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Young Adults Living in Denver, Colorado

Conditions
-----------------
Obesity

Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
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).

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------
What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gut Microbiome | 16S rRNA and Shotgun Sequencing | Measured once at baseline visit date | 
| Fecal Metabolome | Targeted and/or Un-targeted Metabolomics | Measured once at baseline visit date | 
| Body mass index (BMI) | Weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2 | Measured once at baseline visit date | 
| Body Composition | Waist and hip measurements will be taken | Measured once at baseline visit date | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Air Pollution | Modeled residential exposure to air pollution | One year before baseline visit date | 
| Green Space | Modeled residential exposure to green space | One year before baseline visit date | 
| Serum Metabolome | Targeted and/or Un-targeted Metabolomics | Measured once at baseline visit date | 
| Diet | Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour (ASA24) | Measured once at baseline | 
| Physical Activity | International Physical Activity Questionnaire | Measured once at baseline | 
| Fasting Glucose | Fasting Glucose (mg/dl) | Measured once at baseline | 
| Fasting Insulin | Fasting insulin (uU/mL) | Measured once at baseline |