Citation

Morabia A, Zhang FF, Kappil MA, Flory JD, Mirer FE, Santella RM, Wolff M, Markowitz SB. Prev. Med. 2012; 54(3-4): 229-233.

Affiliation

Center for the Biology of Natural Systems, Queens College, City University of New York, NY, USA; Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.01.019

PMID

22313796

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Commuting by public transportation (PT) entails more physical activity and energy expenditure than by cars, but its biologic consequences are unknown. METHODS: In 2009-2010, we randomly sampled New York adults, usually commuting either by car (n=79) or PT (n=101). Measures comprised diet and physical activity questionnaires, weight and height, white blood cell (WBC) count, C reactive protein, (CRP) gene-specific methylation (IL-6), and global genomic DNA methylation (LINE-1 methylation). RESULTS: Compared to the 101 PT commuters, the 79 car drivers were about 9years older, 2kg/m(2) heavier, more often non-Hispanic whites, and ate more fruits and more meats. The 2005 guidelines for physical activity were met by more car drivers than PT users (78.5% vs. 65.0%). There were no differences in median levels of CRP (car vs. PT: 0.6 vs. 0.5mg/dl), mean levels of WBC (car vs. PT: 6.7 vs. 6.5cells/mm(3)), LINE-1 methylation (car vs. PT: 78.0% vs. 78.3%), and promoter methylation of IL-6 (car vs. PT: 56.1% vs. 58.0%). CONCLUSIONS: PT users were younger and lighter than car drivers, but their commute mode did not translate into a lower inflammatory response or a higher DNA methylation, maybe because, overall, car drivers were more physically active.

Language: en