@article{ref1,
title="Biologic and epigenetic impact of commuting to work by car or using public transportation: A case-control study",
journal="Preventive medicine",
year="2012",
author="Morabia, Alfredo and Zhang, Fang Fang and Kappil, Maya A. and Flory, Janine D. and Mirer, Frank E. and Santella, Regina M. and Wolff, Mary and Markowitz, Steven B.",
volume="54",
number="3-4",
pages="229-233",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0091-7435",
doi="10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.01.019",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.01.019"
}