New research finds that female mice are most vulnerable to air pollution early in their reproductive cycle
That finding calls for a closer look at menstrual cycle phase when studying air pollution effects in women
Researchers gathered mice at two different stages of their reproductive cycle marked by clear differences in circulating sex hormones
They then exposed each group to ozone, a reactive air pollutant known to worsen symptoms of lung disease
Those in the earlier phase showed higher activation of the immune system, suggesting higher sensitivity to air pollution at that time
The carryover to women hasn’t yet been explored But the overall message is clear
Women’s hormonal status should always be recorded in studies on air pollution and lung inflammation
Fuentes et al. "Modulation of the lung inflammatory response to ozone by the estrous cycle." Physiological Reports