New Mainz aircraft noise study receives international attention

Trade journal "Nature" presents flight noise study as a research highlight
The impact of aircraft noise on health has been a subject of much debate in the past. The extent to which damage to the cardiovascular system can occur has not yet been clearly clarified. However, a recent study by scientists in Mainz has decoded in the model the mechanisms by which aircraft noise can cause vascular damage. The study received international recognition and was presented as a research highlight in the renowned journal "Nature".

In their investigations, the scientists around study initiator Professor dr. Thomas Münzel, Director of Cardiology I at the Center for Cardiology of the Mainz University Medical Center, will prove the molecular mechanism by which aircraft noise causes vascular damage. "After just a short time, this study provided a worldwide echo", according to the announcement of the University of Mainz. The effect of aircraft noise on our health can therefore be explained much better in the future.

Study shows correlation between vascular damage and aircraft noise. (Photo: kathijung / fotolia)

Various factors influence the vascular damage
According to the researchers, vascular damage caused by aircraft noise is primarily due to an increase in the formation of free radicals - for example, influx of inflammatory cells into the vessel wall and activation of two enzymes - as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH) and nitric oxide synthase; (NOS) responsible. At the same time, researchers were able to identify those genes that are up-regulated and down-regulated by aircraft noise.

Breakthrough in noise research
The study under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Münzel is seen as a breakthrough in noise research, as its results now make it possible to develop specific strategies that lead to a reduction of noise-induced vascular damage, reports the University of Mainz. It is also possible on the basis of this study to test the extent to which cardiovascular-effective drugs can prevent noise damage to vessels. "The fact that the renowned Nature magazine chose the study we initiated as a 'research highlight' underscores its importance for global aviation noise research," says Prof. Münzel. (Fp)