Effects of daylong exposure to indoor overheating on enterocyte damage and inflammatory responses in older adults: A randomized crossover trial.

Abstract

We evaluated enterocyte damage (IFABP), microbial translocation (sCD14), and inflammatory responses (TNF-α, IL-6, CRP) in 16 older adults (66-78 years) during 8 hours rest in conditions simulating homes maintained at 22°C (control), the 26°C indoor temperature upper limit proposed by health agencies, and homes without air-conditioning during heatwaves (31°C, 36°C). Relative to 22°C, IFABP was elevated ~181 pg/mL after exposure to 31°C (P=0.07), and by ~378 pg/mL (P<0.001) after exposure to 36°C. No differences were observed for sCD14, TNF-α, IL-6, or CRP (all P≥0.26). Our data supports recommendations to maintain indoor temperatures ≤26°C to preserve gastrointestinal barrier integrity in heat-vulnerable persons.