Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: car sick

Abstract

The cardiovascular effects of inhaled particle matter (PM) are responsible for a substantial morbidity and mortality attributed to air pollution. Ultrafine particles, like those in diesel exhaust emissions, are a major source of nanoparticles in urban environments, and it is these particles that have the capacity to induce the most significant health effects. Research has shown that diesel exhaust exposure can have many detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system both acutely and chronically. This review provides an overview of the cardiovascular effects on PM in air pollution, with an emphasis on ultrafine particles in vehicle exhaust. We consider the biological mechanisms underlying these cardiovascular effects of PM and postulate that cardiovascular dysfunction may be implicated in the effects of PM in other organ systems. The employment of multiple strategies to tackle air pollution, and especially ultrafine particles from vehicles, is likely to be accompanied by improvements in cardiovascular health.

Reduction of environmental pollutants for prevention of cardiovascular disease: it’s time to act

“…Additionally, long-term exposure to PM accelerates the growth and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques. 34 A broad range of mechanisms accounts for pathophysiology at an organ and cellular level, with inflammation and oxidative stress playing key roles. 25 Additionally, several convincing pathways can account for the link between inhalation of pollutants and the cardiovascular system, including passage of inflammatory (and other) mediators into the circulation, direct passage of particles (or their constituents) into circulation, imbalance of autonomic nervous system activity, and changes to central control of endocrine systems.…”

“…Finally, the cardiovascular effects of pollutants occur in both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing cardiorespiratory disease, suggesting a potential contributory role on the induction, progression, and exacerbation of CVD. 32 , 34 …”

INSIDE Project: Individual Air Pollution Exposure, Extracellular Vesicles Signaling and Hypertensive Disorder Development in Pregnancy

“…The investigation of mechanisms linking the inhalation of particulate air pollutants to negative health effects is considered a pressing priority [53,54]. In particular, it is important to acquire knowledge of how air pollutants impact hypersusceptible populations, including pregnant women, who are widely documented to have high sensitivity to several toxicants and pollutants, including fine particles.…”

The critical role of endothelial function in fine particulate matter-induced atherosclerosis

“…Inhaled particulate matter reaches the terminal bronchioles and enters alveoli, inducing an inflammatory response in the lung; b. Released inflammatory mediators and unidentified mediators enter the circulation; c. A small proportion of particles reach the circulation; and d. Inhaled particulate matter activates alveoli sensory receptors, leading to autonomic imbalance [49]. Fig.…”