Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Oxidative gaseous air pollutant exposure interacts with PNPLA3-I148M genotype to influence liver fat fraction and multi-omics profiles in young adults

PNPLA3-I148M genotype is the strongest predictive single-nucleotide polymorphism for liver fat. We examine whether PNPLA3-I148M modifies associations between oxidative gaseous air pollutant exposure (Oxwt) with i) liver fat and ii) multi-omics profiles of miRNAs and metabolites linked to liver fat. Participants were 69 young adults (17-22 years) from the Meta-AIR cohort. Prior-month residential Oxwt exposure (redox-weighted oxidative capacity of nitrogen dioxide and ozone) was spatially interpolated from monitoring stations via inverse-distance-squared weighting. Liver fat fraction was assessed by MRI. Serum miRNAs and metabolites were assayed via NanoString nCounter and LC-HRMS, respectively. Multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA) was used to identify latent factors with shared variance across omics layers. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and genotype with liver fat or MOFA factors as an outcome and examined PNPLA3 (rs738409; CC/CG vs. GG) as a multiplicative interaction term. Overall, a standard deviation difference in Oxwt exposure was associated with 8.9% relative increase in liver fat (p = 0.04) and this relationship differed by PNPLA3 genotype (p-value for interaction term: pintx<0.001), whereby relative increases in liver fat for GG and CC/CG participants were 71.8% and 2.4%, respectively. There was no main effect of Oxwt on MOFA Factor 1 expression (p = 0.85), but there was an interaction with PNPLA3 genotype (pintx = 0.01), whereby marginal slopes were 0.211 and -0.017 for GG and CC/CG participants, respectively. MOFA Factor 1 in turn was associated with liver fat (p = 0.006). MOFA Factor 1 miRNAs targeted genes in Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Metabolism and Lysine Degradation pathways. MOFA Factor 9 was also associated with liver fat and was comprised of branched-chain keto acid and amino acid metabolites. The effects of Oxwt exposure on liver fat is exacerbated in young adults with two PNPLA3 risk alleles, potentially through differential effects on miRNA and/or metabolite profiles.

Synergies of air pollution control policies: A review

Air pollution control necessitates the implementation of multiple policy instruments in a coordinated manner. However, the enforcement of different policy combinations may generate complementary or offsetting synergistic effects, thereby influencing policy effectiveness. Nevertheless, the direction of synergy and the mechanisms of action among heterogeneous policies is undefined in existing academic research. This study systematically reviewed 773 articles from 1998 to 2023 and, for the first time, integrated four primary domains of air pollution control policies: policy synergy and integration, collaborative governance for pollution and carbon mitigation, joint control of multiple pollutants, and cross-regional cooperative governance. This study revealed the directions and mechanisms of air policy synergy and provided empirical evidence for cross-regional comparisons in global environmental governance, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the effectiveness of air pollution control policies. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying policy synergy suggest that the cumulative impact of policies leads to the synergistic effects of multiple policies being superior to the effects of implementing a single policy. Furthermore, due to market price signals or the characteristics of specific technologies, the concurrent application of multiple policies may occasionally yield negative synergistic outcomes. Despite these advancements, gaps remain particularly in broadening the scope of policy integration, refining the assessment of synergistic effects, developing control strategies, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Further research is necessary to address these gaps and enhance air policy effectiveness.

Sauveur R, Rouzier V, Inddy J, Hilaire E, Preval F, Yan LD, Mourra N, Ogyu A, Pierre DM, Pape JW, Nash D, McNairy ML. Prevalence of Cooking with Polluting Fuels and Association with Elevated Blood Pressure Among Adults in Port au Prince, Haiti: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background

Cooking with polluting fuels is common in low- and middle-income countries and may impact blood pressure, yet data on this association in urban Haiti is limited. This study describes the prevalence of polluting fuel use and indoor cooking, evaluates their associations with blood pressure, and evaluates whether effects are heterogeneous by sex in urban Haiti.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the Haiti Cardiovascular Disease Cohort study, prevalence of polluting fuel use and indoor cooking was estimated. The associations between polluting fuel use and indoor cooking with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension (HTN) (mean SBP ≥140 mmHg or mean DBP ≥90 mmHg) were estimated using generalized estimating equations. The interaction between polluting fuel use and sex was also evaluated.

Results

Among 2,931 participants, 58.2% were female and the mean age was 42.0 (SD = 15.9) years. The majority (88.2%) primarily cooked with polluting fuels. Polluting vs clean fuel users tended to have less than a high school education (38.0% vs 22.8%), earn ≤ 1 USD/day (70.5% vs 67.4%), and have high food insecurity (85.0% vs 64.3%). Polluting vs clean fuel users had similar HTN prevalence (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.10). Average SBP was similar for women (0.99 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.46, 3.44) and lower for men (-4.80 mmHg, 95% CI: -8.24, -1.37) who used polluting vs clean fuels. Cooking indoors vs outdoors was associated with higher HTN prevalence (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.25) and higher average SBP (1.67 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.15, 3.20).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that most Haitians in Port-au-Prince cook with polluting fuels and often indoors. Those with higher poverty are more exposed, with mixed results in their association with blood pressure. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and inform interventions promoting clean fuel use. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03892265).

Assessment of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers associated with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Background

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is known to increase oxidative stress, impacting health adversely. This study examines the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Methods

A pilot prospective observational study was conducted in Samoeng District, Chiang Mai, including 25 healthy participants (age 25-60 years). Urine samples were collected during high (March-April 2023) and low (May-July 2023) PM2.5 seasons. PM2.5 concentrations were monitored daily from the Northern Thailand Air Quality Health Index (NTAQHI) system. Biomarkers analyzed included 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), malondialdehyde (MDA) via Spectrophotometry, and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) with Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0.

Results

Significant increases in urinary 1-OHP, MDA, and 8-epi-PGF2α were observed during the high PM2.5 season compared to the low season. The mean concentration of PM2.5 was 67 µg/m3 during high pollution and 7 µg/m3 during low pollution. Elevated levels of these biomarkers indicate increased oxidative stress associated with higher PM2.5 exposure.

Conclusions

This study highlights a significant association between elevated PM2.5 levels and increased oxidative stress biomarkers in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The findings suggest that exposure to higher concentrations of PM2.5 contributes to oxidative stress, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.

Short-Term Relationship Between Air Pollution and Mortality from Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases in China, 2008-2020

Most existing epidemiological studies on the impact of air pollution on noncommunicable diseases have focused on urban areas, rather than nationwide studies that include rural areas. This study utilized a time-stratified case-crossover study that included deaths registered in the National Mortality Surveillance System from 2008 to 2020. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated via the National Nested Air Quality Prediction Modeling System. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the associations between short-term air pollution exposure and the risk of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. There were increases in the risk of respiratory diseases (0.12%, 0.10%, 0.10%, 0.05%, and 0.40%) and CVDs (0.08%, 0.07%, 0.03%, 0.02%, and 0.22%) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2, respectively, and for each 1 mg/m3 increase in the concentration of CO, which may be associated with the participants' characteristics. The results of these national analyses indicate that ambient air pollutants are significantly associated with increased risks of respiratory disease and CVD death in both urban and rural areas, which is critical for air pollution control, especially in low- and middle-income areas.

Effect of PM2.5 and its constituents on hospital admissions for cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Urumqi, China

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is caused by two or more of the diseases ischemic heart disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and stroke, and therefore requires more hospitalization and healthcare costs. However, few studies have investigated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its constituents and the risk of hospital admissions for CMM. We aimed to study these associations in Urumqi, a representative area in northwest China. The effect of PM2.5 and its constituents on the hospital admissions for CMM was determined using the quantile-based g-computation (QBGC) and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) method, in which the constituents with the greatest effect on the hospital admissions for CMM were ranked as NO3- > SO42- > NH4+ > BC > OM. Among all constituents, NO3- presented the highest risk, with the largest effect observed at lag 21-day at the maximum concentration (RR = 2.079, 95% CI: 1.396-3.097). Per IQR increase in NO3- had the significantly effect on hospital admissions for IHD (RR = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.028-1.132) and on hospital admissions for CMM (RR = 1.094, 95% CI: 1.039-1.152). Female patients hospitalized for CMM indicated heightened sensitivity to elevated NO3- levels (RR = 1.170, 95% CI: 1.077-1.271). The interaction between the high concentrations of PM2.5 and its constituents with low temperature, high relative humidity (RH), and low sunshine duration (SSD) significantly affected hospital admissions for CMM. Additionally, cold waves, defined as the minimum temperature of below P2.5 and sustained for 5 days (CW5), intensified the interaction with PM2.5 and its constituents.

Association between air pollution and cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged and elderly individuals with diabetes: inflammatory lipid ratio accelerate this progression

BACKGROUND

Long-term exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the association and underlying mechanisms in individuals with diabetes remain unconfirmed.

METHODS

We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to follow 5,430 adults over a four-year period. Baseline CVD and diabetes status were determined, and high-resolution data were used to assess air pollution exposure to PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and O3. The inflammatory lipid ratio (ILR) was calculated to reflect inflammatory and lipid metabolic states. A generalized linear model (GLM) was employed to analyze the effects of air pollution and ILR on diabetes-related CVD risk.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CVD was 8.5% in the healthy population and 13.8% in the diabetic population. Air pollution exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD among diabetic individuals. For each interquartile range (IQR) increase in concentrations of pollutants O3, PM1, PM10, and PM2.5, CVD risk in the diabetic group rose by 21%, 19%, 28%, and 19%, respectively. Higher ILR values were positively associated with CVD incidence (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.001-1.037, P < 0.05), with a nonlinear relationship observed between ILR levels and CVD risk (PNonlinear = 0.0381), indicating that higher ILR values exacerbate the impact of air pollution on diabetic individuals.

CONCLUSION

Among middle-aged and older adults with diabetes, exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of CVD, and ILR intensifies this process. Therefore, implementing effective public health interventions to reduce air pollution exposure in diabetic populations is essential.

Impact of Emission Standards on Fine Particulate Matter Toxicity: A Long-Term Analysis in Los Angeles

This study examines long-term trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition and oxidative potential in Los Angeles based on data from the University of Southern California's Particle Instrumentation Unit, with chemical composition retrieved from the EPA's Air Quality System (AQS). While regulatory interventions have reduced PM2.5 mass concentration and primary combustion-related components, our findings reveal a more complex toxicity pattern. From 2001 to 2008, the PM2.5 oxidative potential, measured via the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay, declined from ~0.84 to ~0.16 nmol/min/m3 under stringent tailpipe controls. However, after this initial decline, PM2.5 DTT stabilized and gradually increased from ~0.35 in 2012 to ~0.97 nmol/min/m3 by 2024, reflecting the growing influence of non-tailpipe emissions such as brake/tire wear. Metals, such as iron (Fe, ~150 ng/m3) and zinc (Zn, ~10 ng/m3), remained relatively stable as organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC) declined, resulting in non-tailpipe contributions dominating PM2.5 toxicity. Although PM2.5 mass concentrations were effectively reduced, the growing contribution of non-tailpipe emissions (e.g., brake/tire wear and secondary organic aerosols) underscores the limitations of mass-based standards and tailpipe-focused strategies. Our findings emphasize the need to broaden regulatory strategies, targeting emerging sources that shape PM2.5 composition and toxicity and ensuring more improvements in public health outcomes.

Urban emissions of fine and ultrafine particulate matter in Los Angeles: Sources and variations in lung-deposited surface area

Airborne particulate matter (PM) in urban environments poses significant health risks by penetrating the respiratory system, with concern over lung-deposited surface area (LDSA) as an indicator of particle exposure. This study aimed to investigate the diurnal trends and sources of LDSA, particle number concentration (PNC), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) concentrations in Los Angeles across different seasons to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contributions from primary and secondary sources of ultrafine particles (UFPs). Hourly measurements of PNC and LDSA were conducted using the DiSCmini and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), while OC and EC concentrations were measured using the Sunset Lab EC/OC Monitor. The results showed distinct diurnal trends in PNC and EC, with peaks occurring in the early morning and evening, which were consistent with periods of increased traffic volume. During warmer periods, a midday increase in PNC was observed, attributed to photochemical reactions. In contrast, a nighttime peak during colder months suggested the formation of secondary aerosols through aqueous-phase chemistry. Additionally, the DiSCmini consistently reported higher LDSA values than SMPS, indicating the presence of irregularly shaped UFPs, particularly during periods of heavy traffic flow. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis identified three primary sources. Factor 1 (photochemically influenced processes), driven by secondary organic aerosol formation during warmer periods, contributed to 19% of LDSA. Factor 2, in which primarily traffic influenced emissions were the dominant contributor, accounting for 70% of LDSA and associated with high loadings of OC (61%), EC (78%), and NOx (94%). Factor 3 (aqueous phase secondary process influenced emissions) during colder months, accounted for 11% of LDSA. Both Factor 1 and 3 sources exhibited comparable contributions of OC4 (52% and 48%, respectively), underscoring their roles in secondary aerosol formation. These findings emphasize the need to address both primary and secondary emissions to mitigate health risks associated with UFP exposure.

Effect of PM2.5 air pollution on the global burden of neonatal diarrhea from 1990 to 2019

The primary risk factor for global disease burden is prolonged exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution, which results in health problems and death. However, the global burden of diarrheal diseases attributable to PM2.5 remains unclear. Here, we offer a thorough evaluation of the burden of neonatal diarrheal illnesses caused by PM2.5 at the national, regional, and worldwide levels from 1990 to 2019. Information on disease burden related to PM2.5 was extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. The number and rates of mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the corresponding average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated according to disease, age, sex, sociodemographic index and location. In newborns, diarrhea caused by PM2.5 was a common cause of death (10,386 fatalities, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8295-13,008). Between 1990 and 2019, the estimated number of fatalities from diarrhea declined by 5.13% (95% UI 5.07-5.18). Diarrhea was also a leading cause of DALYs (929,000 DALYs, 743,000 to 1,161,000), with a decline of 5.11% (95% UI 5.06-5.16). Between 1990 and 2019, the burden of diarrheal illnesses linked to PM2.5 has declined, with a greater decline in household PM2.5 than in ambient PM2.5. In contrast to the global trend of declining diarrheal burden caused by household PM2.5, the burden of diarrheal illnesses caused by ambient PM2.5 increased in approximately one-fifth of the nations. The burden is asymmetrically distributed in less-developed countries. In conclusion, PM2.5-attributable diarrheal diseases continue to threaten public health. More effective strategies should be developed considering regional conditions worldwide to lower PM2.5-related burdens. This study includes evidence-based recommendations for reducing PM2.5 air pollution and preventing diarrheal illnesses.

Component analysis and source identification of atmospheric aerosols at the neighborhood scale in a coastal industrial city in China

A multiple-site filter-sampling observation study was conducted in a coastal industrial city (Rizhao, 35°10'59″N, 119°23'57″E) to understand the main components, formation mechanisms, and potential sources of particulate matter. The average (±σ) mass concentration of PM2.5 across all the sites was 42 (±27) μg/m3, with high variability (6-202 μg/m3). Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) were the major contributors (54%-60%) to PM2.5, with mean values for sulfate (13 μg/m3), nitrate (6 μg/m3), and ammonium (7 μg/m3) (SNA). Cl- and K+ were the two components that accounted for large proportions of the water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) in addition to SNA. Organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC) accounted for 19% and 9% of the total PM2.5, respectively. The highest concentrations of Cl- (1.9 μg/m3) and Fe (1.3 μg/m3) at the steel mill site imply that the site was heavily impacted by coal combustion and industrial burning. The residential area site presented the highest K+ concentration (0.86 μg/m3), which was attributed to the strong influence of biomass burning. The highest char-EC/soot-EC ratios (2.4-6.1) occurred in winter, indicating that Rizhao was more affected by fuel combustion. The positive matrix factorization model (PMF) showed that secondary aerosols and vehicle emissions dominated the observation period. With increasing pollution in winter, the contributions of combustion sources and secondary aerosol sources increased significantly. Among all the sites, the steel mill site had the highest contribution of primary source emissions (67%), with emissions from combustion sources being particularly prominent.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Prevention in Cardio-Oncology: Beyond Traditional Risk Factors

This review goes beyond traditional approaches in cardio-oncology, highlighting often-neglected factors impacting patient care. Social determinants, environment, health care access, and gut microbiome significantly influence patient outcomes. Powerful tools like multi-omics and wearable technologies offer deeper insights into real-world experiences. The future lies in integrating these advancements with established practices to achieve precision cardio-oncology care. By crafting tailored therapies and continuously updating comprehensive management plans based on real-time data, we can unlock the full potential of personalized care for all patients.

New mechanisms of PM2.5 induced atherosclerosis: Source dependent toxicity and pathogenesis

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is recognized to induce atherosclerosis, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study used ambient PM2.5 samples collected in one of the highly polluted regions of Guanzhong Plain in China (2017-2020) and an ApoE-/- mouse model to investigate the association between exposure to PM2.5 and atherosclerosis. Despite a substantial decrease in the ambient concentration of PM2.5 from 266.7 ± 63.9 to 124.4 ± 37.7 μg m-3 due to the execution of a series of emission controls, cardiovascular toxicity due to exposure to PM2.5 remained at a significantly high level compared with the Control group. Moreover, the result highlighted that biomass burning (BB) showed an increased contribution to PM2.5 while most anthropogenic sources decreased. This study found that PM2.5 exposure led to vascular oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerated atherosclerotic plaque growth, and altered vascular proliferation pathways. The latter two mechanisms provide new insights into how PM2.5 enhanced the processes of atherosclerosis, promoted lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) absorption in vascular cells, and directed stimulation of cell function factors (VEGF and MCP-1), which are highly associated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives, and certain biomarkers showed strong correlations with bio-reactivity, while BB was identified as a major contributor to toxicity of PM2.5. The findings offer new insights into the role of PM2.5 promoting atherosclerosis and provide recommendations for controlling PM2.5 pollution to prevent and treat the disease particularly for susceptible populations.

The Effects of High Particulate Matter Levels on Platelet Recovery in Patients Receiving Prophylactic Platelet Transfusion

Aim

Exposure to fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, has been associated with increased platelet activation and cardiovascular risks. However, its effect on platelet recovery after transfusion remains unclear.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the influence of PM2.5 exposure on platelet recovery in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving prophylactic platelet transfusions.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 66 patients with hematologic malignancies who developed chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia and received prophylactic platelet transfusions between January and December 2021. A total of 191 transfusion events were analyzed. Platelet increment and corrected count increment (CCI) were measured one hour post-transfusion. Transfusions were categorized based on mean PM2.5 levels one day prior to platelet collection: the control group (< 37.5 μg/m³) and the case group (≥ 37.5 μg/m³). Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

No significant differences were observed in platelet increment (p = 0.128) or CCI (p = 0.828) between the PM2.5 exposure groups. Correlation analyses showed no significant association between PM2.5 levels and platelet increment (r = 0.0565, p = 0.437) or CCI (r = 0.0370, p = 0.614). These findings suggest that exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels one day before donation does not significantly impair platelet recovery.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels does not significantly affect platelet recovery in patients receiving prophylactic platelet transfusions. These results provide important reassurance regarding the immediate effects of air pollution on transfusion outcomes, while highlighting the need for further research into potential long-term impacts.

Association of environmental and behavioural factors with cardiovascular disease mortality

AIMS

Recognizing the rising concern of environmental impacts on health, the study aims to explore how specific environmental factors such as air pollution, humidity, and temperature variations contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, emphasizing the role of air quality, climate variables, and lifestyle factors in the disease mortality specifically.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Analysis of province-level data on CVD mortality in Turkey from 2010 to 2019, assessing the correlations with environmental and lifestyle factors like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, meteorological variables, and smoking and alcohol consumption. The study employs the SAS TRAJ procedure and Ordinal Logistic Regression for statistical analysis. The multiplicity correction was done through Benjamini-Hoechberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. As expected, both smoking and alcohol consumption were found to be significantly associated with CVD mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.11, P-value < 0.0001). While median Air Pressure and Humidity were among the most significant markers with OR of 1.10 indicating an increasing CVD mortality, their variability metrics such as coefficient of variation (CV) showed significant protective effects with OR of 0.37 and 0.89, respectively. Temperature and its variability seemed to be protective overall.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research highlights the significant influence of environmental factors on cardiovascular health, especially air pressure and humidity, beyond the known factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address both environmental and lifestyle risk factors to effectively reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Creating respiratory pathogen-free environments in healthcare and nursing-care settings: a comprehensive review

Hospital- and nursing-care-acquired infections are a growing problem worldwide, especially during epidemics, posing a significant threat to older adults in geriatric settings. Intense research during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the prominent role of aerosol transmission of pathogens. Aerosol particles can easily adsorb different airborne pathogens, carrying them for a long time. Understanding the dynamics of airborne pathogen transmission is essential for controlling the spread of many well-known pathogens, like the influenza virus, and emerging ones like SARS-CoV-2. Particles smaller than 50 to 100 µm remain airborne and significantly contribute to pathogen transmission. This review explores the journey of pathogen-carrying particles from formation in the airways, through airborne travel, to deposition in the lungs. The physicochemical properties of emitted particles depend on health status and emission modes, such as breathing, speaking, singing, coughing, sneezing, playing wind instruments, and medical interventions. After emission, sedimentation and evaporation primarily determine particle fate. Lung deposition of inhaled aerosol particles can be studied through in vivo, in vitro, or in silico methods. We discuss several numerical lung models, such as the Human Respiratory Tract Model, the LUng Dose Evaluation Program software (LUDEP), the Stochastic Lung Model, and the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, and real-time or post-evaluation methods for detecting and characterizing these particles. Various air purification methods, particularly filtration, are reviewed for their effectiveness in healthcare settings. In the discussion, we analyze how this knowledge can help create environments with reduced PM2.5 and pathogen levels, enhancing safety in healthcare and nursing-care settings. This is particularly crucial for protecting older adults, who are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune systems and the higher prevalence of chronic conditions. By implementing effective airborne pathogen control measures, we can significantly improve health outcomes in geriatric settings.

Joint exposure to multiple air pollutants and residual cardiovascular risk in hypertension

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread availability of antihypertensive medications, residual cardiovascular risk of hypertension remained high. Limited studies have investigated the link between air pollution, particularly joint exposure to multiple air pollutants, with residual cardiovascular risk of hypertension.

METHODS

1981 hypertensive patients (≥ 18 years) from an ongoing longitudinal cohort in China, were enrolled between 2013 and 2019. Using high-quality datasets from China, the ground-level air pollutants concentrations, including PM2.5, PM2.5-10, SO2, O3, CO and NO2, at each participant's residence were calculated. The relationships between individual and multiple air pollutants with the residual cardiovascular risk were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models, air pollution score analyses and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression model.

RESULTS

Over an average follow-up period of 2.24 years (SD, 1.25), 706 hypertensive patients developed cardiovascular disease. In the single-pollutant analysis, higher concentrations of PM2.5, PM2.5-10, SO2 and CO were linked to increased residual cardiovascular risk. The air pollution score analyses and Bayesian kernel machine regression suggested that combined exposure to multiple air pollutants had a positive association with the residual cardiovascular risk, and NO2 played a dominant role. With higher NO2 concentrations, the hazard ratio of individual pollutants to residual cardiovascular risk increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged exposure to a mixture of various air pollutants is linked to elevated residual cardiovascular risk in individuals with hypertension. Apart from taking antihypertensive medication and adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, hypertensive patients should lower air pollutant exposure to decrease residual cardiovascular risk.

Study on the effect of occupational exposure on hypertension of steelworkers based on Lasso-Logistic regression model

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to use a stable and predictive method: Lasso regression model to analyze hypertension's influencing factors and explore the interactions between occupational exposures.

STUDY DESIGN

This has been a nested case-control study.

METHODS

The case group consisted of 959 patients with high blood pressure found during the study. 959 hypertensive patients, matched 1:1 from the cohort based on the age ±2 years and same gender distribution, served as the control group. Logistic regression has been performed to analyze the relationship between occupational exposures and hypertension after the variables were screened by the Lasso regression model and to explore the interactions between the various occupational exposures.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of hypertension among steelworkers was 33.95 %. Noise, dust, high temperature, carbon monoxide (CO), and shift work have been found to be significantly associated with the risk of hypertension, which is 1.329, 1.370, 1.900, 1.309, and 1.427 times higher than that of the control group, respectively. In addition, a multiplicative interaction between dust and noise has been found (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that exposure to dust, high temperature, CO, noise, and shift work increases the risk of hypertension among steelworkers and that the risk of hypertension is more pronounced among workers exposed to both dust and noise.

From smog to scarred hearts: unmasking the detrimental impact of air pollution on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Air pollution is a global environmental health hazard associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to various air pollutants, specifically particulate matter (PM), ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM), and diesel exhaust particles, may exacerbate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. PM exposure can directly impair cardiomyocyte survival under ischemic conditions by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and dysregulation of non-coding RNAs. Moreover, exposure to PM, UFPM, and diesel exhaust particles can increase infarct size, worsen cardiac function, and exacerbate inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in I/R injury. Evidence indicates that the severity of these effects depends on the specific pollutant, exposure duration, and animal model used. In clinical studies, long-term exposure to air pollution, or even high-dose exposure over a short duration, especially to PM2.5 and PM10, was found to be a risk factor for myocardial infarction. Several interventions targeting the pathways involved in air pollution-induced cardiac I/R injury have shown benefits in preclinical studies, including Cyclosporin A, vanillic acid, and β1-adrenoreceptor antagonists, TRPV1 antagonists, GSK-3β inhibitor, and indomethacin. This review comprehensively summarizes the detrimental impacts of air pollutants on cardiac I/R injury from in vitro and in vivo reports to preclinical investigations, highlighting the complex interplay between pollutant type, exposure duration, and cardiovascular outcomes. The detrimental impact of air pollution through multiple pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis on cardiac I/R injury is also discussed, emphasizing the urgence for targeted interventions and public health strategies to mitigate the cardiovascular consequences of pollutant exposure.

Global hotspots and trends on environmental exposure and cardiovascular disease from 1999 to 2022

BACKGROUND

The increasing risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with worsening environmental exposure is a critical health concern garnering global research attention.

AIM

To systematically assess the scope and characteristics of research on the relationship between environmental exposure and CVD.

METHODS

A thorough examination of publications on the relationship between environmental exposure and CVD from 1999 to 2022 was carried out by extensively screening the literature using the Web of Science Core Collection. The language of the selected publications was standardized to English. Afterward, different academic tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, HistCite, Python, Matplotlib, and Bibliometrix were utilized to examine the research trends in this field.

RESULTS

The study's findings indicated a steady increase in scientific publications among the 1640 analyzed documents, peaking in 2022 with 197 publications. The United States emerged as the leading nation regarding high-quality publications and international collaboration. Harvard University was identified as the most prolific institution. "Environmental research" was the most frequently contributing journal, and Muenzel T was recognized as the top contributor. Current research hotspots are primarily concentrated on themes such as "cardiovascular disease", "exposure", "risk", "mortality", and "air pollution".

CONCLUSION

This study highlights increasing research on the link between environmental exposure and CVD, identifying key exposures and diseases while emphasizing the need for further investigation into underlying mechanisms.

Association between exposure to particulate matter and heart rate variability in vulnerable and susceptible individuals

Particulate matter (PM) exposure can reduce heart rate variability (HRV), a cardiovascular health marker. This study examines PM1.0 (aerodynamic diameters <1 μm), PM2.5 (≥1 μm and <2.5 μm), and PM10 (≥2.5 μm and <10 μm) effects on HRV in patients with environmental diseases as chronic disease groups and vulnerable populations as control groups. PM levels were measured indoors and outdoors for five days in 97 participants, with 24-h HRV monitoring via wearable devices. PM exposure was assessed by categorizing daily cumulative PM concentrations into higher and lower exposure days, while daily average PM concentrations were used for analysis. Results showed significant negative associations between exposure to single and mixtures of different PM metrics and HRV across all groups, particularly in chronic airway disease and higher air pollution exposed groups. These findings highlight that even lower PM levels may reduce HRV, suggesting a need for stricter standards to protect sensitive individuals.

Association between exposure to ambient air pollutants and metabolic syndrome in the vicinity of the Taklamakan Desert

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is a recognized contributor to metabolic syndrome (MetS); but studies in developing regions, including China, remain limited, especially in severely polluted areas near the Taklamakan Desert.

METHODS

Health data from 2,689,455 individuals aged ≥ 18 years in five regions near the Taklamakan Desert were analyzed. MetS diagnosed followed the 2016 Chinese Adult Dyslipidaemias Management Guidelines. Spatio-temporal data from satellite observations were employed to estimate ambient pollution levels, encompassing particulate matter with diameters of up to 1.0 µm (PM1), 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and 10 µm (PM10), along with Ozone (O3) and Carbon monoxide (CO). To investigate the association between air pollutants and the prevalence of MetS and its components, Spatial Generalized Linear Mixed Models were applied, with adjustments made for relevant covariates. Additional stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to further investigate these relationships.

RESULTS

The study observed a 20.43 % prevalence of MetS. Non-linear analysis indicated a significant association between all pollutants and MetS prevalence. A 10 μg/m³ increase in concentration was associated with the following respective odds ratios: PM1 (1.341, 95 % CI: 1.331, 1.351), PM2.5 (1.036, 95 % CI: 1.034, 1.037), PM10 (1.006, 95 % CI: 1.005, 1.007), O3 (1.385, 95 % CI: 1.374, 1.396), and CO (1.015,95 %, CI: 1.0147, 1.016). The reliability of these associations was supported by further sensitivity analyses, accounting for variations in age, sex, physical activity, and smoking status. Additional analysis indicated links between pollutants and MetS components, including abdominal obesity, glucose metabolism, and lipid profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an observed association between long-term exposure to air pollution and a heightened risk of MetS, particularly in men, younger individuals, those who are physically inactive, and smokers.

Impact of air pollution on depressive symptoms and the modifying role of physical activity: Evidence from the CHARLS study

The association between air pollution and depressive symptoms has not been thoroughly investigated, and the role of physical activity (PA) is particularly unclear. Although PA has been shown to alleviate depression, it may also increase exposure to air pollution, potentially exacerbating its adverse effects. A total of 17,332 participants aged 45 years and older from the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included in this study to assess the causal effect of air pollution on depressive symptoms in China and to clarify the role of PA in this relationship. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Data on particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) were obtained from the ChinaHighAirPollutants (CHAP) dataset. PA levels were measured using a standardized questionnaire and categorized as low or high. An instrumental variable (IV) approach was used to estimate the causal effect of air pollution on depressive symptoms. Potential effect modification by PA was assessed. The IV estimates showed that all air pollutants were significantly and adversely associated with depressive symptoms, with a per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO associated with 1.57 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.99), 1.49 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.89), 1.71 (95% CI: 1.26, 2.17), 2.22 (95% CI: 1.62, 2.81), 1.30 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.65), 4.67 (95% CI: 3.37, 5.98), and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.22) units increase in CES-D scores, respectively. PA significantly modified this association, with higher PA levels mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution on depressive symptoms.

Deciphering key nano-bio interface descriptors to predict nanoparticle-induced lung fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The advancement of nanotechnology underscores the imperative need for establishing in silico predictive models to assess safety, particularly in the context of chronic respiratory afflictions such as lung fibrosis, a pathogenic transformation that is irreversible. While the compilation of predictive descriptors is pivotal for in silico model development, key features specifically tailored for predicting lung fibrosis remain elusive. This study aimed to uncover the essential predictive descriptors governing nanoparticle-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the trajectory of metal oxide nanoparticles (MeONPs) within pulmonary systems. Two biological media (simulated lung fluid and phagolysosomal simulated fluid) and two cell lines (macrophages and epithelial cells) were meticulously chosen to scrutinize MeONP behaviors. Their interactions with MeONPs, also referred to as nano-bio interactions, can lead to alterations in the properties of the MeONPs as well as specific cellular responses. Physicochemical properties of MeONPs were assessed in biological media. The impact of MeONPs on cell membranes, lysosomes, mitochondria, and cytoplasmic components was evaluated using fluorescent probes, colorimetric enzyme substrates, and ELISA. The fibrogenic potential of MeONPs in mouse lungs was assessed by examining collagen deposition and growth factor release. Random forest classification was employed for analyzing in chemico, in vitro and in vivo data to identify predictive descriptors.

RESULTS

The nano-bio interactions induced diverse changes in the 4 characteristics of MeONPs and had variable effects on the 14 cellular functions, which were quantitatively evaluated in chemico and in vitro. Among these 18 quantitative features, seven features were found to play key roles in predicting the pro-fibrogenic potential of MeONPs. Notably, IL-1β was identified as the most important feature, contributing 27.8% to the model's prediction. Mitochondrial activity (specifically NADH levels) in macrophages followed closely with a contribution of 17.6%. The remaining five key features include TGF-β1 release and NADH levels in epithelial cells, dissolution in lysosomal simulated fluids, zeta potential, and the hydrodynamic size of MeONPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The pro-fibrogenic potential of MeONPs can be predicted by combination of key features at nano-bio interfaces, simulating their behavior and interactions within the lung environment. Among the 18 quantitative features, a combination of seven in chemico and in vitro descriptors could be leveraged to predict lung fibrosis in animals. Our findings offer crucial insights for developing in silico predictive models for nano-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Association between solid cooking fuels exposure and metabolic syndrome: Evidence from China

Epidemiological evidence connecting cooking fuel use to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is lacking. Solid cooking fuel usage and MetS prevalence were prospectively investigated in this study. We included participants in 2011 and 2015 from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data. Through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, we found that the use of solid fuels reduced the risk of MetS in participants compared with clean fuels (cross-sectional study: 2011: Odds ratio (OR): 0.819, 95 %confidence interval (CI): 0.747-0.897, P < 0.001; 2015: OR: 0.766, 95 %CI: 0.708-0.851, P < 0.001; longitudinal study: OR: 0.736, 95 %CI: 0.652-0.831, P < 0.001).This impact ceases to exist whenever a switch in fuel type occurs (Non persistent clean: OR: 0.937, 95 %CI: 0.837-1.050, P = 0.262; Persistent solid: OR: 0.767, 95 %CI: 0.691-0.853, P < 0.001). Moreover, we found that biomass (crop residue and wood burning) combustion reduced the prevalence of MetS (OR: 0.653, 95 %CI: 0.573-0.743, P < 0.001), while coal had no effect on the prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.092, 95 %CI: 0.907-1.315, P = 0.352). Based on mediation analysis, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) cholesterol mediated 61.3 % and 39.8 % of the reduction in MetS prevalence observed with solid fuel. In summary, our research showed that household solid cooking fuels were associated with less MetS risk. Among them, biomass combustion may play an important role.

Air pollution and venous thromboembolism: current knowledge and future perspectives

Air pollution, comprising a variable mixture of gaseous and solid particulate material, represents a serious, unmet, global health issue. The Global Burden of Disease study reported that 12% of all deaths occurring in 2019 were related to ambient air pollution, with particulate matter often considered to be the leading cause of harm. As of 2024, over 90% of the world's population are exposed to excessive amounts of particulate matter, based on WHO maximum exposure level guidelines. A substantial body of evidence supports a link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease, with around half of ambient pollution-related deaths thought to be secondary to cardiovascular causes. A possible association between particulate matter and venous thromboembolism has been less clear, but in the past decade, several studies have added to the available literature. In this Review, we discuss the current epidemiological evidence linking air pollution to the development of venous thrombotic events. We consider mechanisms promoting a thromboinflammatory phenotype in these individuals, including platelet dysfunction, dysregulated fibrinolysis, and enhanced thrombin generation. Given the relevance to global health, we also discuss possible strategies required to mitigate the impact of air pollution on human health worldwide.

Analysis of the relationship between environmental particulate matter exposure and congenital diseases, as well as the epidemiological trends and burden of impact on newborns

BACKGROUND

With the rise in air pollution levels, there is a growing concern about its impact on public health, particularly on the development of fetuses and newborns. This study investigates the causal relationship between environmental particulate and congenital diseases in newborns, using a Mendelian randomization approach with GWAS data.

METHODS

The study employed Mendelian randomization, utilizing single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables, to estimate the causal effect of environmental Particulate on congenital diseases. Data from the UK Biobank and FinnGen databases were used to identify independent SNPs associated with environmental particulate. Two-sample Mendelian randomization methods were applied, and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database was leveraged to analyze the trends and burden of neonatal diseases from 1990 to 2021 and to forecast the burden for 2022-2052.

RESULTS

Significant causal associations were identified between PM2.5, PM10 and specific congenital malformations, including gallbladder, bile duct, liver anomalies, and malformations of the reproductive organs and broad ligaments. A review of GBD data indicates a decline in the prevalence of neonatal DALYs and YLDs attributed to ambient particulate matter over the past three decades. This may be attributed to improvements in air quality and the implementation of pollution control measures. However, forecasting models indicated potential future risks, suggesting that the burden of disease in newborns due to particulate matter exposure remains a concern.

CONCLUSION

The study provides evidence of a causal link between environmental particulate and congenital diseases in newborns, highlighting the importance of air pollution reduction for the health of newborns. Despite the observed decline in disease burden, the potential future risks underscore the necessity for continued air quality management and the need for further research to understand the complex interactions between environmental particulate, genetic factors, and fetal development.

Effects of diesel exhaust inhalation on cognitive performance in human volunteers: A randomized controlled crossover study

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence links exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) to impairment in cognitive functioning.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if short-term, controlled exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) adversely affects one or more cognitive function domains.

METHODS

We carried out a double-blinded crossover design with 28 healthy, adult volunteers. Volunteers were exposed to two conditions for 120 min each, on separate order-randomized occasions: filtered air (FA) and DE (300 µg/m3 PM2.5) at the Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory (APEL) at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). Volunteers were blinded to the two exposure conditions. Volunteers completed five computerised neuropsychological tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) prior to (2-hr before) and at three timepoints following each exposure condition (0-hr, 3-h post-, and 24-h post-exposure). The selected CANTAB tests were related to five cognitive domains - attention, spatial working memory, strategy use, executive function, and processing speed. We hypothesized that short-term diesel exposure would adversely affect one or more cognitive function domains.

RESULTS

Following screening, 15 volunteers were randomized to receive FA followed by DE and 14 volunteers were randomized to receive the exposures in the reverse sequence. A total of 28 volunteers contributed to the final analysis. Short-term exposure to DE was associated with slower reaction times in the Reaction Time Index task. DE was associated with a decrease of 18.2 ms (p = 0.05) in simple reaction time and 23.5 ms (p = 0.04) in five-choice reaction time.

CONCLUSIONS

This first study to investigate the effects of TRAP on the cognitive performance of humans in a controlled environment shows slowed reaction times similar to those previously demonstrated with blood alcohol levels of 0.05%. Important implications exist for workers in occupations where attention and reaction time are connected to safety and performance.

Impact of PM2.5 filter extraction solvent on oxidative potential and chemical analysis

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is hypothesized to induce oxidative stress, and has been linked to acute and chronic adverse health effects. To better understand the risks and underlying mechanisms following exposure, PM2.5 is collected onto filters but prior to toxicological analysis, particles must be removed from filters. There is no standard method for filter extraction, which creates the possibility that the methods of extraction selected can alter the chemical composition and ultimately the biological implications. In this study, comparisons were made between extraction solvents (methanol (MeOH), dichloromethane (DCM), 0.9% saline, and Milli-Q water) and the results of oxidative potential and elemental concentration analysis of PM2.5 collected across sites in Arkansas, USA. Significant differences were observed between solvents, with DCM having significantly different results compared to all other extraction solvents (p ≤ 0.001). Significant correlations between element, black carbon, and PM2.5 concentrations and oxidative potential were observed. The observed correlations were extraction solvent dependent. For example, in saline extracted samples, oxidative potential had significant negative correlations with: Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Ga, Mn and significant positive correlations with: Cr, Ni, Th, U. While in MeOH extracted samples, significant positive correlations were only between oxidative potential and Ga, U and significant negative correlations with V. This indicates that PM2.5 samples extracted with different solvents will yield different conclusions about the causal components. This study highlights the importance of filter extraction methods in interpretation of oxidative potential results and comparisons between studies.Implications: While there is no standard method for PM2.5 filter extraction, variation of extraction methods impact analytical results. This project identifies that extraction method variation, particularly extraction solvent selection, leads to discrepancies in chemical and toxicological analysis for PM2.5 collected on the same filter. This work highlights the need for methods standardization to support accurate comparisons between PM2.5 research studies, thus providing better understanding of PM2.5 across the globe.

Air pollution and coronary atherosclerosis

The recently introduced concept of 'exposome' emphasizes the impact of non-traditional threats onto cardiovascular health. Among these, air pollutants - particularly fine particulate matter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) - have emerged as significant environmental risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality. PM2.5 exposure has been shown to induce endothelial dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation, and cardiometabolic impairment, contributing to the development and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution considerably increase the incidence of ischemic heart disease (IHD)-related events, with clinical evidence linking pollution to higher mortality and adverse prognosis, especially in vulnerable populations. In this review, we explore the mechanistic pathways through which air pollutants exacerbate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and discuss their clinical impact.Furthermore, special attention will be directed to the outcomes and prognosis of patients with pollution-aggravated coronary atherosclerosis, as well as the potential role of targeted public health interventions.

Cell-free DNA methylation signatures reflect the risk of vascular endothelial cell injury associated with traffic-related air pollution

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) contains a plethora of hazardous pollutants, and is associated with a multitude of adverse health effects. However, up to now, no early biomarkers that can quickly reflect the health damage induced by TRAP. We conducted a randomized crossover trial in 35 healthy adults. Each subject was exposed to high- and low- levels of TRAP by walking in the park and along the side road leading to the freeway (road). The cardiopulmonary function parameters were measured before and after each walk session, and blood was collected 2 h after the two sessions. The present study revealed an intriguing phenomenon: the cardiac function was preferentially damaged by acute TRAP exposure. Then, we investigated the extent of damage to various human cells from exposure to TRAP by the technology of cell-of-origin of plasma cell-free DNA. Consequently, we found that only the cell-specific DNA methylation level of endothelial cells (EC) was elevated after exposure to TRAP (road) in comparison with the control (park), indicating that TRAP exposure primarily damages the EC. EC is an integral part of the cardiovascular system. This evidence indicated that TRAP exposure primarily damaged the cardiac function, compared with the other functions. Based on the cell-specific gene database of EC, we found higher levels of DNA methylation in the exon region after exposure to the TRAP session compared with the control session. Meanwhile, we also found that TRAP exposure could induce an elevated level of NACC2 in plasma, suggesting that plasma NACC2 could serve as a potential biomarker for damage of EC induced by TRAP exposure. This study suggests that the first target cell type damaged by TRAP is EC, and that the expression of NACC2 and its DNA methylation level in plasma may be a useful biomarker reflecting TRAP exposure-induced EC damage.

Integrated hepatic transcriptomics and metabolomics identify Pck1 as a key factor in the broad dysregulation induced by vehicle pollutants

BACKGROUND

Exposure to air pollution is associated with worldwide morbidity and mortality. Diesel exhaust (DE) emissions are important contributors which induce vascular inflammation and metabolic disturbances by unknown mechanisms. We aimed to determine molecular pathways activated by DE in the liver that could be responsible for its cardiometabolic toxicity.

METHODS

Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice were exposed to DE or filtered air (FA) for two weeks, or DE for two weeks followed by FA for 1 week. Expression microarrays and global metabolomics assessment were performed in the liver. An integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analytical strategy was employed to dissect critical pathways and identify candidate genes that could dissect DE-induced pathogenesis. HepG2 cells were treated with an organic extract of DE particles (DEP) vs. vehicle control to test candidate genes.

RESULTS

DE exposure for 2 weeks dysregulated 658 liver genes overrepresented in whole cell metabolic pathways, especially including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and the respiratory electron transport pathway. DE exposure significantly dysregulated 118 metabolites, resulting in increased levels of triglycerides and fatty acids due to mitochondrial dysfunction as well as increased levels of glucose and oligosaccharides. Consistently, DEP treatment of HepG2 cells led to increased gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis indicating the ability of the in-vitro approach to model effects induced by DE in vivo. As an example, while gene network analysis of DE livers identified phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (Pck1) as a key driver gene of DE response, DEP treatment of HepG2 cells resulted in increased mRNA expression of Pck1 and glucose production, the latter replicated in mouse primary hepatocytes. Importantly, Pck1 inhibitor mercaptopicolinic acid suppressed DE-induced glucose production in HepG2 cells indicating that DE-induced elevation of hepatic glucose was due in part to upregulation of Pck1 and increased gluconeogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term exposure to DE induced widespread alterations in metabolic pathways in the liver of ApoE KO mice, especially involving carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, together with mitochondrial dysfunction. Pck1 was identified as a key driver gene regulating increased glucose production by activation of the gluconeogenesis pathway.

Impact of Wood Smoke Exposure on Aortic Valve Mineralization: Microvesicles as Mineral Conveyors in Patients with Coronary Stenosis

Background: Aortic valve calcification results from degenerative processes associated with several pathologies. These processes are influenced by age, chronic inflammation, and high concentrations of phosphate ions in the plasma, which contribute to induce mineralization in the aortic valve and deterioration of cardiovascular health. Environmental factors, such as wood smoke that emits harmful and carcinogenic pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxide (NOx), as well as other reactive compounds may also be implicated. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of wood smoke on specific aortic valve characteristics, including lesion size and percentage of mineralization, in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). Methods: This observational study included 65 patients who underwent primary valve replacement surgery at the National Institute of Cardiology, 11 of whom were exposed to wood smoke. For each patient, approximately 0.5 cm of aortic valve tissue was collected along with a blood sample anticoagulated with sodium citrate. The valves were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Since extracellular microvesicles (MVs) may induce epigenetic changes in target cells by transferring their cargo, we also analyzed their mineral content. Results: Individuals exposed to wood smoke exhibit more extensive lesion (835 µm2) characteristics compared to those with no exposure (407.5 µm2). Interestingly, FESEM images of MVs showed the presence of minerals on their surface, thus providing evidence on their possible role in the pathophysiology of mineralization. Conclusions: Our study uniquely demonstrates imaging-based evidence of structural damage and mineralization in aortic valve tissue, with chronic wood smoke exposure emerging as a significant causative factor.

Oxidative potential and persistent free radicals in dust storm particles and their associations with hospitalization

Sand and dust storms (SDS) can cause adverse health effects, with the oxidative potential (OP) and environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) inducing oxidative stress. We mapped the OP and EPFRs concentrations at 1735 sites in China during SDS periods using experimental data for 2021-2023 and a random forest model. We examined 855,869 hospitalizations during SDS events for 2015-2022 in Beijing, China. An integrated exposure-response model was used to estimate the association between OP and EPFRs and hospitalization during SDS. EPFRs were strongly associated with circulatory (3.05%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01%, 4.08%) and respiratory (2.02%; 95% CI: 1.01%, 4.08%) diseases with each increase of 1012 spins/m3. The OP effects on circulatory (3.52%; 95% CI: 2.13%, 4.92%) and respiratory diseases (2.08%; 95% CI: 1.13%, 3.04%) with each increase of 0.2 nmol/min/m3 were also statistically significant. Additionally, 20.47% and 27.26% of all-cause hospitalizations were attributable to OP and EPFRs exposure, respectively. This knowledge could be used to develop effective sand and dust risk prevention in dust-prone countries.

Causal Effects of Air Pollution, Noise, and Shift Work on Unstable Angina and Myocardial Infarction: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Cardiovascular disease continues to be a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, with environmental and occupational factors such as air pollution, noise, and shift work increasingly recognized as potential contributors. Using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, this study investigates the causal relationships of these risk factors with the risks of unstable angina (UA) and myocardial infarction (MI). Leveraging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic instruments, a comprehensive MR study was used to assess the causal influence of four major air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOx), noise, and shift work on unstable angina and myocardial infarction. Summary statistics were derived from large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen consortium (Helsinki, Finland), with replication using an independent GWAS data source for myocardial infarction. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach demonstrated a significant positive correlation between shift work and the increased risk of both unstable angina (OR with 95% CI: 1.62 [1.12-2.33], p = 0.010) and myocardial infarction (OR with 95% CI: 1.46 [1.00-2.14], p = 0.052). MR-PRESSO analysis identified outliers, and after correction, the association between shift work and myocardial infarction strengthened (OR with 95% CI: 1.58 [1.11-2.27], p = 0.017). No notable causal associations were identified for air pollution or noise with either outcome. The replication of myocardial infarction findings using independent data supported a possible causal link between shift work and myocardial infarction (OR with 95% CI: 1.41 [1.08-1.84], p = 0.012). These results provide novel evidence supporting shift work as a likely causal risk factor for unstable angina and myocardial infarction, underscoring the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate its cardiovascular impact. However, further investigation is necessary to elucidate the role of air pollution and noise in cardiovascular outcomes.

Modeling and Simulation of Micron Particle Agglomeration in a Turbulent Flow: Impact of Cylindrical Disturbance and Particle Properties

The fly ash generated by coal combustion is one of the main sources of PM2.5, so the particulate matter removal technology of coal-fired boilers is receiving increasing attention. Turbulent agglomeration has emerged as a powerful tool for improving the efficiency of removing fine particulates from environments, sparking interest in its study. Our research meticulously investigated the influence of cylindrical vortex wakes on particle flow, agglomeration patterns, and the dynamics between fluids and particles. By employing a novel hybrid computational approach that integrates the discrete element method (DEM) with large Eddy simulation (LES), we were able to accurately simulate particle-particle interactions. The study focused on understanding how particles with different diameters (2, 5, 10, and 20 μm), densities (2,500, 5,000, 7,500, and 10,000 kg·m-3), and surface energies (0.01, 0.1, and 1 J·m-2) behaved within transitioning shear layer flow conditions. Our findings revealed that particles tended to congregate in areas of lower vorticity, with larger and denser particles demonstrating greater agglomeration efficiency due to their resilience against turbulent forces. Conversely, particles of lower density formed smaller agglomerates as their susceptibility to shear forces increased. Additionally, the study discovered that higher surface energies enhance adhesion, leading to the formation of larger agglomerates.

Meeting clean air targets could reduce the burden of hypertension among women of reproductive age in India

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is one of the leading risk factors for hypertension globally. However, limited epidemiological evidence exists in developing countries, specifically with indigenous health data and for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) composition. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap in India.

METHODS

Using a logistic regression model, we estimated the association between hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) prevalence among women of reproductive age (WRA, 15-49 years) from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey and long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its composition, after adjusting for confounders. We also explored the moderating effects of socioeconomic indicators through a multiplicative interaction with PM2.5.

RESULTS

Hypertension prevalence increased by 5.2% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.8%-5.7%) for every 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5 exposure. Significant moderating effects were observed among smokers against nonsmokers and for various sociodemographic parameters. Among PM2.5 species, every interquartile range increase in black carbon (BC) and sulphate exposure was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension than for organic carbon and dust. We estimated that achieving the National Clean Air Program target and World Health Organization air quality guidelines can potentially reduce hypertension prevalence by 2.42% and 4.21%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that increasing ambient PM2.5 exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension among WRA in India. The risk is not uniform across various PM2.5 species and is higher with BC and sulphate. Achieving clean air targets can substantially reduce the hypertension burden in this population.

Development of a metabolomic risk score for exposure to traffic-related air pollution: A multi-cohort study

To synthesize vast amounts of high-throughput biological information, omics-fields like epigenetics have applied risk scores to develop biomarkers for environmental exposures. Extending the risk score analytic tool to the metabolomic data would be highly beneficial. This research aimed to develop and evaluate metabolomic risk score (metRS) approaches reflecting the biological response to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure (fine particulate matter, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide). A simulation study compared three metRS methodologies: elastic net regression, which uses penalized regression to select metabolites, and two variations of thresholding, where a p-value cutoff is used to select metabolites. The methods performance was compared to assess 1) ability to correctly select metabolites associated with daily TRAP and 2) ability of the risk score to predict daily TRAP exposure. Power calculations and false discovery rates (FDR) were calculated for each approach. This metRS was applied to two real cohorts, the Center for Health Discovery and Wellbeing (CHDWB, n = 180) and Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH, n = 200). In simulations, elastic net regression consistently presented inflated FDR for both high and low effect sizes and across all three sample sizes (n = 200; 500; 1000). Power to detect correct metabolites exceeded 0.8 for all three sample sizes in all three methods. In the real data application assessing associations of metabolomics risk scores and TRAP, associations were largely null. While we did not identify strong associations between the risk scores and TRAP in the real data application, metabolites selected by the risk score approaches were enriched in pathways that are well-known for their association with TRAP. These results demonstrate that certain methodologies to construct metabolomics risk scores are statistically robust and valid; however, standardized metabolic profiling and large sample sizes are required.

Outdoor light at night, air pollution and risk of incident type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Air pollution and outdoor light at night (LAN) have been reported to be related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, their interaction with risk of T2D remains uncertain. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the relationship between outdoor LAN, air pollution and incident T2D.

METHODS

Our study included a cohort of 24,147 subjects recruited from 2015 to 2018 in Ningbo, China. Land use regression models were used to evaluate particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Satellite images data with a spatial resolution of 500m was used to estimate outdoor LAN levels. T2D new cases were identified by medical records based on health information system. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, we investigated the multiplicative and additive interactions between air pollution and outdoor LAN.

RESULTS

During 108,908 person-years of follow-up period, 1016 T2D incident cases were identified. The HRs (95% CIs) were 1.22 (1.15, 1.30) for outdoor LAN, 1.20 (1.00, 1.45) for PM2.5, 1.23 (1.11, 1.35) for PM10 and 1.19 (1.04, 1.37) for NO2 in every interquartile range increase, respectively. Furthermore, significant interactions were observed between outdoor LAN and NO2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that air pollution and outdoor LAN were positively associated with T2D. Moreover, we observed an interaction between outdoor LAN and NO2 suggesting that stronger associations for outdoor LAN and T2D in areas with higher levels of NO2, and for NO2 and T2D in areas with higher levels of outdoor LAN.

Impact of childhood exposure to traffic related air pollution on adult cardiometabolic health: Exploring the role of perceived stress

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how childhood exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and stress interact to affect adults' cardiometabolic health. We examined this interaction and assessed the impact of over 10 years of childhood TRAP exposure on cardiometabolic health.

METHODS

From 2018 to 2023, 313 young adults from the Southern California Children's Health Study were enrolled in a follow-up assessment. Using CALINE4 line source dispersion model, average childhood TRAP exposures (from pregnancy to age 13) were estimated for nitrogen oxides (NOx) from all roads. Traffic density was calculated within a 300-m residential buffer. Cardiometabolic health was assessed in adulthood (mean age 24 ± 1.7) based on blood lipids (total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein [HDL, LDL], triglycerides), glucose metabolism (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c), body composition (BMI, android/gynoid ratio [AG ratio], percent body fat), and blood pressure. A PDAY (Pathobiologic Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth) score was generated to evaluate overall cardiometabolic health. Participants' perceived stress was assessed in childhood and adulthood (ages 13 and 24 years, respectively).

RESULTS

Results of mixed effects linear models, adjusted for demographics and smoking status, suggested that each standard deviation increase in childhood exposure to traffic-related total NOx was associated with 0.62 increase in PDAY score (95% Confidence Interval [CI]:0.10,1.14), 0.09% increase in HbA1c (95%CI: 0.04, 0.15), 1.19% increase in percent body fat (95%CI: 0.18, 2.20), and 0.96 kg/m2 increase in BMI (0.11, 1.80) in adulthood. Among participants with higher childhood stress levels, we observed significant associations of traffic-related total NOx with total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, HbA1c, insulin, and BMI. None of these associations were significant among people with lower stress levels. We observed similar statistically significant associations of traffic density.

CONCLUSION

Long-term childhood exposure to TRAP in childhood may have lasting adverse impacts on cardiometabolic health, especially for children with higher stress levels.

Associations of exposure to PM2.5 and its compounds with carotid intima-media thickness among middle-aged adults

BACKGROUND

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. However, it remains unclear whether specific compounds within PM2.5, rather than the overall mass, serve as a better indicator of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes associated with air pollution.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we included 3257 participants (aged 37-51 years) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Exposure to PM2.5 and its constituent compounds, black carbon (BC), ammonium, nitrate, organic matter, sulfate, mineral dust, and sea salt were included in the analyses. Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT; the average of common, bulb, and internal carotid) was measured by carotid ultrasonography. We assessed the cross-sectional associations of one-year exposure to PM2.5 and its compounds with mean cIMT using linear regression models adjusting for participants' demographics, individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status, behavioral components, and health conditions. We also adopted Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to investigate the association between the PM2.5 compound mixture and cIMT as well as the contribution of each compound to the association.

RESULTS

Greater exposure to BC was associated with higher cIMT (mm) (β =0.034, 95 % CI = 0.019-0.049, per IQR increase [0.56 μg/m3] of BC) among participants with a mean age of 45.0, consisting of 45.9 % Black and 54.1 % White males and females. The association was generally consistent across participants' demographic characteristics. In our BKMR analysis, BC exhibited a dose-response association with cIMT with a high contribution to the association of cIMT with PM2.5 compound as a mixture (posterior inclusion probability [PIP]: 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that certain compounds of PM2.5, such as BC, may offer more reliable indications of the impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health.

Modifying factors and temporal trends of adverse health effects of short-term exposure to PM2.5 in Canada (2001-2018)

Considerable evidence has been accumulated on serious acute health outcomes associated with short-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Modifying factors of those associations, however, have been less explored and need further analyses. In this national study, we investigated whether short-term effects of PM2.5 are modified according to region, cause of mortality/hospitalization, season, age, and sex. PM2.5-related adverse health effects were estimated by an ecological time-series study, covering about 80 % of the Canadian population for 18 years (2001-2018). We estimated city-specific associations using daily averages of PM2.5 and temperature, and daily counts of hospitalizations and mortality (non-accidental all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory). National and regional associations were then estimated with a 2-stage model. We considered potential modifying factors of PM2.5-related adverse health effects, and examined linear trends in the annual associations. Nationally, PM2.5 exposure was associated with both hospitalizations and mortality, and there was evidence of differences by the modifying factors. Of the various causes, circulatory mortality and respiratory hospitalization were more attributable to PM2.5 exposure. We found regional differences for both all-cause hospitalization and all-cause mortality, and seasonal differences for respiratory hospitalization (warm season) and circulatory hospitalization (cold season). Circulatory mortality risk was significant for seniors and females. All-cause hospitalizations appeared to gradually decrease over time, but annual all-cause mortality remained constant at 0.6 % of the population. Adverse health effects of PM2.5 exposures may depend on not only PM2.5 concentration, but also other factors (region, cause, season, age, sex). National estimates for the baseline (age ≥ 1 year, both sexes) risk cannot be interpreted without consideration of the differences by modifying factors. Study findings can be used by seniors, women, and those who have pre-existing health conditions to make informed decisions regarding their health risks from daily exposure to ambient PM2.5.

A fingerprint of source-specific health risk of PM2.5-bound components over a coastal industrial city

The influence of specific local land-use activities (continuously redistributing elements across environments) and environmental conditions (altering the chemical composition of airborne particulate matter) on the intrinsic health risk of PM2.5 exposure is sparsely reported. To fill this gap, we employed a novel integrated approach to address the influence of short-term changes in source-specific PM2.5 composition on the exposure-response risk, while controlling for weather conditions. We combine receptor-based source apportionment with conditional logistic regression in a space-time-stratified case-crossover design. This approach is different from previous studies as it: i) controls the impact of spatiotemporal variations in air pollution and human mobility using multilocation-specific fixed and disjointed space-time strata ii) addresses the spatial heterogeneity of personal exposure separating its variable effect from other predictors by allowing different baseline hazards for each space-time stratum; iii) aligns case/control periods with strong/regular episodes of source-specific PM-multipollutant fingerprint contributions rather than health outcomes. This enabled comprehensive examination of the association between source-specific PM2.5-bound species and cardiorespiratory disease hospitalizations. The epidemiological findings were that primary anthropogenic emissions [industrial (ORs 2.5 - 4.8)] were associated with higher 1-day moving average PM-induced risks. Natural-related sources [fresh / aged sea salt aerosol, dust, soil resuspension] and secondary sulfate formation were consistently associated with higher health risks (ORs 1.0 - 1.54) after 1 to 5-days since exposure. The results emphasize the importance of source-specific air quality management in complex areas and our research provides an adaptable universal tool to support targeted place-based policy interventions to mitigate air pollution impacts on health.

The associations between exposure to ambient air pollution and coagulation markers and the potential effects of DNA methylation

Previous studies have illustrated the pivotal role of coagulation biomarkers in the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, inconsistencies remain in the conclusions, with limited studies conducted in rural areas of China. We conducted a panel study in rural areas of Henan Province, China. Considering the potential effect modifications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risks, 104 participants were enrolled, comprising two matched groups: 52 with high ASCVD risks and 52 with low ASCVD risks. DNA methylation at CpG sites and coagulation indices were measured for all participants. Linear mixed-effect regression models were used to evaluate the associations between ambient air pollution, coagulation biomarkers, and DNA methylation. We observed that for every 5-day standard deviation (SD) increment of PM2.5 (11.91 μg/m³) and PM10 (13.65 μg/m³), fibrinogen increased by 7.70 % (95 %CI: 2.27, 13.12) and 8.50 % (95 %CI: 2.46, 14.55), respectively. SO2 (6.95 μg/m³) was associated with 40.25 % (95 %CI: 14.83, 65.67) increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Decreased methylation at CpG sites was associated with exposure to air pollution. However, DNA methylation did not mediate the association between ambient air pollution and coagulation. Our study revealed the harmful impact of ambient air pollution on coagulation function but found no significant mediation effects of DNA methylation.

Association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and infant mortality in a North Carolina birth cohort (2003-2015)

Background

While the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and adult mortality is well established, few studies have examined the association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and infant mortality.

Methods

We conducted an unmatched case-control study of 5992 infant mortality cases and 60,000 randomly selected controls from a North Carolina birth cohort (2003-2015). PM2.5 during critical exposure periods (trimesters, pregnancy, first month alive) was estimated using residential address and a national spatiotemporal model at census block centroid. We fit adjusted logistic regression models and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Due to differences in PM2 .5 over time, we stratified analyses into two periods: 2003-2009 (mean = 12.1 µg/m3, interquartile range [IQR]: 10.8-13.5) and 2011-2015 (mean = 8.4 µg/m3, IQR: 7.7-9.0). We assessed effect measure modification by birthing parent race/ethnicity, full-term birth, and PM2.5 concentrations.

Results

For births 2003-2015, the odds of infant mortality increased by 12% (95% CI: 1.06, 1.17) per 4.0 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure averaged over the pregnancy. After stratifying, we observed an increase of 4% (95% CI: 0.95, 1.14) for births in 2003-2009 and a decrease of 15% (95% CI: 0.72, 1.01) for births in 2011-2015. Among infants with higher PM2.5 exposure (≥12 µg/m3) during pregnancy, the odds of infant mortality increased (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 2.17, 3.34) whereas the lower exposure (<8 µg/m3) group reported decreased odds (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.89).

Conclusions

We observed differing associations of PM2.5 exposure with infant mortality across higher versus lower PM2.5 concentrations. Research findings suggest the importance of accounting for long-term trends of decreasing PM2.5 concentrations in future research.

Meteorological factors and risk of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage: A time-stratified case-crossover study

BACKGROUND

Stroke risks associated with rapid climate change remain controversial due to a paucity of evidence.

AIMS

To examine the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and ischemic stroke (IS) associated with meteorological parameters.

METHODS

In this time-stratified case-crossover study, adult patients hospitalized for their first stroke between 2011 and 2020 from the insurance claims data in Taiwan were identified. The hospitalization day was designated as the case period, and three or four control periods were matched by the same day of the week and month of each case period. Daily mean and 24-h variations in ambient temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, and apparent temperature were measured. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to assess the risk of stroke associated with exposure to weather variables, using the third quintile as a reference, controlling for air pollutant levels.

RESULTS

There were 7161 patients with SAH, 40,426 patients with ICH, and 107,550 patients with IS. There was an inverse linear relationship between mean daily temperature and apparent temperature with ICH. Elevated mean daily atmospheric pressure was associated with an increased risk of ICH. A greater decrease in apparent temperature over a 24-h period was associated with increased risk of ICH but decreased risk of IS (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the first vs. third quintile of changes in apparent temperature, 1.141 (1.053-1.237) and 0.946 (0.899-0.996), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There were considerable differences in short-term associations between meteorological parameters and three main pathological types of strokes.

DATA ACCESS STATEMENT

The authors have no permission to share the data.

Exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular risk in young children - a pilot project

OBJECTIVE

To examine relationships between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and markers of pre-clinical cardiovascular risk in young children.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied a cohort of healthy children ages 2-5 recruited from pediatric primary care sites (n = 122). We obtained child weight, height, blood pressure and hair nicotine levels. A blood sample was obtained for biomarkers of systemic inflammation, oxidation, and prevalence of circulating endothelial progenitor cells. This manuscript represents a secondary analysis. TRAP exposure (particulate levels, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and proximity to major roadways) was assessed using national air pollution data based on child's census tract of residence.

RESULTS

TRAP exposure had significant positive associations with prevalence of two of the three EPC subtypes (CD34 + /CD133 + /CD45- and CD133 + /CD45-) in unadjusted correlations. In a linear regression model, adjusting for sex, age, race, ethnicity, body mass index, parental education, child insurance, and secondhand smoke exposure, one EPC subtype (CD133 + /CD45-) had a positive significant correlation to every TRAP measure. No significant relationships between air pollution and measures of inflammation and oxidation was found.

CONCLUSION

Our findings of the upregulation of EPCs may signal a response to early vascular damage during early childhood due to air pollution exposure.

IMPACT

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) - known cardiovascular risk factor during adulthood Current pilot study in very young children shows upregulation of cells which protect the endothelial lining of blood vessels (endothelial progenitor cells, EPCs) Upregulation of EPCs aligns with other cardiovascular risks during childhood (obesity, prematurity, type 1 diabetes) Demonstrated with TRAP exposure lower than EPA threshold Response to air pollution may be protective of cardiovascular damage during early childhood.

Saharan dust and respiratory health: Understanding the link between airborne particulate matter and chronic lung diseases (Review)

Saharan dust storms, which originate from the Sahara desert, have a significant impact on global health, especially on respiratory conditions of populations exposed to fine particulate matter that travels across continents. Dust events, characterized by the transport of mineral dust such as quartz and feldspar, lead to the suspension of particulate matter in the atmosphere, capable of traversing long distances and affecting air quality adversely. Emerging research links these dust episodes with increased incidence and exacerbation of lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially during peak dust emission seasons from November to March. The present review aims to synthesize existing scientific evidence concerning the respiratory health impacts of Saharan dust, examining the environmental dynamics of dust transmission, the physical and chemical properties of dust particles, and their biological effects on human health. Further, it assesses epidemiological studies and discusses public health strategies for mitigating adverse health outcomes. Given the complexity of interactions between atmospheric dust particles and respiratory health, this review also highlights critical research gaps that need attention to better understand and manage the health risks associated with Saharan dust.

Proteomics Reveals Divergent Cardiac Inflammatory and Metabolic Responses After Inhalation of Ambient Particulate Matter With or Without Ozone

Inhalation of ambient particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) has been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the interactive effects of PM and O3 on cardiac dysfunction and disease have not been thoroughly examined, especially at a proteomic level. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare proteome changes in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats co-exposed to concentrated ambient particulates (CAPs) and O3, with a focus on investigating inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which are the two major ones implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction. For this, we measured and compared changes in expression status of 9 critical pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines using multiplexed ELISA and 450 metabolic proteins involved in ATP production, oxidative phosphorylation, cytoskeletal organization, and stress response using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) in cardiac tissue of SH rats exposed to CAPs alone, O3 alone, and CAPs + O3. Proteomic expression profiling revealed that CAPs alone, O3 alone, and CAPs + O3 differentially altered protein expression patterns, and utilized divergent mechanisms to affect inflammatory and metabolic pathways and responses. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) of the proteomic data demonstrated that the metabolic protein network centered by gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA 1) was interconnected with the inflammatory cytokine network centered by nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) potentially suggesting inflammation-induced alterations in metabolic pathways, or vice versa, collectively contributing to the development of cardiac dysfunction in response to CAPs and O3 exposure. These findings may enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction induced by air pollution and provide testable hypotheses regarding mechanisms of action.