Air pollution impairs cognition, provokes depressive-like behaviors and alters hippocampal cytokine expression and morphology

Abstract

Particulate matter air pollution is a pervasive global risk factor implicated in the genesis of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. Although the effects of prolonged exposure to air pollution are well characterized with respect to pulmonary and cardiovascular function, comparatively little is known about the impact of particulate matter on affective and cognitive processes. The central nervous system may be adversely affected by activation of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory pathways that accompany particulate matter pollution. Thus, we investigated whether long-term exposure to ambient fine airborne particulate matter (< 2.5 µm (PM2.5)) affects cognition, affective responses, hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and neuronal morphology. Male mice were exposed to either PM2.5 or filtered air (FA) for 10 months. PM2.5 mice displayed more depressive-like responses and impairments in spatial learning and memory as compared with mice exposed to FA. Hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was elevated among PM2.5 mice. Apical dendritic spine density and dendritic branching were decreased in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions, respectively, of PM2.5 mice. Taken together, these data suggest that long-term exposure to particulate air pollution levels typical of exposure in major cities around the globe can alter affective responses and impair cognition.

Association between traffic-related air pollution, subclinical inflammation and impaired glucose metabolism: Results from the SALIA study

“…Moreover, several studies reported associations between PM and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 [10,12,20,49]. In contrast, Seaton et al were not able to detect an effect of PM 10 on IL-6 plasma concentrations [48], which was also absent in a study in mice by Fonken et al [50]. Also the association between PM and CRP could not be supported by all studies [23,51].…”

Under the Dome: Air Pollution, Wellbeing, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour Among Beijing Residents

“…But there are many high concentrations of small and fine particulate pollution components of air pollution that are particularly associated with high numbers of deaths from heart disease and stroke, as well as respiratory illnesses and cancers (WHO, 2014a). In addition, air pollution may damage cognitive function (e.g., Anderson, Thundiyil, & Stolbach, 2012;Calderón-Garcidueñas et al, 2008;Fonken et al, 2011) and the brain (e.g., Calderón-Garcidueñas et al, 2002;Calderón-Garcidueñas et al, 2007;Calderón-Garcidueñas et al, 2004). According to the WHO (2014b), around 7 million premature deaths globally every year are due to outdoor air pollution.…”

La plasticité hors du commun du système olfactif

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