Air Pollution, Oxidative Stress, and the Risk of Development of Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Despite multiple studies focusing on environmental factors conducive to the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), knowledge about the involvement of long-term exposure to air pollution seems insufficient. The main focus of epidemiological studies is placed on the relationship between exposure to various concentrations of particulate matter (PM): PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (O3), versus the risk of T1DM development. Although the specific molecular mechanism(s) behind the link between increased air pollution exposure and a higher risk of diabetes and metabolic dysfunction is yet unknown, available data indicate air pollution-induced inflammation and oxidative stress as a significant pathway. The purpose of this paper is to assess recent research examining the association between inhalation exposure to PM and associated metals and the increasing rates of T1DM worldwide. The development of modern and more adequate methods for air quality monitoring is also introduced. A particular emphasis on microsensors, mobile and autonomous measuring platforms, satellites, and innovative approaches of IoT, 5G connections, and Block chain technologies are also presented. Reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to search for relevant literature. Eligibility criteria involved recent publication years, particularly publications within the last five years (except for papers presenting a certain novelty or mechanism for the first time). Population, toxicological and epidemiological studies that focused particularly on fine and ultra-fine PM and associated ambient metals, were preferred, as well as full-text publications.

Determinants Related to Oxidative Stress Parameters in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

“…Even in low amounts, Pb may affect attention and concentration, and may cause irritability [9]. We reported lower levels of Pb in adolescents with T1DM than in the control group.…”

“…Additional, but certainly key, compounds that significantly affect this antioxidant potential of the body include dietary antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E and C, β-carotene, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se)) [6,7]. Other factors that influence the burden on the AOD system and cause oxidative damage to the above-mentioned enzymes and lipids (enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) production) include exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) [8,9]. Although the interest in oxidative stress in diabetes has been growing in recent years [5,[10][11][12], there is a lack of research in the scientific world regarding a comprehensive approach in adolescents with T1DM that uses the dietary intake of nutrients with antioxidant potential and considers other possible contributors of oxidative stress (OS).…”

Trends in incidence rates of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study in Isfahan province, Iran

“…Other suggested environmental factors are air pollution and lifestyle modification. Air pollution and its components are considered endocrine disruptor chemicals, which could have an important role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus [33][34][35] . In addition, the association between air pollution and vitamin D deficiency could also explain the suggested association 36,37 .…”

Endothelin-1 in Health and Disease

“…Given the rising levels of pollution worldwide and increase in pollution-associated deaths, ET-1, in the context of air-pollution-induced vascular dysfunction, has been explored recently. Vascular dysfunction caused by air pollution is characterised by systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and, thus, provides a mechanistic link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease [138,139].…”