Progress in research on effect of PM_2.5 on occurrence and development of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Fine particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) air pollution is regarded as one of the prominent risk factors that contributes to morbidity and mortality globally, among which cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure and is a leading cause of death. Atherosclerosis (AS), the common pathological basis of many CVDs, is a progressive syndrome characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous plaque in the arteries. Recent epidemiological and toxicological studies suggest that PM2.5 may also contribute to the development of AS, even at levels below the current air quality standards. In this paper, the complete pathological process of atherosclerotic plaque from occurrence to rupture leading to CVD was elaborated. Then, the growing epidemiological evidence linking PM2.5 to AS in humans was reviewed and summarized. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of PM2.5‐mediated AS were discussed, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, abnormal lipid metabolism, disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, and abnormal coagulation function. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the effect of PM2.5 on the occurrence and development of AS for better prevention and mitigation of adverse health impacts due to PM2.5 air pollution.

Which Components of Fine Particulate Matter Have Adverse Vascular Health?

“…In this issue of the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, Lin et al cross-sectionally analyzed data of 124,387 participants with metabolic abnormalities in China, and observed the association between the 1-year average total mass concentration of PM2.5 and subclinical atherosclerotic parameters, including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) 3) . The findings demonstrated a consistent pattern that total mass concentration of PM2.5 is likely to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis 4) . Intriguingly, some PM2.5 components, including black carbon (BC) and ammonium salts, were associated with increased baPWV as a marker of arterial stiffness and reduced ABI as a marker of peripheral atherosclerosis.…”

Identifying the causal effects of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and ground surface ozone on individual medical costs in China—evidence from a representative longitudinal nationwide cohort

“…Long-term exposure to air pollutants may have multiple adverse effects on human health. PM 2.5 exposure may cause asthma [ 46 ], atherosclerosis [ 47 ], etc., while ground surface ozone may cause cardiovascular disease [ 48 ], emphysema [ 49 ], and damage to the central nervous system [ 50 ], etc., all of which may lead to higher individual medical costs. This study explored the causal effects of different types of pollutants on medical costs using PM 2.5 and ground surface ozone as two representatives.…”

Global research trends in atherosclerosis: A bibliometric and visualized study

“…Despite the prevailing view that PM2.5 is linked to atherosclerosis by activating inflammatory pathways and causing oxidative stress, epidemiological and clinical data indicate that PM2.5 can accelerate lipid buildup by modifying lipid metabolism and lipoprotein properties, particularly by promoting LDL oxidation and interfering with the function of scavenger receptors and LDL receptor ( 263 ). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) can reverse the transport of excess cholesterol in cells and extracellular tissues, breakdown physiologically active oxidative phospholipids in serum, and block the oxidation of LDL ( 264 – 266 ).…”