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HERO ID
2564326
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
The adverse effects of air pollution on the nervous system
Author(s)
Genc, S; Zadeoglulari, Z; Fuss, SH; Genc, K
Year
2012
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Journal of Toxicology
ISSN:
1687-8191
EISSN:
1687-8205
Volume
2012
Page Numbers
782462
Language
English
PMID
22523490
DOI
10.1155/2012/782462
Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution is a serious and common public health concern associated with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the last decades, the adverse effects of air pollution on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems have been well established in a series of major epidemiological and observational studies. In the recent past, air pollution has also been associated with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders. It has been demonstrated that various components of air pollution, such as nanosized particles, can easily translocate to the CNS where they can activate innate immune responses. Furthermore, systemic inflammation arising from the pulmonary or cardiovascular system can affect CNS health. Despite intense studies on the health effects of ambient air pollution, the underlying molecular mechanisms of susceptibility and disease remain largely elusive. However, emerging evidence suggests that air pollution-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, microglial activation, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and alterations in the blood-brain barrier contribute to CNS pathology. A better understanding of the mediators and mechanisms will enable the development of new strategies to protect individuals at risk and to reduce detrimental effects of air pollution on the nervous system and mental health.
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ISA-PM (2019)
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