US EPA

7715716 

Journal Article 

Review 

Early life exposure to air pollution impacts neuronal and glial cell function leading to impaired neurodevelopment 

Morris, RH; Counsell, SJ; Mcgonnell, IM; Thornton, C 

2021 

Yes 

BioEssays
ISSN: 0265-9247
EISSN: 1521-1878 

43 

9 

e2000288 

English 

33751627 

10.1002/bies.202000288 

WOS:000626826000001 

The World Health Organisation recently listed air pollution as the most significant threat to human health. Air pollution comprises particulate matter (PM), metals, black carbon and gases such as ozone (O3 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) and carbon monoxide (CO). In addition to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, PM exposure is linked with increased risk of neurodegeneration as well as neurodevelopmental impairments. Critically, studies suggest that PM crosses the placenta, making direct in utero exposure a reality. Rodent models reveal that neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance and oxidative stress are triggered following gestational/early life exposure to PM, and may be exacerbated by concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction. Gestational PM exposure (potentiated by mitochondrial impairment in the metabolically active neonatal brain) not only impacts neurodevelopment but may sensitise the brain to subsequent cognitive impairment. Having reviewed this field, we conclude that strategies are urgently required to reduce exposure to PM during this sensitive developmental period. 

air pollution; gestational exposure; mitochondria; neurodevelopment; neuroinflammation; oxidative stress