The critical role of endothelial function in fine particulate matter-induced atherosclerosis
Shuang Liang, Jingyi Zhang, Ruihong Ning, Zhou Du, Jiangyan Liu, Joe Werelagi Batibawa, Junchao Duan, Zhiwei Sun
Abstract
Abstract Ambient and indoor air pollution contributes annually to approximately seven million premature deaths. Air pollution is a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate materials. In particular, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) plays a major mortality risk factor particularly on cardiovascular diseases through mechanisms of atherosclerosis, thrombosis and inflammation. A review on the PM 2.5 -induced atherosclerosis is needed to better understand the involved mechanisms. In this review, we summarized epidemiology and animal studies of PM 2.5 -induced atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial injury is a critical early predictor of atherosclerosis. The evidence of mechanisms of PM 2.5 -induced atherosclerosis supports effects on vascular function. Thus, we summarized the main mechanisms of PM 2.5 -triggered vascular endothelial injury, which mainly involved three aspects, including vascular endothelial permeability, vasomotor function and vascular reparative capacity. Then we reviewed the relationship between PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury and atherosclerosis. PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury associated with inflammation, pro-coagulation and lipid deposition. Although the evidence of PM 2.5 -induced atherosclerosis is undergoing continual refinement, the mechanisms of PM 2.5 -triggered atherosclerosis are still limited, especially indoor PM 2.5 . Subsequent efforts of researchers are needed to improve the understanding of PM 2.5 and atherosclerosis. Preventing or avoiding PM 2.5 -induced endothelial damage may greatly reduce the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.