Air particulate matter (PM) is an important component of air pollution, which has been reported to play important role in the adverse health effects of the latter. Extensive experimental data and epidemiological studies have shown that the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and atherosclerosis caused by air pollution are mainly due to the PM component. Implicated in these adverse health effects of PM, is their ability to induce oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory events in the vascular system. The association between the cardiovascular ischemic events and atherosclerosis induced by PM has been linked to the ultrafine and fine components. These particles have a high content of redox cyclic chemicals. This, together with their ability to combine with proatherogenic molecules enhanced tissue oxidative stress. Studies have shown that the oxidative stress induced by PM could up-regulates the expression of phase I and phase II metabolize enzymes. This up-regulation occurs by the activation of transcription factors (such as nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) -like 2-related factor (Nrf2) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)). This review will focus on data supporting the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in PM-induced cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis and the importance of Nrf2-and AhR- dependent regulatory pathways in the PM-induced cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis.
Keywords: AhR; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular diseases; Inflammation; Nrf2; Oxidative stress; Particulate matter.
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