Search Results (346)

Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, traditionally linked to elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, despite aggressive lipid-lowering strategies, residual cardiovascular risk persists, underscoring the need to explore additional contributing factors. This review examines emerging risk factors beyond cholesterol, including chronic inflammation, gut microbiota composition, oxidative stress, and environmental exposures. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in atherogenesis, with markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) serving as indicators of disease activity. The gut microbiome, particularly metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), has been implicated in vascular inflammation and plaque development, while beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) demonstrate protective effects. Oxidative stress further exacerbates endothelial dysfunction and plaque instability, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, environmental factors, including air pollution, heavy metal exposure, endocrine disruptors, and chronic psychological stress, have emerged as significant contributors to cardiovascular disease. Understanding these novel risk factors offers a broader perspective on atherosclerosis pathogenesis and provides new avenues for targeted prevention and therapeutic interventions. Full article

Accelerated urbanization has intensified nitrogen deposition and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution. While urban landscape plants play a vital role in atmospheric remediation, systematic exploration of their adaptation strategies to these dual stressors remains limited. This study investigated the dynamic responses of antioxidant defense systems and nitrogen/weight ratios of Iris germanica L. and Portulaca grandiflora Hook. under four nitrogen deposition scenarios (N0, N1, N2, and N4 with nitrogen concentrations of 0, 15, 30, and 60 kg N·hm⁻²·a⁻¹, respectively) combined with constant PM_2.5 exposure (50 μg/m³). Through fumigation experiments, we demonstrated that Iris germanica L. showed higher sensitivity to inorganic nitrogen-laden PM_2.5 stress than Portulaca grandiflora Hook. Both species exhibited stronger antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, POD) activities in the high-growth season compared to the low-growth season. Nitrogen allocation analysis revealed that Portulaca grandiflora Hook. maintained stable nitrogen content across treatments, while Iris germanica L. showed progressive nitrogen loss under high nitrogen-laden PM_2.5 exposure. These findings establish Portulaca grandiflora Hook.’s superior resilience through two synergistic mechanisms: modulated antioxidant systems and efficient nitrogen remobilization. This comparative study provides actionable insights for selecting pollution-tolerant species in urban green infrastructure planning. Full article

Current lifestyles bring about an increasing prevalence of unhealthy habits that can negatively affect male fertility. Cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, stress, inadequate physical activity, an unequilibrated diet leading to obesity, and use of mobile telephones and portable electronic devices can affect the male reproductive system through multiple mechanisms. Moreover, the modern man is often exposed to environmental factors independent of his will, such as air pollution, exposure to heat or toxicants in his workplace, or the presence of harmful chemicals in food, beverages, agricultural and industrial products, etc. The susceptibility to these factors depends on genetic and epigenetic predisposition, potentially present systemic disease and medication, and local affections of the genitourinary system. The multifaceted nature of both the causative factors and the susceptibility background makes the resulting fertility disturbance highly individual and variable among different men exposed to the same conditions. This paper critically reviews the current knowledge of different causative and susceptibility factors with a special attention to the molecular mechanisms of their action. Finally, strategies for the prevention of abnormalities due to lifestyle and environmental factors and available treatment modalities for already-present abnormalities are exposed. Full article

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as Benzo(a)Pyrene, which are produced by smoking or present in air pollution, greatly contribute to lung diseases. B(a)P has been found to induce inflammation and eventually lung cancer. Fisetin, a polyphenol, abundant in many fruits and vegetables, has an appealing therapeutic potential in many disorders, including inflammation and cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the importance of fisetin in the regulation of chronic lung inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from exposure to Benzo(a)Pyrene. Methods: The effect of fisetin on rats at a concentration of 50 mg/kg was evaluated by ELISA to measure oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. The tissue architecture was also investigated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression pattern of IL-6 in lung tissues was assayed using immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis was evaluated in lung tissues using Masson Trischrome and Sirius red stains. Cell apoptosis in lung tissues was studied using a TUNEL assay. Results: After exposure to Benzo(a)Pyrene for eight weeks, the data indicated that fisetin led to a significant reduction in oxidative stress, evidenced by the reduction of SOD, MDA, NO, GPH, and GPx. Moreover, IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP levels were also decreased, indicating a reduction in inflammation. Apoptosis was reduced upon fisetin treatment. Furthermore, a significant decrease in fibrosis was also observed. Conclusions: This study reveals the importance of fisetin as a natural product in the management of chronic lung injury by protecting lung tissues from inflammation, and its use suggests better prognosis in diseases caused by exposure to B(a)P. Full article

Particulate matter coexists with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere, which can enter the human body by accompanying inhalable particles in the respiratory tract. Photochemical conversion further alters the chemical composition of the precursor particles and secondary products. This study investigated the effects of nanoscale iron–chlorobenzene mixtures and their photochemical conversion products on early lung development in rat pups. Using network toxicology and animal experiments, we constructed a compound toxicity–target network and developed air exposure models. This study revealed that both pollutants, before and after photochemical conversion, bound to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), increased oxidative stress, altered lung tissue morphology, and reduce inflammatory factor expression. Rat pups were highly sensitive to pollutants during critical stages of lung development. However, no significant differences in oxidative stress or inflammation were observed between the pollutants, likely because of immature lung tissues. Once tissue damage reached a threshold, the response to increasing pollutant concentrations diminished. This study provides insights into atmospheric pollutant toxicity and scientific evidence for the risk assessment of dioxin-like nanoscale mixtures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inhalation of environmental particulate air pollution has been reported to cause pulmonary and systemic events including coagulation disturbances, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Nerolidol, a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol, has effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, the aim in the present investigation was to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of nerolidol on the coagulation and systemic actions induced by pulmonary exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). Methods: Nerolidol (100 mg/kg) was given to mice by oral gavage one hour before the intratracheal instillation of DEPs (0.5 mg/kg), and 24 h later various markers of coagulation and systemic toxicity were evaluated. Results: Nerolidol treatment significantly abrogated DEP-induced platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro. Nerolidol has also prevented the shortening of the prothrombin time and activated plasma thromboplastin time triggered by DEP exposure. Likewise, while the concentrations of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were increased by DEP administration, that of tissue plasminogen activator was significantly decreased. These effects were abolished in the group of mice concomitantly treated with nerolidol and DEP. Moreover, plasma markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction which were significantly increased in the DEP-treated group, returned to control levels in the nerolidol + DEP group. Nerolidol treatment significantly ameliorated the increase in the concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, galectin-3, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin induced by pulmonary exposure to DEP. The co-administration of nerolidol + DEPs significantly mitigated the increase in markers of oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, and apoptosis, cleaved-caspase-3, induced by DEP. Conclusions: Collectively, our data demonstrate that nerolidol exert significant ameliorative actions against DEP-induced thrombotic events, endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, nerolidol could be a promising agent to alleviate the toxicity of inhaled DEPs and other pollutant particles. Full article

This study investigates the effects of pineapple by-products on feed preservation during storage at two different temperatures (25 °C and 4 °C) and on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stress resistance. Four isoproteic, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets were manufactured: CTRL—negative control, commercial diet without added antioxidants; VITE—positive control, CTRL diet with 100 mg kg⁻¹ of vitamin E; and P2 and S2—VITE diet with 2% pineapple peel or stem flour, respectively. The fish (13.5 ± 0.8 g) were split into four replicate groups per diet and fed ad libitum for 12 weeks, after which they were subjected to a stress challenge of air exposure (1 min) followed by confinement (5 min, 100 kg m⁻³). Despite storage time lowering the antioxidant properties of all diets, P2 and S2 showed increased antioxidant capacity (DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and ORAC) before and after storage. The diets were well accepted by the fish, and the VITE-fed fish showed significantly lower lipid peroxidation values in the liver and muscle compared to all remaining diets. However, pineapple by-product inclusion did not result in increased fish stress resistance. Further optimization is required for the successful use of pineapple by-products as natural antioxidants in aquafeeds. Full article

Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) remains a concern for public health. However, the exact mechanisms through which TRAP affects the respiratory system are still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the nasal microbiome change in healthy adults after short-term exposure to TRAP, contributing to the understanding of the adverse health effects associated with TRAP. A randomized crossover controlled trial was conducted from 9 March to 30 March 2024 among college students aged 19–24 years. Twenty healthy students were recruited through a baseline questionnaire survey and randomly assigned into two groups. One group followed a crowed-testing procedure: the park portion, a three-week washout period, and then the road portion, while the other group experienced the opposite procedure. Both groups were fully exposed to either a park environment or a road environment with high traffic volume. Nasal mucus samples were collected from the participants at the end of the trial, and then 16SrRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the differences in compositional structure and diversity of the nasal microbiome when volunteers were exposed to different levels of TRAP. The α-diversity indices, including the Chao1 index (p = 0.0097), observed species index (p = 0.0089), and Faith’s PD index (p = 0.0255), demonstrated a significant increase in the nasal microbiome of healthy adults following short-term exposure to TRAP. Visualization through a two-dimensional NMDS plot (stress value < 0.2) indicated that nasal bacterial species distribution became richer after TRAP exposure. Furthermore, the relative abundance of nasal Firmicutes (Bacillota), Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota phyla, especially Firmicutes phylum, exhibited a richer distribution after conducting the trial in the road environment with high levels of TRAP, which was shown in the significance test of signature species. Collectively, our study indicates that short-term exposure to TRAP can affect the composition of the nasal microbiota in healthy adults. These findings offer a scientific basis for understanding how TRAP causes respiratory diseases. Full article

The hydrogen embrittlement of a typical Oil Country Tubular Good (OCTG) steel, API 5CT T95, was investigated through electrochemical hydrogen pre-charging followed by mechanical testing. J-integral and tensile tests were performed on electrochemically pre-charged samples, with varying charging conditions to simulate different hydrogen environmental exposure. Hydrogen concentration profiles during the electrochemical hydrogen charging process and subsequent mechanical testing in air were calculated with the support of hydrogen permeation tests and Finite Elements Method (FEM) mass diffusion analysis. This approach enabled a deeper understanding of the actual impact of hydrogen on the assessed mechanical properties. The results were compared with tests performed in air and with data available in the literature and were critically analyzed and discussed. A toughness reduction of up to 60% was observed under the most severe charging conditions; however, the alloy retained good ductility with a critical stress intensity factor of 124 MPa√m, well above the minimum values required for pipelines in high-pressure hydrogen gas and sour service applications, 55 MPa√m and 30 MPa√m, respectively, as specified by current ASME Standard and EFC Guidelines. Tensile tests on pre-charged specimens exhibited certain limitations due to the rapid hydrogen desorption rate with respect to the time required to conduct proper slow strain-rate tests. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on human health, emphasizing their roles as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic agents. The primary pathways for human exposure to PAHs are through the ingestion of contaminated food (mainly due to some food processing methods, such as smoking and high-temperature cooking techniques), the inhalation of ambient air, and the smoking of cigarettes. Coke oven workers are recognized as a high-risk occupational group for PAH exposure, highlighting the need for appropriate strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker health. PAHs are metabolized into reactive intermediates in the body, which can lead to DNA damage and promote the development of various health conditions, particularly in environments with high exposure levels. Chronic PAH exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems and immune system suppression. Furthermore, this review underscores the significant impact of PAHs on reproductive health. The results of the reported studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be compromised due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption caused by PAH exposure. In males, PAHs impair sperm quality, while, in females, they disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Fetal exposure to PAHs is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the extensive and detrimental health risks posed by PAHs, this review stresses the importance of stringent environmental regulations, occupational safety measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate exposure and safeguard reproductive and overall health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders underscores the need for effective interventions to mitigate environmental stressors such as diesel particulate matter (DPM), a major urban air pollutant. DPM is composed of fine carbonaceous particles that can induce systemic inflammation. This phenomenon results in metabolic dysfunction such as adipocyte hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial impairment in body tissues. Methods: This study investigated the impact of DPM exposure on murine lung, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissues and evaluated the protective effects of supplementation with sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC). Results: Compared to controls, DPM-exposed mice exhibited significantly elevated oxidative stress markers (* p ≤ 0.05), systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-1β (* p ≤ 0.05), and adipocyte hypertrophy of both subcutaneous and visceral fat depots, supporting prior findings of DPM-induced metabolic dysfunction. SCC supplementation restored pulmonary ATP levels (* p ≤ 0.05), significantly reduced ROS production in lung and muscle tissue (* p ≤ 0.05), and significantly attenuated DPM-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion (* p ≤ 0.05), while lessening DPM-induced adipocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions: These effects highlight the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of SCC, which likely mitigates systemic metabolic compromise by modulating mitochondrial function and inflammatory pathways. This study further demonstrated that SCC supplementation may be an effective intervention for alleviating the adverse effects of DPM exposure on metabolic and inflammatory compromise. Additional research may clarify a role for SCC in reducing systemic health risks associated with air pollution and offer a foundation for future translational research in human populations exposed to environmental pollutants. Full article

Volcanoes, during their explosive and post-explosive phases, as well as through continuous degassing processes, release a range of pollutants hazardous to human health, including toxic gases, fine particulate matter, and heavy metals. These emissions impact over 14% of the global population living in proximity to volcanoes, with effects that can persist for days, decades, or even centuries. Living conditions in these regions often involve chronic exposure to contaminants in the air, water, and soil, significantly increasing the risk of developing neurological disorders. Prolonged exposure to elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), among others, results in the accumulation of metals in the brain, which increases oxidative stress and causes neuronal damage and severe neurotoxicity in animals. An examination of metal accumulation in brain cells, particularly astroglia, provides valuable insights into the developmental neurotoxicity of these metals. Moreover, microglia may activate itself to protect from cytotoxicity. In this review, we consider the implications of living near an active volcano for neurotoxicity and the common neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we encourage governments to implement public health strategies and mitigation measures to protect vulnerable communities residing near active volcanoes. Full article

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is not merely linked to respiratory health issues but also poses significant risks to cardiovascular well-being. Individuals from lower-income communities residing in high-pollution zones are particularly vulnerable to adverse cardiorespiratory health impacts. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃) are recognized as a leading, yet preventable, contributor to cardiorespiratory diseases. Although research has extensively explored the short-term impact of these pollutants on respiratory health, the immediate effects on cardiovascular outcomes require further study. We explored associations of traffic-related air pollutants with airway inflammation, lung function, and cardiovascular health outcomes (metabolic syndrome [MetS]) collected from a sample of low-income participants (N = 662) from a US–Mexico border county. Airway inflammation was measured using exhaled nitric oxide tests (eNO), while lung function parameters were measured by spirometry. MetS risk factors (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, and fasting blood glucose) were also measured. While spirometry measures were negatively associated with air pollutants (p < 0.05), no associations were noted for eNO. We also found positive associations in linear and logistic models between air pollutants and obesity (BMI: p < 0.04; waist: p < 0.03), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.03), and metabolic syndrome (p < 0.04). These findings reaffirm the immediate adverse effects of air pollution on respiratory function and shed light on its broader metabolic consequences. Environmental and neighborhood conditions could potentially influence the associations with obesity. At the same time, the links between fasting glucose and metabolic syndrome might indicate underlying oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Full article

Prolonged exposure to cold air can impair reaction time and cognitive function, which can lead to serious consequences. One mitigation strategy is to develop models that can predict cognitive performance by tracking physiological metrics associated with cold stress. As females are evidenced to be more sensitive to cold exposure, this study investigated the relationship between physiological metrics and cognitive performance deterioration of female subjects under cold stress. Wearable electrodermal activity (EDA) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were collected from nineteen females who underwent five sessions of a cognitive task battery—assessing reaction time, memory, and attention—in a cold (10 °C) environment. Machine learning classifiers showed higher cognitive performance classification accuracies with heart rate variability (HRV) features than with EDA features. Particularly in detecting performance deterioration in a task associated with assessing short-term memory, our support vector machine classifier with HRV features showed an 82.4% accuracy, with a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 80.6%, whereas a 55.4% accuracy with a sensitivity of 44.7% and a specificity of 66.7% was obtained with EDA features. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting performance deterioration from females who underwent cold exposure using wearable EDA and ECG, allowing for preventive measures to reduce risk in cold environments, especially for female military personnel. Full article

With global climate change causing temperature increases, even cooler regions like Finland are facing increasing heat risks. The city of Lahti is expected to experience a higher-than-average temperature increase, making heat risk mitigation essential. This study aims to assess present and future heat risks in Lahti using exposure and social vulnerability indicators to identify heat risk hotspots and provide strategies for mitigation within the city’s urban planning framework. The method utilizes a combination of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data (2014–2024), climate projections, and microclimate analysis to identify heat risk in the city. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ENVI-met modeling were employed to assess the relationship between land surface temperatures (LST), urban structure, and green infrastructure. Risk assessments were conducted using social and environmental vulnerability indicators, and future projections were based on a combined SSP2-4.5 scenario. The results show a significant increase in high-risk areas by 2040, rising from 9.79% to 23.65% of Lahti’s core urban area. Although the current urban planning framework of the city (Masterplan 2035) is effective in terms of maintaining exposure levels, the continued increase in projected air temperatures, as modeled based on outputs of the EC-Earth3-veg GCM, remains a concern. Microclimate modeling confirmed that urban greenery significantly reduces heat stress and improves thermal comfort. To address future heat risks, Lahti must integrate more green infrastructure into its urban design and identify seasonal heat mitigation methodologies. Additionally, the findings emphasize the need for adaptive planning strategies to mitigate rising temperatures and ensure urban resilience. Full article