Association of exposure to air pollution and telomere length in preschool children

Differential effects of long- and short-term exposure to PM2.5 on accelerating telomere shortening: from in vitro to epidemiological studies

Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with DNA damage and increases the risks of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD; however short- and long-term effects of air pollutants on telomere dysfunction remain unclear. We investigated the impact of short- and long-term exposure to fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 μm (PM2.5) on telomere length in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, and assessed the potential correlation between PM2.5 exposure and telomere length in the LIGHTS childhood cohort study. We observed that long-term, but not short-term, PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with telomere shortening, along with the downregulation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, long-term exposure to PM2.5 induced proinflammatory cytokine secretion, notably interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8, triggered subG1 cell cycle arrest, and ultimately caused cell death. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 upregulated the LC3-II/ LC3-I ratio but led to p62 protein accumulation in BEAS-2B cells, suggesting a blockade of autophagic flux. Moreover, consistent with our in vitro findings, our epidemiological study found significant association between annual average exposure to higher PM2.5 and shortening of leukocyte telomere length in children. However, no significant association between 7-day short-term exposure to PM2.5 and leukocyte telomere length was observed in children. By combining in vitro experimental and epidemiological studies, our findings provide supportive evidence linking potential regulatory mechanisms to population level with respect to long-term PM2.5 exposure to telomere shortening in humans.

In-Utero exposure to potential sources of indoor air pollution and umbilical cord blood leukocyte telomere length

Indoor air pollution (IAP) has been associated with various adverse health effects. However, the evidence regarding such an association with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in cord blood samples is still scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to indicators of IAP and LTL in umbilical cord blood samples. This cross-sectional study was based on 188 mother-newborn pairs who participated in our study between 2020 and 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. Umbilical LTL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the relationship between IAP indicators and umbilical LTL, adjusted for relevant covariates. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical LTL was 0.92 (0.47). In fully adjusted models, frequency of using degreasing spray during pregnancy (times per month) (β = -0.047, 95% CI:0.09, -0.05, P-value = 0.02), using air freshener spray during pregnancy (β = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.5, -0.02, P-value = 0.03) and frequency of using insecticides during pregnancy (times per month) (β = -0.025, 95% CI: -0.047, -0.003, P-value = 0.02) were significantly associated with shorter umbilical LTL. There was a positive significant relationship between the frequency of using cleaning spray during pregnancy (times per month) with umbilical LTL (β = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.033, P-value = 0.01). Furthermore, the direct connection of the parking with home and the frequency of using barbecue (times per week) were marginally associated with shorter umbilical LTL. For other indicators of IAP, we did not observe any statistically significant associations. Overall, this study suggested a negative association between prenatal exposure to IAP during pregnancy and umbilical LTL.

Associations Between Early-Life Adversity, Ambient Air Pollution, and Telomere Length in Children

OBJECTIVE

Examine the independent associations and interaction between early-life adversity and residential ambient air pollution exposure on relative buccal telomere length (rBTL).

METHODS

Experiences of abuse, neglect, household challenges, and related life events were identified in a cross-sectional sample of children aged 1 to 11 years ( n = 197) using the 17-item Pediatric ACEs and Related Life Event Screener (PEARLS) tool. The PEARLS tool was analyzed both as a total score and across established domains (Maltreatment, Household Challenges, and Social Context). Ground-level fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations were matched to residential locations for the 1 and 12 months before biospecimen collection. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine for independent associations between continuous PM 2.5 exposure and PEARLS score/domains with rBTL. In addition, effect modification by PEARLS scores and domains on associations between PM 2.5 exposure and rBTL was examined.

RESULTS

Study participants were 47% girls, with mean (standard deviation) age of 5.9 (3.4) years, median reported PEARLS score of 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 4), median 12-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 11.8 μg/m 3 (IQR, 2.7 μg/m 3 ), median 1-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 10.9 μg/m 3 (IQR, 5.8 μg/m 3 ), and rBTL of 0.1 (IQR, 0.03). Mean 12-month prior PM 2.5 exposure was inversely associated with rBTL ( β = -0.02, 95% confidence interval = -0.04 to -0.01). Although reported PEARLS scores and domains were not independently associated with rBTL, we observed a greater decrement in rBTL with increment of average annual PM 2.5 as reported Social Context domain items increased ( p -interaction < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that adverse Social Context factors may accelerate the association between chronic PM 2.5 exposure on telomere shortening during childhood.

Outdoor fine particulate matter exposure and telomere length in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although the association between changes in human telomere length (TL) and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been documented, there remains disagreement among the related literature. Our study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to investigate the health effects of outdoor PM2.5 exposure on human TL after a thorough database search. To quantify the overall effect estimates of TL changes associated with every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, we focused on two main topics, which were outdoor long-term exposure and prenatal exposure of PM2.5. Additionally, we included a summary of short-term PM2.5 exposure and its impact on TL due to limited data availability. Our qualitative analysis included 20 studies with 483,600 participants. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant association between outdoor PM2.5 exposure and shorter human TL, with pooled impact estimates (β) of -0.12 (95% CI: -0.20, -0.03, I2= 95.4%) for general long-term exposure and -0.07 (95% CI: -0.15, 0.00, I2= 74.3%) for prenatal exposure. In conclusion, our findings suggest that outdoor PM2.5 exposure may contribute to TL shortening, and noteworthy associations were observed in specific subgroups, suggesting the impact of various research variables. Larger, high-quality studies using standardized methodologies are necessary to strengthen these conclusions further.

The incidence of upper respiratory infections in children is related to the concentration of vanadium in indoor dust aggregates

Background

It has been reported that the disease-initiated and disease-mediated effects of aerosol pollutants can be related to concentration, site of deposition, duration of exposure, as well as the specific chemical composition of pollutants.

Objectives

To investigate the microelemental composition of dust aggregates in primary schools of Vilnius and determine trace elements related to acute upper respiratory infections among 6-to 11-year-old children.

Methods

Microelemental analysis of aerosol pollution was performed using dust samples collected in the classrooms of 11 primary schools in Vilnius from 2016 to 2020. Sites included areas of its natural accumulation behind the radiator heaters and from the surface of high cupboards. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, W, Sb, Sn, Zr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, V, and As) in dust samples were analyzed using a SPECTRO XEPOS spectrometer. The annual incidence rates of respiratory diseases in children of each school were calculated based on data from medical records.

Results

The mean annual incidence of physician-diagnosed acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06 according to ICD-10A) among younger school-age children was between 25.1 and 71.3% per school. A significant correlation was found between vanadium concentration and the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory infections during each study year from 2016 to 2020. The lowest was r = 0.67 (p = 0.024), and the highest was r = 0.82 (p = 0.002). The concentration of vanadium in the samples of dust aggregates varied from 12.7 to 52.1 parts per million (ppm). No significant correlations between the other trace elements and the incidence of upper respiratory infections were found, which could be caused by a small number of study schools and relatively low concentrations of other heavy metals found in the samples of indoor dust aggregates.

Conclusion

A significant and replicable correlation was found between the concentration of vanadium in the samples of natural dust aggregates collected in primary schools and the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections in children. Monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in the indoor environment can be an important instrument for the prevention and control of respiratory morbidity in children.

The relationship between greenspace exposure and telomere length in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The exposome, reflecting the range of environmental exposures individuals encounter throughout their life, can influence a variety of health outcomes and can play a role in how the environment impacts our genes. Telomeres, genetic structures regulating cell growth and senescence, are one pathway through which the exposome may impact health. Greenspace exposure, representing the amount of green areas in one's neighborhood, is one component of the exposome and has been associated with multiple health benefits. To investigate the potential link between greenspace exposure and telomere length, we analyzed data from the 1999-2001 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) sample. Our study examined individual, risk, and contextual factors. We found that greater greenspace exposure in one's neighborhood was associated with longer telomere lengths when considering individual and risk factors, suggesting a positive effect of living in greener neighborhoods. However, this relationship became non-significant when contextual factors, such as air pollution and deprivation, were included in the analysis. These findings highlight a complex relationship between greenspace and telomere length, warranting further research to explore contextual factors in detail.

Ambient air pollution, genetic risk and telomere length in UK biobank

BACKGROUND

Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of genomic aging. The evidence on the association between TL and air pollution was inconsistent. Besides, the modification effect of genetic susceptibility on the air pollution-TL association remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the association of ambient air pollution with TL and further assess the modification effect of genetic susceptibility.

METHODS

433,535 participants with complete data of TL and air pollutants in UK Biobank were included. Annual average exposure of NO2, NOx, PM10 and PM2.5 was estimated by applying land use regression models. Genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed using reported telomere-related SNPs. Leukocyte TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Multivariable linear regression models were employed to conduct associational analyses.

RESULTS

Categorical exposure models and RCS models both indicated U-shaped (for NO2 and NOx) and L-shaped (for PM10 and PM2.5) correlations between air pollution and TL. In comparison to the lowest quartile, the 2nd and 3rd quartile of NO2 (q2: -1.3% [-2.1%, -0.4%]; q3: -1.2% [-2.0%, -0.3%], NOx (q2: -1.3% [-2.1%, -0.5%]; q3: -1.4% [-2.2%, -0.5%]), PM2.5 (q2: -0.8% [-1.7%, 0.0%]; q3: -1.3% [-2.2%, -0.5%]), and the third quartile of PM10 (q3: -1.1% [-1.9%, -0.2%]) were inversely associated with TL. The highest quartile of NO2 was positively correlated with TL (q4: 1.0% [0.0%, 2.0%]), whereas the negative correlation between the highest quartile of other pollutants and TL was also attenuated and no longer significant. In the genetic analyses, synergistic interactions were observed between the 4th quartile of three air pollutants (NO2, NOx, and PM2.5) and genetic risk.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Our study for the first time revealed a non-linear trend for the association between air pollution and telomere length. The genetic analyses suggested synergistic interactions between air pollution and genetic risk on the air pollution-TL association. These findings may shed new light on air pollution's health effects, offer suggestions for identifying at-risk individuals, and provide hints regarding further investigation into gene-environment interactions.

Ambient air pollution exposure and telomere length: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to provide evidence of the associations between pre- and post-birth and adulthood air pollution exposure with telomere length.

STUDY DESIGN

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to June 1st, 2022 in order to include relevant observational studies and perform a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The random-effects meta-analysis was grouped by air pollutant and exposure window (pre- and post-birth and adulthood) to evaluate the summary effect estimate. Cochran's Q and I² statistics were used to evaluate the heterogeneity among the included studies. The quality of individual studies was evaluated using the national toxicology program/office of health assessment and translation risk of bias rating tool.

RESULTS

We identified 18 studies, covering 8506 children and 2263 adults from multiple countries. We found moderate evidence that particulate matter less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) exposure during the entire pregnancy (-0.043, 95% CI: -0.067, -0.018), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure during the first trimester (-0.016, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.027, -0.005), long-term adulthood PM_2.5 exposure were associated with shortening telomere length. Mild to high between-study heterogeneity was observed for the most tested air pollutant-telomere length combinations in different exposure windows.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides the evidence which strongly supports that prenatal PM_2.5 and NO₂ exposures were related to reduced telomere length, while prenatal sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposures, childhood PM_2.5, particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM₁₀), NO₂ exposures and short-term adulthood PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposures were not associated with telomere length. Further high-quality studies are needed to elaborate our suggestive associations.

Auto repair workers exposed to PM2.5 particulate matter in Barranquilla, Colombia: telomere length and hematological parameters

Exposure to 2.5 µm particulate matter (PM_2.5) in automotive repair shops is associated with risks to health. We evaluated the effects of occupational exposure to PM_2.5 among auto repair-shop workers. Blood and urine samples were collected from 110 volunteers from Barranquilla, Colombia: 55 active workers and 55 controls. PM_2.5 concentrations were assessed at each of the sampling sites and chemical content was analyzed by SEM-EDS electron microscopy. The biological samples obtained were peripheral blood (hematological profiling, DNA extraction) and urine (malondialdehyde concentration). Telomere length was assessed by qPCR and polymorphisms in the glutathione transferase genes GSTT1 and GSTM1 by PCR-RFLP, with confirmation by allelic exclusion. White blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM%) and platelet (PLT) counts and the malondialdehyde concentration were higher (4.10 ± 0.93) in the exposed group compared to the control group (1.56 ± 0.96). TL was shorter (5071 ± 891) in the exposed individuals compared to the control group (6271 ± 805). White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were positively associated with exposure. Age and TBARS were correlated with TL in exposed individuals. The GSTT1 gene alleles were not in Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium. The GSTM1 gene alleles were in H-W equilibrium and allelic exclusion analysis confirmed the presence of heterozygous GSTM1 genotypes. SEM-EDS analysis showed the presence of potentially toxic elements, including Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Rh, Zn, and Cu. Auto repair shop workers showed effects that may be associated with exposure to mixtures of pollutants present in PM_2.5. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes had independent modulatory effects.

Effects of air pollution on telomere length: Evidence from in vitro to clinical studies

Air pollution remains the major environmental problem globally. There is extensive evidence showing that the variety of air pollutants from environmental and occupational exposures cause adverse effects to our health. The clinical symptoms of those effects may present at a late stage, so surveillance is difficult to manage. Several biomarkers have been used for the early detection of health issues following exposure to air pollution, including the use of telomere length which indicates cellular senescence in response to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the most plausible mechanisms associated with exposure to air pollutants. Some specific contexts including age groups, gender, ethnicity, occupations, and health conditions, showed significant alterations in telomere length after exposure to air pollutants. Several reports demonstrated both negative and positive associations between telomere length and air pollution, the studies using different concentrations and exposure times to air pollution on the study of telomere lengths. Surprisingly, some studies reported that low levels of exposure to air pollutants (lower than regulated levels) caused the alterations in telomere length. Those findings suggest that telomere length could be one of most practical biomarkers in air pollution surveillance. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize and discuss the relationship between telomere length and exposure to air pollution. The knowledge from this review will be beneficial for the planning of public health to reduce health problems in the general population, particularly in vulnerable people, who still live in areas with high air pollution.

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of exposure to potentially toxic elements by consuming agricultural products irrigated with wastewater effluents

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have many adverse health effects due to bioaccumulation capability and their long persistence in the environment. As a renewable water source, the effluents of municipal wastewater treatment systems have been used to irrigate agricultural products widely. However, the evidence on the bioaccumulation of PTEs in crops irrigated with these effluents is still scarce, with no available study in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the PTEs concentration in the soil and crops irrigated with effluents of Sabzevar wastewater treatment plant and the related health risk by that. The clustered method was used to determine the soil and craps samples. Seventy cumulative samples were randomly prepared in summer and autumn 2016 and 2017 from crops, soil and effluent. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure PTEs. The health risk of exposure to PTEs was assessed using Monte Carlo simulation technique. Kruskal Wallis test and Posthoc Tukey HSD test were used to assess the mean difference of PTEs between soil, effluent and crops as well as between crops together. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) magnitude order in different crop samples was Cd > Sr > Cu > Pb > Zn > Co > As > Cr > Ni, respectively. The Cd accumulation in Sugar beet plant was significantly higher than in other samples. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) based on single PTEs was observed for As (mineral) (mean: 5.62 × 10^-1 and percentile 95th: 2.13) in Okra. Regarding total HQ (THQ), the highest and lowest mean (percentile 95th) values were 1.50 (3.22) and 2.40 × 10^-1 (4.01 × 10^-1) for Okra and Watermelon, respectively. The mean concentrations of Co, Cr, Ni and Zn were significantly higher in crops compared to soil and influent samples. Posthoc tests indicated that the concentration of PTEs between investigated crop samples were not statistically significant different (p > 0.05). Overall, our study suggested that irrigation with the effluent of stabilization pond wastewater treatment system exerts a potential health risk due to bioaccumulation of PTEs in crops.

Rethinking the urban physical environment for century-long lives: from age-friendly to longevity-ready cities

In response to increasing life expectancies and urbanization, initiatives for age-friendly cities seek to facilitate active and healthy aging by strengthening supports and services for older people. While laudable, these efforts typically neglect early-life exposures that influence long-term well-being. With a focus on the urban physical environment, we argue that longevity-ready cities can accomplish more than initiatives focused solely on old age. We review features of cities that cumulatively influence healthy aging and longevity, discuss the need for proactive interventions in a changing climate, and highlight inequities in the ambient physical environment, especially those encountered at early ages, that powerfully contribute to disparities in later life stages. Compared with strategies aimed largely at accommodating older populations, longevity-ready cities would aim to reduce the sources of disadvantages across the life course and simultaneously improve the well-being of older people.

Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution and glucose homeostasis: A cross-sectional study

Air pollution exposure has been linked with glucose dysregulation in pregnant women; however, evidence on these associations with fetal glucose homeostasis is unclear yet. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with fetal glucose homeostasis in cord blood samples. A total of 169 mother-infant pairs recruited from Mobini hospital of Sabzevar, Iran, were included in this cross-sectional study. Maternal exposure to PMs was estimated using land use regression models. Moreover, traffic indicators (i.e., total street length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers and distance from residential home to the nearest major roads) were calculated based on the street map of Sabzevar. Cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations, HOMA-ꞵ, HOMA-S and HOMA-IR were used as glucose homeostasis markers. Higher maternal exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were associated with higher cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. Moreover, total streets length in 300 m buffer was positively associated with cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR. An increase in distance to major roads was associated with higher HOMA-ꞵ and HOMA-S and lower cord blood glucose and insulin concentrations as well as HOMA-IR. Overall, we found prenatal exposure to PMs and traffic indicators was associated with a higher risk of glucose homeostasis dysregulation in the fetus.

Particulate matter causes telomere shortening and increase in cellular senescence markers in human lung epithelial cells

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with DNA damage, but the relationships between PM, telomere length and cellular senescence remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of PM on telomere length and cellular senescence in human lung epithelial cells. Human lung epithelial A549 cells were exposed to PM for 24 h. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were measured by the WST-1 assay and the lactate dehydrogenase release, respectively. Cellular uptake of PM was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Telomere length was measured using qPCR and expressed as T/S ratio. Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and cell cycle regulators was measured using mRNA by qPCR and protein levels by Western blot. Cellular senescence was determined by the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Exposed to PM at the concentration of 200 μg/ml decreased cell viability and increased LDH levels in culture medium. Remarkably increased uptake of PM, shortening of telomere length, induction of G0/G1 phase arrest, and increased expression of senescence hallmarks were observed after exposure to PM in A549 cells. PM exposure induced upregulation of p21 and downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and hTERT expression, but no significant change in p53 expression, in A549 cells. Overall, exposure to PM may downregulate hTERT and PCNA through p53-independent induction of p21 expression, leading to telomere shortening, G0/G1 arrest and the onset of cellular senescence in human lung epithelial cells.

Maternal exposure to air pollution and umbilical asprosin concentration, a novel insulin-resistant marker

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been associated with abnormal glucose hemostasis in the fetus, which may result in the programming of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development in future life. Therefore, we investigated the association of maternal exposure to particulate matters (PMs) and traffic indicators with umbilical asprosin concentration, a novel insulin-resistant inducing adipokine, in newborns. Accordingly, 759 mother-newborn pairs from Sabzevar, Iran (2018-2019) participated in our study. Maternal exposure to PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations was estimated using spatial-temporal models developed for the study area. The associations of exposure to traffic indicators (total street length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around home and proximity of mothers to nearest major roads) and air pollution with umbilical asprosin concentration were estimated using linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical asprosin concentration was 30.4 (19.1) ng/mL. In fully adjusted models, each one IQR increase in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were associated with 26.43 ng/mL (95% CI: 10.97, 41.88) and 31.76 ng/mL (95% CI: 15.66, 47.86) increase in umbilical asprosin concentration, respectively. A similarity result was observed for total street length in 100 m buffer. An increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of -21.48 ng/mL (95% CI: 33.29, -9.67) in umbilical asprosin concentration. Our results suggested that maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could increase the umbilical asprosin concentration. These novel findings may improve our understanding of the mechanisms whereby air pollutants impaired glucose hemostasis during the fetal period.

Physical activity attenuated the association of air pollutants with telomere length in rural Chinese adults

BACKGROUND

Exposure to air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matters (PMs)) or physical inactivity is linked to telomere length (TL) shortening. However, there is a lack of research on combined effects of either NO₂ or PMs and physical activity (PA) on TL. This study aimed to explore the joint associations of air pollutants (NO₂ or PMs) and PA with relative TL in rural Chinese adults.

METHODS

This study was conducted among 2704 participants aged 18-79 years in rural China. Concentrations of NO₂ and PMs (PM with an aerodynamics diameter ≤ 1.0 μm (PM₁), ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) or ≤10 μm (PM₁₀)) were estimated using random forest models incorporated with satellites data, meteorological data, and land use information. Relative TL of each participant was measured by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Linear regression models were applied to examine the independent associations between PA, NO₂ or PMs and relative TL. Interaction plots were used to depict the altered associations between NO₂, PM₁, PM_2.5, or PM₁₀ and relative TL along with increasing PA levels.

RESULTS

Each 1 μg/m³ increment in NO₂, PM₁, PM_2.5, or PM₁₀ was associated with a 0.038 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.044, -0.033), 0.036 (95% CI: -0.041, -0.031), 0.052 (95% CI: -0.059, -0.045), or 0.022 (95% CI: -0.025, -0.019) decrease in relative TL among all participants; similar findings were observed among normal glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) participants as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. PA at certain levels counteracted the association of air pollutants (NO₂, PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀) with relative TL among IFG participants or T2DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to NO₂ and PMs was associated with relative TL shortening and these effects may be counteracted by PA at certain levels in IFG participants or T2DM patients.

Accelerated Aging and Age-Related Diseases (CVD and Neurological) Due to Air Pollution and Traffic Noise Exposure

The World Health Organization estimates that only approximately 25% of diversity in longevity is explained by genetic factors, while the other 75% is largely determined by interactions with the physical and social environments. Indeed, aging is a multifactorial process that is influenced by a range of environmental, sociodemographic, and biopsychosocial factors, all of which might act in concert to determine the process of aging. The global average life expectancy increased fundamentally over the past century, toward an aging population, correlating with the development and onset of age-related diseases, mainly from cardiovascular and neurological nature. Therefore, the identification of determinants of healthy and unhealthy aging is a major goal to lower the burden and socioeconomic costs of age-related diseases. The role of environmental factors (such as air pollution and noise exposure) as crucial determinants of the aging process are being increasingly recognized. Here, we critically review recent findings concerning the pathomechanisms underlying the aging process and their correlates in cardiovascular and neurological disease, centered on oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as the influence of prominent environmental pollutants, namely air pollution and traffic noise exposure, which is suggested to accelerate the aging process. Insight into these types of relationships and appropriate preventive strategies are urgently needed to promote healthy aging.

Age differences in the pulmonary and vascular pathophysiologic processes after long-term real-time exposure to particulate matter in rats

Existing experimental data do not sufficiently explain which pathophysiologic processes are involved in different age of rats exposed to long-term particulate matter. This study explored the pulmonary and cardiovascular effects of long-term PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure in juvenile, adult and senescent rats. Tail cuff plethysmography, whole-body plethysmographic system, myograph, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used to detect the blood pressure, lung function, endothelium-dependent relaxation, inflammatory cytokines and heavy metals, respectively. The exposure time was from November, 2017 to October, 2018, and the average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 78.7 and 128.2 μg/m³, respectively. Compared with the filtered air group, the body weight and survival rate in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure group were significantly decreased, and the survival rate of senescent exposed rats was only 30%. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure increased the blood pressure, elevated the levels of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid inflammatory factors, and the senescent exposed rats showed an earlier rising trend in blood pressure and inflammatory factors than those of juvenile and adult exposed rats. Long-term PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure could destroy intrapulmonary and small resistance arteries endothelial function, causing vasodilation disorders. PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure caused particulate matter to accumulate in the lungs. Additionally, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure could also cause accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead in the liver, and chromium and Cd in the kidney. In conclusion, ambient PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ exposure induced particulate matter to accumulate in the body, caused severe pulmonary and vascular disorders, and demonstrated age-associated differences.

Association of greenspace exposure with telomere length in preschool children

Exposure to greenspace has been associated with a wide range of health benefits; however, the available evidence on the association of this exposure with telomere length (TL), an early marker of ageing, is still scarce. We investigated the association of greenspace exposure with TL in a sample of 200 preschool children (aged 5-7 years) residing in Sabzevar, Iran (2017). We comprehensively characterized different aspects of greenspace exposure encompassing residential, kindergarten, and total (including both residential and kindergarten) surrounding greenspace (using satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), residential and kindergarten distance to green spaces, time spent in private gardens and public green spaces, and the number of plant pots at home. Relative leukocyte TL (LTL) in blood samples of the study participants was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We applied mixed effects linear regression models with kindergarten and qPCR plate as random effects, to estimate the association of indicators of greenspace exposure (one at a time) with LTL, controlled for relevant covariates. We observed an inverse association between distance from home and kindergarten to green spaces larger than 5000 m² and LTL. Moreover, higher total surrounding greenspace at 300m and 500m buffers and higher surrounding greenspace at 300m buffer around kindergarten and home were associated with longer LTL. Furthermore, longer time spent (h/week) in the public green spaces was associated with longer LTL. Our findings for residential and kindergarten distance to any green space (regardless of the size), residential surrounding greenspace at 100m and 500m buffers, kindergarten surrounding greenspace at 100m buffer, time spent in private gardens (h/week) and the number of plant pots at home were not conclusive. Our findings were generally suggestive for a positive association between greenspace exposure and LTL in preschool children. More studies are needed to confirm these findings in other settings with different climates and populations.