Environmental Factors Such as Noise and Air Pollution and Vascular Disease

Spatial and temporal changes of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022 and model prediction

This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of air quality in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2022. The Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a seasonal pattern, with higher values in winter due to temperature inversions and heating emissions, and lower values in summer aided by favorable dispersion conditions. The AQI improved significantly, decreasing by approximately 39.4 % from 6.44 to 3.90. Coastal cities exhibited better air quality than inland areas, influenced by industrial activities and geographical features. For instance, Zibo's geography restricts pollutant dispersion, resulting in poor air quality. CO levels remained stable, while O3 increased seasonally due to photochemical reactions in summer, with correlation coefficients indicating a strong positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.65). Winter saw elevated NO2 levels linked to heating and vehicular emissions, with an observed increase in correlation with AQI (r = 0.78). PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher in colder months due to heating and atmospheric dust, showing a significant decrease of 45 % and 40 %, respectively, over the study period. Predictive modeling forecasts continued air quality improvements, contingent on sustained policy enforcement and technological advancements. This approach provides a comprehensive framework for future air quality management and improvement.

Effects of noise exposure on stress hormone changes during task performance in young Korean men: quasi-experimental study

Numerous studies have suggested that noise exposure might be associated with changes in stress hormone levels. However, quantitative evidence for these effects in humans is rare and remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of exposure to noise and its different levels on stress hormone changes in task performance. Quasi-experimental noise exposure environment was established for 90 male university student volunteers in their twenties, and each was exposed to different noise levels during task performance. The stress hormones tested included cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), adrenaline, and noradrenaline. A one-way ANOVA was performed to investigate differences in hormone levels measured in the three groups according to the noise exposure levels (35, 45, or 75 dB). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to adjust for confounding factors that might affect hormone levels. After adjusting for confounders, significant exposure-dependent differences were found in hormone levels in salivary cortisol, serum cortisol, serum ACTH, and serum adrenaline. The amount of hormonal increase in 75 dB exposure group compared to 35 or 45 dB groups was detected. Similar results were also seen in the rate of change analysis. Our findings indicate that short-term noise exposure during task performance elevates stress hormone levels. Further, the extent of stress hormone alterations varies with noise exposure levels. Changes in hormone levels are an objective measure that may be used to identify health effects and stress responses in various noise environments.

Psychokardiologie – aus praktischer und klinischer Sicht

In order to treat and research the development, progression, therapy and prevention of cardiological and psychosomatic disorders and their interactions, the field of psychocardiology has been established in recent years and now offers several treatment options.The well-known somatic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and acquired or congenital lipid metabolism disorders, lack of exercise, malnutrition and sleep-related disorders are often related to psychosocial risk factors. Conversely, mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can also be viewed as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.Somatic illnesses can, in turn, result in significant psychological reactions that have a severely negative impact on the course of the disease, participation and quality of life.In addition to the scientific research into these connections, psychocardiology offers a clinical specialty that questions, diagnoses and provides treatment for psychosocial connections in cardiovascular patients.The aim of this article is primarily to convey clinical and practical aspects of psychocardiology and the most important psychological comorbidities in connection with heart disease. In addition, it should be shown which therapeutic offers are available in the medical care structures and how therapy can be carried out. Psychotherapy and exercise therapy are preferred for the treatment of these comorbid disorders. The possibility of psychopharmacological therapy for cardiovascular patients is also presented, especially because of possible problematic medication interactions.

Statistical Analysis Plan for the AIRCARD Study: Individual Long-Term Air and Noise Pollution Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Mortality - A Prospective Cohort Study Utilizing DANCAVAS and VIVA Screening Trials

INTRODUCTION

The AIRCARD study is designed to investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to air and noise pollution and cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. We aim to conduct a robust prospective cohort analysis assessing the cumulative and differential impacts of air and noise pollution exposure on cardiovascular disease and mortality. This study will adjust for relevant confounders, including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, socioeconomic indicators, and lipid-lowering agents.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study will include 27,022 male participants aged 65-74, recruited from the two large Danish DANCAVAS and VIVA trials, both population-based randomized, multicentered, clinically controlled studies. We will assess long-term exposure to air pollutants using the state-of-the-art DEHM/UBM/AirGIS modeling system and noise pollution through the Nord2000 and SoundPLAN models, covering data from 1979 to 2019. This statistical analysis plan is strictly formulated to predefine the analytical approach for all outcomes and key study variables before data access. The primary analysis will utilize Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for confounders identified in our cohort (age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, family history of heart disease, socioeconomic factors, and lipid-lowering agents). This statistical analysis plan further includes Spearman rank correlation to explore inter-pollutant associations.

CONCLUSION

The AIRCARD study addresses global concerns about the impact of air and noise pollution on cardiovascular disease. This research is important for understanding how the pollutants contribute to cardiovascular disease. We aim to provide insights into this area, emphasizing the need for public health measures to mitigate pollution exposure. Our goal is to provide policymakers and healthcare professionals with information on the role of environmental factors in cardiovascular health that could influence global strategies to reduce the cardiovascular disease burden associated with pollution. The design of this SAP ensures transparency and verifiability, considering the complexities of evaluating environmental health impacts over an extended period.

Examining the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and meteorological factors in Asansol city, West Bengal, India, using statistical modelling

Meteorological conditions significantly impact ambient air quality in urban environments. This study focuses on Asansol, known as the "Coal City" and the "Industrial Heart of West Bengal," a notable hotspot for air pollution. Despite its significance, limited research has addressed the influence of meteorological factors on key air pollutants in this urban area. From January 2019 to December 2023, this investigation explores the relationships between meteorological parameters (including atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed) and the concentrations of crucial air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2). Temporal trends in air pollutant concentrations are also analysed. The Spearman correlation method is used to establish associations between pollutant concentrations and meteorological variables, while multiple linear regression (MLR) models are employed to assess meteorological factors and potential impact on pollutant concentrations. The analysis reveals a decreasing trend in pollutant concentrations in Asansol. Temperature exhibits negative correlations with all pollutants in all seasons except for a positive correlation during the monsoon. Rainfall consistently displays significant negative correlations with pollutants in all seasons. Relative humidity is negatively correlated with pollutants in all seasons, and wind speed, except during the post-monsoon season, shows negative correlations with all pollutants. Linear models excel in predicting particulate matter concentrations but perform poorly in predicting gaseous contaminants. Accounting for seasonal fluctuations and meteorological parameters, this research enhances the accuracy of air pollution forecasting, contributing to a better understanding of air quality dynamics in Asansol and similar urban areas.

Association between ambient particulate matter exposure and mitochondrial DNA copy number: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ambient particulate matter (PM) has been recognized as inducing oxidative stress, which could contribute to mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. However, studies investigating the association between ambient PM and mitochondria, particularly mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), have yielded inconsistent results.

METHODS

We conducted comprehensive literature searches to identify observational studies published before July 17, 2023, examining the association between ambient PM exposure and mtDNA-CN. Meta-analysis using random effects model was employed to calculate the pooled effect estimates for general individual exposures, as well as for prenatal exposure with specific trimester. Additionally, the quality and level of evidence for each exposure-outcome pair was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results indicated that general individual exposure to PM2.5 (β = -0.084, 95 % CI: -0.521, 0.353; I2 = 93 %) and PM10 (β = 0.035, 95 % CI: -0.129, 0.199; I2 = 95 %) did not significantly affect mtDNA-CN. Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 (β = 0.023, 95 % CI: -0.087, 0.133; I2 = 0 %) and PM10 (β = 0.006, 95 % CI: -0.135; 0.147; I2 = 51 %) were also not significantly associated with mtDNA-CN in offspring. The level of evidence for each tested exposure-outcome pair was assessed as "inadequate."

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that there is an "inadequate" strength of evidence for the association between general individual or prenatal exposure to ambient PM and mtDNA-CN. Future research necessitates studies with more rigorous design, enhanced control of confounding factors, and improved measures of exposure to substantiate our findings.

Systemic health effects of noise exposure

Noise, any unwanted sound, is pervasive and impacts large populations worldwide. Investigators suggested that noise exposure not only induces auditory damage but also produces various organ system dysfunctions. Although previous reviews primarily focused on noise-induced cardiovascular and cerebral dysfunctions, this narrow focus has unintentionally led the research community to disregard the importance of other vital organs. Indeed, limited studies revealed that noise exposure impacts other organs including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the aim of this review was to examine the effects of noise on both the extensively studied organs, the brain and heart, but also determine noise impact on other vital organs. The goal was to illustrate a comprehensive understanding of the systemic effects of noise. These systemic effects may guide future clinical research and epidemiological endpoints, emphasizing the importance of considering noise exposure history in diagnosing various systemic diseases.

Integrated assessment of personal monitor applications for evaluating exposure to urban stressors: A scoping review

Urban stressors pose a health risk, and individual-level assessments provide necessary and fine-grained insight into exposure. An ever-increasing amount of research literature on individual-level exposure to urban stressors using data collected with personal monitors, has called for an integrated assessment approach to identify trends, gaps and needs, and provide recommendations for future research. To this end, a scoping review of the respective literature was performed, as part of the H2020 URBANOME project. Moreover, three specific aims were identified: (i) determine current state of research, (ii) analyse literature according with a waterfall methodological framework and identify gaps and needs, and (iii) provide recommendations for more integrated, inclusive and robust approaches. Knowledge and gaps were extracted based on a systematic approach, e.g., data extraction questionnaires, as well as through the expertise of the researchers performing the review. The findings were assessed through a waterfall methodology of delineating projects into four phases. Studies described in the papers vary in their scope, with most assessing exposure in a single macro domain, though a trend of moving towards multi-domain assessment is evident. Simultaneous measurements of multiple stressors are not common, and papers predominantly assess exposure to air pollution. As urban environments become more diverse, stakeholders from different groups are included in the study designs. Most frequently (per the quadruple helix model), civil society/NGO groups are involved, followed by government and policymakers, while business or private sector stakeholders are less frequently represented. Participants in general function as data collectors and are rarely involved in other phases of the research. While more active involvement is not necessary, more collaborative approaches show higher engagement and motivation of participants to alter their lifestyles based on the research results. The identified trends, gaps and needs can aid future exposure research and provide recommendations on addressing different urban communities and stakeholders.

Flow-mediated dilation reference values for evaluation of endothelial function and cardiovascular health

AIMS

Endothelial function is essential for cardiovascular health, and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is an established technique to measure it. This paper aims to assess FMD values in apparently healthy individuals and provides reference values to facilitate wider clinical use.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 1,579 apparently healthy individuals (aged 18-76), fasted FMD values (data from 44 studies, 6 institutions, 22 operators) were normally distributed and inversely univariately correlated with age, body mass index, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and brachial artery (BA) diameter. Significant multivariate predictors of FMD were age (-0.4%/decade), BMI (0.04%/kg/m2), smoking (-0.7%), and BA diameter (-0.44%/mm) that together explained 19% of the variability independent of operator, institution or ultrasound machine. Individuals in the high FMD tertile (>6.8%) were younger, had smaller BA diameter, lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In individuals with low- and intermediate fatal cardiovascular risk (SCORE), 26% and 53% of individuals, respectively, had FMD values in the low tertile (<5.4%). After adding data from 385 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), ROC analysis (c = 0.841, P < 0.001) showed that FMD of >6.5% excluded CAD (95% sensitivity; 60% specificity) and FMD <3.1% excluded 95% healthy individuals (95% specificity, 31% sensitivity). A meta-analysis and meta-regression of 82 clinical trials (11 countries, n = 3,509) using similar FMD methodology showed that despite considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 0.97) FMD in healthy individuals was on average 6.4% (95%CI: 6.2%, 6.7%) with no significant differences between countries but a significant age-dependent decline (-0.3%/decade, R2 = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide an age-adapted frame of FMD reference intervals in apparently healthy individuals for use as a biomarker of cardiovascular health. As the degree of vascular endothelial function integrates environmental and genetic factors with classical CV risk factors, FMD may more comprehensively classify individuals with and without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and serve as a target for cardiovascular prevention.

Redox Regulatory Changes of Circadian Rhythm by the Environmental Risk Factors Traffic Noise and Air Pollution

Significance: Risk factors in the environment such as air pollution and traffic noise contribute to the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Recent Advances: Epidemiological data suggest that air pollution and traffic noise are associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental disease, including hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, diabetes, arrhythmia, stroke, neurodegeneration, depression, and anxiety disorders, mainly by activation of stress hormone signaling, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Critical Issues: We here provide an in-depth review on the impact of the environmental risk factors air pollution and traffic noise exposure (components of the external exposome) on cardiovascular health, with special emphasis on the role of environmentally triggered oxidative stress and dysregulation of the circadian clock. Also, a general introduction on the contribution of circadian rhythms to cardiovascular health and disease as well as a detailed mechanistic discussion of redox regulatory pathways of the circadian clock system is provided. Future Directions: Finally, we discuss the potential of preventive strategies or "chrono" therapy for cardioprotection. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 679-703.

Synaptopathy in Guinea Pigs Induced by Noise Mimicking Human Experience and Associated Changes in Auditory Signal Processing

Noise induced synaptopathy (NIS) has been researched extensively since a large amount of synaptic loss without permanent threshold shift (PTS) was found in CBA mice after a brief noise exposure. However, efforts to translate these results to humans have met with little success—and might not be possible since noise exposure used in laboratory animals is generally different from what is experienced by human subjects in real life. An additional problem is a lack of morphological data and reliable functional methods to quantify loss of afferent synapses in humans. Based on evidence for disproportionate synaptic loss for auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) with low spontaneous rates (LSR), coding-in-noise deficits (CIND) have been speculated to be the major difficulty associated with NIS without PTS. However, no robust evidence for this is available in humans or animals. This has led to a re-examination of the role of LSR ANFs in signal coding in high-level noise. The fluctuation profile model has been proposed to support a role for high-SR ANFs in the coding of high-level noise in combination with efferent control of cochlear gain. This study aimed to induce NIS by a low-level, intermittent noise exposure mimicking what is experienced in human life and examined the impact of the NIS on temporal processing under masking. It also evaluated the role of temporal fluctuation in evoking efferent feedback and the effects of NIS on this feedback.

Protective actions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and downstream pathways against environmental stressors

Environmental risk factors, including noise, air pollution, chemical agents, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and mental stress have a considerable impact on human health. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key players in molecular pathomechanisms of environmental pollution and risk factors. In this review, we delineate the impact of environmental risk factors and the protective actions of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in connection to oxidative stress and inflammation. We focus on well-established studies that demonstrate the protective actions of NRF2 and its downstream pathways against different environmental stressors. State-of-the-art mechanistic considerations on NRF2 signaling are discussed in detail, e.g. classical concepts like KEAP1 oxidation/electrophilic modification, NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation. Specific focus is also laid on NRF2-dependent heme oxygenase-1 induction with detailed presentation of the protective down-stream pathways of heme oxygenase-1, including interaction with BACH1 system. The significant impact of all environmental stressors on the circadian rhythm and the interactions of NRF2 with the circadian clock will also be considered here. A broad range of NRF2 activators is discussed in relation to environmental stressor-induced health side effects, thereby suggesting promising new mitigation strategies (e.g. by nutraceuticals) to fight the negative effects of the environment on our health.

Animal-to-Human Translation Difficulties and Problems With Proposed Coding-in-Noise Deficits in Noise-Induced Synaptopathy and Hidden Hearing Loss

Noise induced synaptopathy (NIS) and hidden hearing loss (NIHHL) have been hot topic in hearing research since a massive synaptic loss was identified in CBA mice after a brief noise exposure that did not cause permanent threshold shift (PTS) in 2009. Based upon the amount of synaptic loss and the bias of it to synapses with a group of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) with low spontaneous rate (LSR), coding-in-noise deficit (CIND) has been speculated as the major difficult of hearing in subjects with NIS and NIHHL. This speculation is based upon the idea that the coding of sound at high level against background noise relies mainly on the LSR ANFs. However, the translation from animal data to humans for NIS remains to be justified due to the difference in noise exposure between laboratory animals and human subjects in real life, the lack of morphological data and reliable functional methods to quantify or estimate the loss of the afferent synapses by noise. Moreover, there is no clear, robust data revealing the CIND even in animals with the synaptic loss but no PTS. In humans, both positive and negative reports are available. The difficulty in verifying CINDs has led a re-examination of the hypothesis that CIND is the major deficit associated with NIS and NIHHL, and the theoretical basis of this idea on the role of LSR ANFs. This review summarized the current status of research in NIS and NIHHL, with focus on the translational difficulty from animal data to human clinicals, the technical difficulties in quantifying NIS in humans, and the problems with the SR theory on signal coding. Temporal fluctuation profile model was discussed as a potential alternative for signal coding at high sound level against background noise, in association with the mechanisms of efferent control on the cochlea gain.

Natural and built environments and blood pressure of Alpine schoolchildren

BACKGROUND

Early life environments may influence children's blood pressure (BP), but evidence on the combined effects of natural and built environment exposures is scarce. The present study investigates the associations of natural and built environment indicators, traffic noise, and air pollution with BP in children living in Alpine valleys.

METHODS

In 2004/2005, 1251 school children (8-12 years old) were sampled for a cross-sectional survey in several Austrian and Italian mountain valleys. Children's mothers completed a questionnaire. The outcomes of interest were systolic and diastolic BP measured with a calibrated oscillometric device. Indicators of land cover assigned to the residential and school coordinates within 100 and 1000 m included normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), tree canopy cover, and a broader naturalness indicator titled distance to nature (D2N). The presence of a home garden was also measured via self-report. Imperviousness density served as a proxy for the built environment. Residential air pollution (NO₂) and noise (L_den) from traffic were calculated using bespoke modeling. NO₂, L_den, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) were treated as mediating pathways.

RESULTS

Higher NDVI and tree cover levels in residential and school surroundings and home gardens were consistently associated with lower BP. The built environment was associated with higher BP. Counterintuitive inverse associations between NO₂ and L_den and BP were also found. Structural equation modeling showed that higher levels of greenspace and presence of a home garden were weakly associated with more outdoor play spaces, and in turn with lower BMI, and ultimately with lower BP.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to natural environments may help maintain normal BP in children, while built environment may increase children's BP. Outdoor play and less adiposity in greener areas may mediate some of these associations. Evidence on air pollution and noise remains controversial and difficult to explain.

Residential exposure to traffic-borne pollution as a risk factor for acute cardiocerebrovascular events: a population-based retrospective cohort study in a highly urbanized area

Background

Long-term exposure to traffic-borne noise and air pollution has been variably associated with incidence of acute vascular events, namely acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. This study aims at exploring this association within a highly urbanized city.

Methods

This is a population-based retrospective dynamic cohort study including all residents aged ≥ 35 years in the municipality of Milan over the years 2011–18 (1 087 110 inhabitants). Residential exposure to road traffic noise (day-evening-night levels) and nitrogen dioxide was estimated using a noise predictive model and a land use regression model, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the incidence of acute vascular events and specific outcomes in single-exposure and two-exposure models including adjustment for sociodemographic confounders, fine particulate matter and surrounding greenness.

Results

A total of 27 282 subjects (2.5%) had an acute vascular event. Models using nitrogen dioxide produced inconsistent results. The strongest effect was observed for noise, with an optimal cut-off for dichotomization set at 70 dBA (hazard ratio 1.025, 95% confidence interval 1.000–1.050). This association was observed specifically for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. When stratifying by age group and sex, a remarkable effect was found for haemorrhagic stroke in men aged <60 years (hazard ratio 1.439, 95% confidence interval 1.156–1.792).

Conclusions

Living by roads with a day-evening-night noise level above 70 dBA exerts a small but tangible independent effect on the risks of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. It is urgent to propose mitigation measures against pollution and noise originating from vehicular traffic in order to reduce their impact, especially in the population younger than 60 years.

Association between Atrial Fibrillation Incidence and Temperatures, Wind Scale and Air Quality: An Exploratory Study for Shanghai and Kunming

As a common cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation has the characteristics of high morbidity, high disability, and high fatality rates, seriously endangering human health and sustainability. Some research has confirmed that environmental factors are related to the risk of illness and death from cardiovascular diseases (including atrial fibrillation), while there is still little comparison on the situation of the two cities in China. This research uses medical data in Shanghai and Kunming establishing, through two-step research, logistic models to compare the impacts on atrial fibrillation incidence to figure out the association between environmental factors (including air pollution, weather, temperature, and wind scales) and atrial fibrillation. Finally, this research shows that environmental impacts on atrial fibrillation prevalence have generality, regionality, and lagging characteristics. The result is significant for atrial fibrillation patients and provides a reliable medical theory basis for nursing measures. Besides, this research provides a prospective method of offering early warning for potential atrial fibrillation patients, helping to maintain human beings’ sustainable development.

Effects of air pollution particles (ultrafine and fine particulate matter) on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress - Implications for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases

Environmental pollution is a major cause of global mortality and burden of disease. All chemical pollution forms together may be responsible for up to 12 million annual excess deaths as estimated by the Lancet Commission on pollution and health as well as the World Health Organization. Ambient air pollution by particulate matter (PM) and ozone was found to be associated with an all-cause mortality rate of up to 9 million in the year 2015, with the majority being of cerebro- and cardiovascular nature (e.g. stroke and ischemic heart disease). Recent evidence suggests that exposure to airborne particles and gases contributes to and accelerates neurodegenerative diseases. Especially, airborne toxic particles contribute to these adverse health effects. Whereas it is well established that air pollution in the form of PM may lead to dysregulation of neurohormonal stress pathways and may trigger inflammation as well as oxidative stress, leading to secondary damage of cardiovascular structures, the mechanistic impact of PM-induced mitochondrial damage and dysfunction is not well established. With the present review we will discuss similarities between mitochondrial damage and dysfunction observed in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration as well as those adverse mitochondrial pathomechanisms induced by airborne PM.

Paraoxonase 3 gene polymorphisms are associated with occupational noise-induced deafness: A matched case-control study from China

Chronic exposure to noise is a detrimental environmental factor that can contribute to occupational noise-induced deafness (ONID) in industrial workers. ONID is caused by both environmental and genetic factors, and negatively impacts workers and manufacturing industries in China. Polymorphisms in the paraoxonase 2 gene (PON2) is associated with noise-induced hearing loss, and PON3 expression may modulate oxidative stress in cells and tissues by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species, which are prominent in ONID. We conducted a matched case-control study to investigate whether PON3 polymorphisms and activity were associated with susceptibility to ONID. We genotyped PON3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using Sanger sequencing and measured the plasma PON3 activity using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the potential risk factors of ONID. A total of 300 subjects were included (n = 150 ONID and n = 150 control cases) from October 2017 to October 2019. We identified two types of genotypes for the PON3 SNPs. The independent risk factors for ONID were genotype CT and allele C with Odd’s ratio (OR) = 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–3.84) and OR = 1.68 (95% CI: 1.06–2.66) for SNP rs11767787; AG and allele A with OR = 2.09 (95% CI: 1.25–3.47) and OR = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.19–2.93) for SNP rs13226149; and CT and allele T with OR = 2.59 (95% CI: 1.44–4.67) and OR = 1.95 (95% CI: 1.22–3.14) for SNP rs17882539, respectively. Furthermore, the plasma PON3 level (> 1504 U/L) was observed to be a protective factor associated with the lowest level of ONID (less than 991 U/L) after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.54). In conclusion, the PON3 polymorphisms rs11767787, rs13226149, and rs17882539 and plasma PON3 activity are associated with susceptibility to ONID in the Chinese population.

Ambient Air Pollution Increases the Risk of Cerebrovascular and Neuropsychiatric Disorders through Induction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Exposure to ambient air pollution is a well-established determinant of health and disease. The Lancet Commission on pollution and health concludes that air pollution is the leading environmental cause of global disease and premature death. Indeed, there is a growing body of evidence that links air pollution not only to adverse cardiorespiratory effects but also to increased risk of cerebrovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite being a relatively new area of investigation, overall, there is mounting recent evidence showing that exposure to multiple air pollutants, in particular to fine particles, may affect the central nervous system (CNS) and brain health, thereby contributing to increased risk of stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, cognitive dysfunction, neurodevelopmental disorders, depression and other related conditions. The underlying molecular mechanisms of susceptibility and disease remain largely elusive. However, emerging evidence suggests inflammation and oxidative stress to be crucial factors in the pathogenesis of air pollution-induced disorders, driven by the enhanced production of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species in response to exposure to various air pollutants. From a public health perspective, mitigation measures are urgent to reduce the burden of disease and premature mortality from ambient air pollution.