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Title: Role of inflammation in cardiopulmonary health effects of PM

Journal Article · · Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [3];  [2]
  1. ELEGI Colt Laboratory, Wilkie Building, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH9 8AG, Scotland (United Kingdom)
  2. Cardiovascular Research, Division of Medical and Radiological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SU, Scotland (United Kingdom)
  3. Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP (United Kingdom)

The relationship between increased exposure to PM and adverse cardiovascular effects is well documented in epidemiological studies. Inflammation in the lungs, caused by deposited particles, can be seen as a key process that could mediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. There are at least three potential pathways that could lead from pulmonary inflammation to adverse cardiovascular effects. Firstly, inflammation in the lung could lead to systemic inflammation, which is well known to be linked to sudden death from cardiovascular causes. Systemic inflammation can lead to destabilization by activation of inflammatory processes in atheromatous plaques. Secondly, inflammation can cause an imbalance in coagulation factors that favor propagation of thrombi if thrombosis is initiated. Thirdly, inflammation could affect the autonomic nervous system activity in ways that could lead to alterations in the control of heart rhythm which could culminate in fatal dysrhythmia.

OSTI ID:
20721948
Journal Information:
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Vol. 207, Issue 2,suppl.1; Conference: ICT X 2004: 10. international congress of toxicology: Living in a safe chemical world, Tampere (Finland), 11-15 Jul 2004; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2005.02.020; PII: S0041-008X(05)00237-1; Copyright (c) 2005 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0041-008X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English