The Impact of Air Pollution on Cardiopulmonary Health: Molecular Mechanisms and Preventive Strategies

Pollution has been rising as an important environmental factor that contribute to the overall cardiopulmonary health. This work aims to establish how different degrees of air pollution affect people’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the molecular processes involved and possible mitigation measures. Altogether, 300 subjects, 30 to 65 years old, from two cities with different levels of air pollution were enrolled. High pollution group volunteers’ average PM2.5 concentration was >50µg/m³, while for low pollution group volunteers it was <20µg/m³. Exposure to air pollution was measured by stationary and portable air monitors installed for six consecutive months. Blood plasma as well as exhaled breath condensate levels of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were assayed. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiological evaluations were done. It was also demonstrated that the high-pollution group had lower FEV1 and FVC statistically significant compared to the low-pollution group. MDA, 8-OHdG, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP in the high-pollution group were higher than in the low-pollutant group, suggesting greater oxidative stress and inflammation. Further, the participants in the high-pollution area had decreased heart rate variability and elevated blood pressure, signs of cardiovascular dysfunction. This study reveals that high levels of air pollution is hazardous to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The results of the study suggest that there is a critical need for sound policies and measures on the improvement of air quality as well as the health of the people.