Air pollution episodes are related to increased cardio-respiratory mortality and morbidity. Emerging evidence also suggest links between air pollution exposures and neurorological disorders (e.g Alzheimers, Parkinson), gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. IBD) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (e,g. low birth weight) among others. The air pollutant mix consists of gaseous (e.g. ozone, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen) fraction and particulate matter (PM). Ambient air PM is composed of different size modes (PM10, PM2.5 and UFP). Toxicology studies are required to gain clarity on air pollutant exposure- driven toxicity pathways. We have conducted in vivo animal exposure (nose-only exposure) and human exposure studies in the interest of understanding air pollution exposure-related toxicity pathways. In vivo animal exposure experiments identified air pollutant-specific oxidative stress mechanisms and down-stream vascular effects (e.g endothelinergic system changes) as related to cardiovascular effects. Similarly, we observed air pollutant exposure-related changes in oxidative stress, vascular and inflammatory markers in healthy humans. We also observed that some of these effects can be modified by intervention strategies (e.g. antioxidant mimic). In addition, our results also showed that PM size and composition can act as key potency determinants. Studies are underway to gain insight into toxicity pathways in air pollution exposure-related adverse pregnancy outcomes to explore causal links in vulnerable populations.

TASME July 1-2 2023