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Environmental pollution and asthma.
L Di Giampaolo1, C Quecchia, C Schiavone
1Immunotoxicology and Allergy Unit, Ageing Research Center, University of Chieti Foundation, Chieti, Italy. m.digioacchino@unich.it
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|February 19, 2011
Summary
Air pollution, including diesel exhaust particles and ozone, exacerbates respiratory allergies and asthma by promoting allergic sensitization and airway inflammation. Exposure to pollutants triggers asthma attacks and long-term lung function decline.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rising global rates of respiratory allergies and asthma correlate with increased pollution exposure.
- Asthma is a complex disease resulting from genetic and environmental interactions, with various phenotypes.
- Pollutants like diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and ozone (O3) significantly impact respiratory health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of environmental pollutants in allergic sensitization and asthma development.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which pollutants like DEP and O3 trigger asthma exacerbations.
- To understand the impact of particulate matter on airway inflammation and remodeling.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical evidence and epidemiological studies on pollution and respiratory diseases.
- Analysis of the immunological effects of diesel exhaust particles on immune cells.
- Examination of ozone's photochemical synthesis and its correlation with asthma hospital admissions.
Main Results:
- Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) promote allergic sensitization by influencing B and T cell responses (IgE and Th2 cytokines).
- Ozone (O3), a potent oxidant, is linked to increased hospital visits for acute asthma and bronchodilator use.
- Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into the airways, causing inflammation, edema, and bronchial lumen narrowing, leading to airway remodeling and reduced lung function.
Conclusions:
- Pollutants like DEP and O3 are significant environmental triggers for asthma and allergic respiratory diseases.
- Particulate matter plays a critical role in both acute asthma exacerbations and long-term respiratory functional decline.
- Understanding these pollutant-induced mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate asthma prevalence and severity.
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