Inflammatory and immunological changes caused by noise exposure: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Immunology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Increasing industrialization and device use generate high noise levels, necessitating research into their health effects.
• The immune system's role in combating pathogens makes understanding environmental impacts crucial.
• Harmful physical factors like noise pollution require careful consideration for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the scientific literature on the effects of noise exposure on the immune system.
• To identify the mechanisms through which noise pollution may influence immune function.
• To synthesize current evidence regarding noise-induced immune system alterations.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
• 811 potentially relevant studies were identified, with 32 English-written articles selected for inclusion.
• The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool was employed for systematic review methodology.

Main Results:

• Noise exposure was found to affect immune system function and its components.
• Noise impacts immune function indirectly by affecting the central nervous system, auditory system, circulatory system, and endocrine glands.
• Noise may influence the immune system through the production of NADPH oxidase (Nox) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Conclusions:

• Noise pollution poses a significant threat to immune system integrity.
• Interference with multiple physiological systems by noise contributes to immune dysregulation.
• Oxidative stress, mediated by Nox and ROS, is a potential mechanism linking noise exposure to immune impairment.