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From Inhalation to Neurodegeneration: Air Pollution as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease
Jordi Olloquequi1,2, Roberto Díaz-Peña2,3, Ester Verdaguer4,5,6
1Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Physiology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Air pollution exposure is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Environmental factors like air quality are crucial for understanding and potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Air pollution is a significant public health issue linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Emerging research indicates a connection between air pollutant exposure and neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the composition and sources of air pollutants.
- To examine the mechanisms by which air pollutants impact brain health and contribute to neurodegeneration.
- To synthesize evidence linking air pollution to Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical (in vitro, animal models) and epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of air pollutant composition, sources, and pathways to the brain.
- Exploration of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation.
Main Results:
- Air pollutants can reach the brain and induce neurotoxicity.
- Molecular pathways like oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are implicated in air pollution-related neurodegeneration.
- Preclinical and epidemiological studies show associations between air pollution exposure and increased AD risk and cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Air pollution is a potential modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
- Environmental factors play a critical role in the etiology and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Addressing global air quality is essential for mitigating neurodegenerative disease burden.
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