Ambient PM_2.5 exposure, physical activity, and cardiovascular dysfunction: Analysis of CHARLS data and experimental...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Toxicology

Background:

• Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a known cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor.
• Molecular mechanisms linking PM2.5 exposure to CVD are not fully understood.
• The cardioprotective role of physical activity against PM2.5 harm requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between long-term PM2.5 exposure, physical activity, and cardiovascular health.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced cardiovascular damage and the mitigating effects of physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological analysis of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data.
• Experimental study using C57BL/6 male mice exposed to PM2.5 or filtered air (FA) under regular physical activity or sedentary conditions for 2-6 months.
• Biochemical assays, lipidomics, and proteomics analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Long-term PM2.5 exposure significantly increased CVD risk; physical activity showed protective effects, partially mitigating PM2.5's adverse impacts on heart disease and dyslipidemia.
• PM2.5-exposed mice exhibited elevated blood pressure, disrupted adipokine and lipid profiles, and mitochondrial damage, all partially ameliorated by physical activity.
• PM2.5 disrupted lipid metabolism and protein regulatory pathways; physical activity mitigated these through modulation of lipid metabolism, coagulation, and immune responses.

Conclusions:

• Regular physical activity is crucial for cardiovascular health and can partially counteract the detrimental effects of PM2.5 exposure.
• Findings highlight the importance of integrating physical activity into public health strategies for CVD prevention.
• Prioritizing PM2.5 reduction measures remains essential for mitigating cardiovascular disease burden.