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Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2021Air pollution is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which predispose to several chronic diseases in human. Emerging evidence suggests that the severity... (Review)
Review
Air pollution is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which predispose to several chronic diseases in human. Emerging evidence suggests that the severity and progression of osteoporosis are directly associated with inflammation induced by air pollutants like particulate matter (PM). This systematic review examined the relationship between PM and bone health or fractures. A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January until February 2021 using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases. Human cross-sectional, cohort and case-control studies were considered. Of the 1500 papers identified, 14 articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The air pollution index investigated by most studies were PM and PM. Current studies demonstrated inconsistent associations between PM and osteoporosis risk or fractures, which may partly due to the heterogeneity in subjects' characteristics, study design and analysis. In conclusion, there is an inconclusive relationship between osteoporosis risk and fracture and PM exposures which require further validation.
PubMed: 34194253
DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S316429 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2021Despite the widely-known effects of air pollution, pollutants exposure surrounding pregnancy and the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in newborns remains... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite the widely-known effects of air pollution, pollutants exposure surrounding pregnancy and the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in newborns remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analyses of the risk of ASD in newborns following air pollution exposure during the perinatal period (preconception to second year of life). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and ScienceDirect databases were searched for articles, published up to July 2020, with the keywords "air pollution" and "autism". Three models were used for each meta-analysis: a global model based on all risks listed in included articles, a pessimistic model based on less favorable data only, and an optimistic model based on the most favorable data only. 28 studies corresponding to a total of 758 997 newborns were included (47190 ASD and 703980 controls). Maternal exposure to all pollutants was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns by 3.9% using the global model and by 12.3% using the optimistic model, while the pessimistic model found no change. Each increase of 5 μg/m in particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns, regardless of the model used (global +7%, pessimistic +5%, optimistic +15%). This risk increased during preconception (global +17%), during pregnancy (global +5%, and optimistic +16%), and during the postnatal period (global +11% and optimistic +16%). Evidence levels were poor for other pollutants (PM10, NOx, O3, metals, solvents, styrene, PAHs, pesticides). PM2.5 was associated with a greater risk than PM10 (coefficient 0.20, 95CI -0.02 to 0.42), NOx (0.29, 0.08 to 0.50) or solvents (0.24, 0.04 to 0.44). All models revealed that exposure to pollutants, notably PM2.5 during pregnancy, was associated with an increased risk of ASD in newborns. Pregnancy and postnatal periods seem to be the most at-risk periods.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Exposure; Particulate Matter; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33714060
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116856 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Dec 2021Some studies have shown that environmental risk factors, including air pollution, might be related to the incidence or recurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS). This... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Some studies have shown that environmental risk factors, including air pollution, might be related to the incidence or recurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS). This systematic review was conducted to investigate the relation between air pollution and MS.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, and Web of Science; until January 2020 with no restrictions. The search strategy was conducted with air pollution key words such as CO, PM, PM, SO, and NO, for exposure and the key word "Multiple sclerosis" as the outcome.
RESULTS
Eventually, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 articles were included. The methodologies and outcomes reported were heterogeneous and different metrics had been used in the results; therefore conducting a meta-analysis was not possible. Eight studies had analyzed the relation between particulate matter (PM) and the prevalence or relapse of MS and had observed a significant relation. NO and NOx were associated with recurrence or prevalence of MS in three studies. But, in three cohort studies, no association was observed between air pollution and recurrence or occurrence of MS.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this systematic review show that outdoor air pollution, especially PM and nitrogen oxides might be related to the prevalence or relapse of MS.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 34821118
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0079 -
Ageing Research Reviews Dec 2021Dementia is a challenging neurodegenerative disease. This systematic review aimed to summarize natural, physical, and social environmental factors that are associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dementia is a challenging neurodegenerative disease. This systematic review aimed to summarize natural, physical, and social environmental factors that are associated with age-related cognitive impairment and dementia.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychINFO till January 11, 2021 for observational studies. The hazard ratio (HR), relative risk (RR), and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were aggregated using random-effects methods. The quality of evidence for each association was evaluated.
RESULTS
Of the 48,399 publications identified, there were 185 suitable for review across 44 environmental factors. Meta-analyses were performed for 22 factors. With high-to-moderate quality of evidence, risks were suggested in exposure to PM (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.17-1.31), NO (HR=1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.12), aluminum (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.14-1.59), solvents (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.07-1.22), road proximity (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.04-1.12) and other air pollutions, yet more frequent social contact (HR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.76-0.90) and more greenness (OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.95-0.995) were protective. With low-to-very low quality, electromagnetic fields, pesticides, SO, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and rural living were suggested risks, but more community cultural engagement might be protective. No significant associations were observed in exposure to PM, NO, noise, silicon, community group, and temperature. For the remaining 22 factors, only a descriptive analysis was undertaken as too few studies or lack of information.
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights that air pollutions, especially PM and NO play important role in the risk for age-related cognitive impairment and dementia.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 34755643
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101504 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews May 2022Early life exposure to air pollution has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging evidence are highlighting a possible impact of air pollution on... (Review)
Review
Early life exposure to air pollution has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging evidence are highlighting a possible impact of air pollution on typically developing children. Thirty papers were included in this review to systematically evaluate the association between air pollutants exposure in prenatal and/or postnatal periods and specific neurodevelopmental skills (i.e. intellective functioning, memory and learning, attention and executive functions, verbal language, numeric ability and motor and/or sensorimotor functions) in preschool- and school-age children. Detrimental effects of air pollutants on children's neurodevelopmental skills were observed, although they do not show clinically relevant performance deficits. The most affected domains were global intellective functioning and attention/executive functions. The pollutants that seem to represent the greatest risk are PM2.5, NO₂ and PAHs. Prenatal exposure is primarily associated with child neurodevelopment at pre-school and school ages. Early exposure to air pollutants is related to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in the general population of children. Further research is needed to support stronger conclusions.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Child; Child, Preschool; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Particulate Matter; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35331818
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104623 -
Environmental Research May 2021Air pollution is a major public health threat. The present study is the first systematic review (SR) to determine the association of exposure to air pollution and... (Review)
Review
Air pollution is a major public health threat. The present study is the first systematic review (SR) to determine the association of exposure to air pollution and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Progression. A Literature search was carried out using relevant keywords within several international databases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out systematically and yielded 24 eligible studies concerning the relationship of exposure to air pollution including criteria air pollutants such as particulate matter, NOx and SOx, CO, traffic noise, etc. and MS disease. The results of the included studies reveal that there was a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and MS development and progression. Although the effect of air pollution in the pathogenesis of MS is notfully known, according to the results of the included studies exposure to polluted air can stimulate several mechanisms that act as risk factors for developing MS and for having disease relapses or neurological disability. The major potential mechanism is Dysimmune inflammatory responses subsequent oxidative stress (OS), which leads to neuroinflammation and breakdown of the normal balance between immunity and self-tolerance. Air pollutants induce and sustain chemical reactions that produce reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and nitrogen reactive species (RNSs) which can initiate inflammatory cascades via the redox-sensitive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB that recruit and activate neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells that stimulate the adaptive immune responses such as Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses. The uncontrolled inflammatory responses following these events cause cell death and the release of self-antigens capable of stimulating the production of auto-aggressive T-cells via enhancing antigen presentation and facilitate entry of these cells to the central nervous system. Thus, oxidative stress is the culprit in the systemic inflammation and immune imbalance development and progression, powerful risk factors in MS.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Central Nervous System; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 33129851
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110386 -
Neurology Jan 2023Studies of association between air pollution and incidence of dementia have shown discrepant results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between air... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Studies of association between air pollution and incidence of dementia have shown discrepant results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between air pollution and dementia.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched and updated in August 2021. Population-based cohort studies that reported on hazard ratio (HR) of dementia in association with exposure to fine particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), or ozone (O) in those aged >40 years were included. Data were extracted by 2 independent investigators. The main outcome was the pooled HR for dementia per increment of pollutant, calculated using a random-effects model. Results were reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020219036).
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic review, and 17 provided data for the meta-analysis. The total included population was 91,391,296, with 5,521,111 (6%) being diagnosed with dementia. A total of 12, 5, 6, and 4 studies were included in the meta-analyses of PM, NO, NO, and O, respectively. The risk of dementia increased by 3% per 1 μg/m increment in PM (HR, 1.03; 95% CI [1.02-1.05]; I = 100%). The association between dementia per 10 μg/m increment in NO (HR, 1.05; 95% CI [0.99-1.13]; I = 61%), NO (HR, 1.03; 95% CI [1.00-1.07]; I = 94%), and O levels (HR, 1.01; 95% CI [0.91-1.11]; I = 82%) was less clear, although a significant association could not be ruled out, and there was high heterogeneity across studies.
DISCUSSION
Existing evidence suggests a significant association between exposure to PM and incidence of dementia and nonsignificant association between dementia and NO, NO, and O exposure. However, results should be interpreted in light of the small number of studies and high heterogeneity of effects across studies.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Incidence; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Dementia
PubMed: 36288998
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000201419 -
Neurology Nov 2023Approximately 5 million fatalities occur annually due to stroke, along with its substantial effects on patient well-being and functional impairment. Research has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Approximately 5 million fatalities occur annually due to stroke, along with its substantial effects on patient well-being and functional impairment. Research has established a connection between extended exposure to air pollutants and ischemic stroke. However, the link between short-term exposure to air pollutants and stroke remains less definitive.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted on MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Sciences databases up until February 2023, without any language restrictions. The inclusion criteria encompassed observational or interventional studies that examined the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollutants (carbon monoxide [CO], sulfur dioxide [SO], nitrogen dioxide [NO], ozone [O]) and particulate matter with diameters of less than 1 µm, less than 2.5 µm, or less than 10 µm (PM, PM, and PM), with the incidence and mortality of ischemic stroke. Short-term exposure was defined as exposure occurring within 5 days of the onset of stroke.
RESULTS
A total of 18,035,408 cases of ischemic stroke were included in the analysis, derived from 110 observational studies. Asia accounted for most included studies, representing 58.8% of the total. By contrast, Europe and the Americas contributed 24.6% and 16.7% of the studies, respectively. Notably, none of the included studies were conducted in Africa. Stroke incidence was significantly associated with an increase in the concentration of NO (RR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.21-1.36), O (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.03-1.07), CO (RR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.21-1.32), SO (RR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.11-1.19), PM (RR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.06-1.12), PM (RR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.13-1.17), and PM (RR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.12-1.16). Moreover, an increase in the concentration of NO (RR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.07-1.65), SO (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.05-2.44), PM (RR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.04-1.15), and PM (RR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04) was associated with an increase in stroke mortality.
DISCUSSION
There is a strong and significant correlation between gaseous and particulate air pollutants and the occurrence and mortality rates of stroke. This close temporal association underscores the importance of implementing global initiatives to develop policies aimed at reducing air pollution. By doing so, alleviate the burden of ischemic stroke and its consequences.
Topics: Humans; Ischemic Stroke; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Stroke
PubMed: 37758483
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207856 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Jan 2024Influenza is the first infectious disease that implements global monitoring and is one of the major public health issues in the world. Air pollutants have become an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Influenza is the first infectious disease that implements global monitoring and is one of the major public health issues in the world. Air pollutants have become an important global public health issue, in recent years, and much epidemiological and clinical evidence has shown that air pollutants are associated with respiratory diseases.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched articles published up to 15 November 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Database of Chinese sci-tech periodicals, and Wanfang Database. The search strategies were based on keyword combinations related to influenza and air pollutants. The air pollutants included particulate matter (PM, PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O). Meta-analysis was performed using the R programming language (R4.2.1).
RESULTS
A total of 2926 records were identified and 1220 duplicates were excluded. Finally, 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We observed a significant association between partial air pollutants (PM, NO, PM and SO) and the incidence risk of influenza. The RRs were 1.0221 (95% CI: 1.0093~1.0352), 1.0395 (95% CI: 1.0131~1.0666), 1.007 (95% CI: 1.0009~1.0132), and 1.0352 (95% CI. 1.0076~1.0635), respectively. However, there was no significant relationship between CO and O exposure and influenza, and the RRs were 1.2272 (95% CI: 0.9253~1.6275) and 1.0045 (95% CI: 0.9930~1.0160), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Exposure to PM, NO, PM, and SO was significantly associated with influenza, which may be risk factors for influenza. The association of CO and O with influenza needs further investigation.
PubMed: 38694869
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14678 -
Environmental Research Dec 2023Recent studies have indicated that air pollution (AP) has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases such as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The purpose of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Recent studies have indicated that air pollution (AP) has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases such as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to AP on SSHL incidence. Valid electronic databases were searched to retrieve studies published until December 1, 2022, using appropriate keywords. The result of the search was 1146 studies, and after screening according to the defined criteria, in total 8 studies were obtained. The risk of bias (ROB) in the studies and their quality were assessed. Finally, the meta-analysis with a significance level of 5% was performed. The findings revealed that the mean level of SO, CO, NO, and PM in the patient group was more than that of the control group, and p-values were 0.879, 0.144, 0.077, and 0.138, respectively. There was an indirect relation between air pollutants and SSHL, and PM showed a significant effect (p < 0.05). Given the limited research and the use of different statistical methods, more research is suggested to confirm this association and to determine the mechanisms by which AP exposure may cause SSHL.
Topics: Humans; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
PubMed: 37838197
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117392