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Neurotoxicology May 2023As the amount of air pollution and human exposure has increased, the effects on human health have become an important public health issue. A field of growing interest is... (Review)
Review
As the amount of air pollution and human exposure has increased, the effects on human health have become an important public health issue. A field of growing interest is how air pollution exposure affects brain structure and function underlying cognitive deficits and if structural and connectivity changes mediate the relationship between the two. We conducted a systematic review to examine the literature on air pollution, brain structure and connectivity, and cognition studies. Eleven studies matched our inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Results suggest significant associations between air pollution and decreased volumes of specific brain structures, cortical thickness and surface area such as in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe, as well as the weakening of functional connectivity pathways, largely the Default Mode (DMN) and Frontal Parietal (FPN) networks, as detected by fMRI. Associations between air pollution and cognitive outcomes were found in most of the studies (n = 9), though some studies showed stronger associations than others. For children & adolescents, these deficiencies largely involved heavy reasoning, problem solving, and logic. For young and middle-aged adults, the associations were mostly seen for executive function and visuospatial cognitive domains. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to consolidate findings on the associations among air pollution, brain structure, and cognitive function. In the future, it will be important to conduct further longitudinal studies that follow children who have been exposed at a young age and examine associations with brain structure and cognition throughout adulthood.
Topics: Adult; Middle Aged; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Brain; Cognition Disorders; Cognition; Air Pollution; Brain Mapping; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37001821
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.03.006 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2020Ambient air pollution has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly. However, its effects on AD have not been meta-analyzed comprehensively. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ambient air pollution has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the elderly. However, its effects on AD have not been meta-analyzed comprehensively.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the associations between air pollution and AD incidence.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Web of Science for indexed publications up to March 2020. Odds risk (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for particulate matter (PM)10 (PM10), PM2.5, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The subgroup analysis was conducted based on the pollution levels.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis and review. The OR per 10μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 was 1.95 (95% CI: 0.88-4.30). The corresponding values per 10μg/m3 increment of other pollutants were 1.03 (95% CI: 0.68-1.57) for O3, 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89-1.13) for NO2, and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99) for PM10 (only one study), respectively. Overall OR of the five air pollutants above with AD was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09-1.61), suggesting a positive association between ambient air pollution and AD incidence. The sub-analysis indicated that the OR (2.20) in heavily polluted regions was notably higher than that in lightly polluted regions (1.06). Although AD risk rate data related to SO2 or CO exposure are still limited, the epidemiologic and toxicological evidence indicated that higher concentration of SO2 or CO exposure increased risks of dementia, implying that SO2 or CO might have a potential impact on AD.
CONCLUSION
Air pollution exposure may exacerbate AD development.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Alzheimer Disease; Case-Control Studies; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Particulate Matter; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 32741830
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-200483 -
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 -
Fertility and Sterility Sep 2016Exposure to air pollution has been clearly associated with a range of adverse health effects, including reproductive toxicity, but its effects on male semen quality are... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Exposure to air pollution has been clearly associated with a range of adverse health effects, including reproductive toxicity, but its effects on male semen quality are still unclear. We performed a systematic review (up to June 2016) to assess the impact of air pollutants on sperm quality. We included 17 semi-ecological, panel, and cohort studies, assessing outdoor air pollutants, such as PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2, and O3, and their effects on DNA fragmentation, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Thirteen studies assessed air pollution exposure measured environmentally, and six used biomarkers of air pollution exposure (two did both). We rated the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and assessed with the exposure method. Taking into account these factors and the number of studies finding significant results (positive or negative), the evidence supporting an effect of air pollution on DNA fragmentation is weak but suggestive, on sperm motility is limited and probably inexistent, on lower sperm count is inconclusive, and on sperm morphology is very suggestive. Because of the diversity of air pollutants and sperm parameters, and the studies' designs, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. In summary, most studies concluded that outdoor air pollution affects at least one of the four semen quality parameters included in the review. However, results lack consistency, and furthermore, studies were not comparable. Studies using standardized air pollution and semen measures are required to obtain more reliable conclusions.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42015007175.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; DNA Fragmentation; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Monitoring; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Paternal Exposure; Reproduction; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 27565259
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.022 -
Journal of Epidemiology and Community... Jan 2014Studies have linked air pollution with the incidence of acute coronary artery events and cardiovascular mortality but the association with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Studies have linked air pollution with the incidence of acute coronary artery events and cardiovascular mortality but the association with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is less clear.
AIM
To examine the association of air pollution with the occurrence of OHCA.
METHODS
Electronic bibliographic databases (until February 2013) were searched. Search terms included common air pollutants and OHCA. Studies of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and OHCA not attended by paramedics were excluded. Two independent reviewers (THKT and TAW) identified potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Of 849 studies, 8 met the selection criteria. Significant associations between particulate matter (PM) exposure (especially PM(2.5)) and OHCA were found in 5 studies. An increase of OHCA risk ranged from 2.4% to 7% per interquartile increase in average PM exposure on the same day and up to 4 days prior to the event. A large study found ozone increased the risk of OHCA within 3 h prior to the event. The strongest risk OR of 3.8-4.6% per 20 parts per billion ozone increase of the average level was within 2 h prior to the event. Similarly, another study found an increased risk of 18% within 2 days prior to the event.
CONCLUSIONS
Larger studies have suggested an increased risk of OHCA with air pollution exposure from PM(2.5) and ozone.
Topics: Air Pollution; Databases, Bibliographic; Humans; Incidence; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest; Ozone; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 24101168
DOI: 10.1136/jech-2013-203116 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2020There are inconsistent reports on the association between air pollution and cancers. This systematic review was, therefore, conducted to ascertain the relationship... (Review)
Review
There are inconsistent reports on the association between air pollution and cancers. This systematic review was, therefore, conducted to ascertain the relationship between air pollution and some cancers. This is a systematic review study, which all articles published in this area were extracted from January 1, 1950 to December 31, 2018 from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google scholar. Searching was performed independently by two search-method experts. The required data were extracted from the articles by an author-made questionnaire. Forty-eight articles were investigated. Evidence linking air pollution to some cancers is limited. Leukemia had the highest association with exposure to various air pollutants and bladder cancer had the lowest association. It is noteworthy that the specific type of pollutants in all studies was not specified. Based on the findings, the results are contradictory, and the role of air pollution in some cancers cannot be supported. Accordingly, studies are recommended to be performed at the individual level or multifactorial studies to specifically investigate the relationship between air pollution and these types of cancers. In this way, the role of air pollution in the incidence of these cancers can be determined more accurately.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 32767014
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10377-z -
Environmental Research Jul 2022There is an increasing interest in understanding whether air pollutants modify the quantitative relationships between temperature and health outcomes. The results of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
There is an increasing interest in understanding whether air pollutants modify the quantitative relationships between temperature and health outcomes. The results of available studies were, however, inconsistent. This study aims to sum up the current evidence and provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
METHODS
We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The modified Navigation Guide was applied to evaluate the quality and strength of evidence. We calculated pooled temperature-related mortality at low and high pollutant levels respectively, using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
We identified 22 eligible studies, eleven of which were included in the meta-analysis. Significant effect modification was observed on heat effects for all-cause and non-accidental mortality by particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM) and ozone (O) (p < 0.05). The excess risks (ERs) for all-cause and non-accidental mortality were 5.4% (4.4%, 6.4%) and 6.3% (4.8%, 7.8%) at the low PM level, 8.8% (7.5%, 10.1%) and 11.4% (8.7%, 14.2%) at the high PM level, respectively. As for O, the ERs for all-cause and non-accidental mortality were 5.1% (3.9%, 6.3%) and 3.6% (0.1%, 7.2%) at the low O level, 7.6% (6.3%, 9.0%) and 12.5% (4.7%, 20.9%) at the high O level, respectively. Surprisingly, the heat effects on cardiovascular mortality were found to be lower at high carbon monoxide (CO) levels [ERs = 5.4% (3.9%, 6.9%)] than that at low levels [ERs = 9.4% (7.0%, 11.9%)]. The heterogeneity varied, but the results of sensitivity analyses were generally robust. Significant effect modification by air pollutants was not observed for heatwave or cold effects.
CONCLUSIONS
PM and O modify the heat-related all-cause and non-accidental mortality, indicating that policymakers should consider air pollutants when establishing heat-health warning systems. Future studies with comparable designs and settings are needed.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Nitrogen Dioxide; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Temperature
PubMed: 35181304
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112898 -
JAMA Feb 2012Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may trigger myocardial infarction (MI), but this association remains unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may trigger myocardial infarction (MI), but this association remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and quantify the association between short-term exposure to major air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter ≤10 μm [PM(10)] and ≤2.5 μm [PM(2.5)] in diameter) on MI risk.
DATA SOURCES
EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE in-process and other nonindexed citations, and Ovid MEDLINE (between 1948 and November 28, 2011), and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (between 2005 and November 28, 2011) were searched for a combination of keywords related to the type of exposure (air pollution, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, PM(10), and PM(2.5)) and to the type of outcome (MI, heart attack, acute coronary syndrome).
STUDY SELECTION
Two independent reviewers selected studies of any study design and in any language, using original data and investigating the association between short-term exposure (for up to 7 days) to 1 or more air pollutants and subsequent MI risk. Selection was performed from abstracts and titles and pursued by reviewing the full text of potentially eligible studies.
DATA EXTRACTION
Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted from each selected study. Using a random effects model, relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated for each increment of 10 μg/m(3) in pollutant concentration, with the exception of carbon monoxide, for which an increase of 1 mg/m(3) was considered.
DATA SYNTHESIS
After a detailed screening of 117 studies, 34 studies were identified. All the main air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, were significantly associated with an increase in MI risk (carbon monoxide: 1.048; 95% CI, 1.026-1.070; nitrogen dioxide: 1.011; 95% CI, 1.006-1.016; sulfur dioxide: 1.010; 95% CI, 1.003-1.017; PM(10): 1.006; 95% CI, 1.002-1.009; and PM(2.5): 1.025; 95% CI, 1.015-1.036). For ozone, the RR was 1.003 (95% CI, 0.997-1.010; P = .36). Subgroup analyses provided results comparable with those of the overall analyses. Population attributable fractions ranged between 0.6% and 4.5%, depending on the air pollutant.
CONCLUSION
All the main air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, were significantly associated with a near-term increase in MI risk.
Topics: Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Risk
PubMed: 22337682
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.126 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023We report results of a systematic review on the health effects of long-term traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and diabetes in the adult population. An expert Panel... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We report results of a systematic review on the health effects of long-term traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and diabetes in the adult population. An expert Panel appointed by the Health Effects Institute conducted this systematic review. We searched the PubMed and LUDOK databases for epidemiological studies from 1980 to July 2019. TRAP was defined based on a comprehensive protocol. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Confidence assessments were based on a modified Office for Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) approach, complemented with a broader narrative synthesis. We extended our interpretation to include evidence published up to May 2022. We considered 21 studies on diabetes. All meta-analytic estimates indicated higher diabetes risks with higher exposure. Exposure to NO was associated with higher diabetes prevalence (RR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.17 per 10 μg/m), but less pronounced for diabetes incidence (RR 1.04; 95% CI: 0.96; 1.13 per 10 μg/m). The overall confidence in the evidence was rated moderate, strengthened by the addition of 5 recently published studies. There was moderate evidence for an association of long-term TRAP exposure with diabetes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Environmental Exposure; Diabetes Mellitus; Incidence; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 37325174
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605718 -
Life Sciences Feb 2019This review aims to systematically review and synthesize scientific evidence for the influence of air pollution exposure and outdoor exercise on health. We conducted a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This review aims to systematically review and synthesize scientific evidence for the influence of air pollution exposure and outdoor exercise on health. We conducted a literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science for articles that evaluated the combination effect of air pollution exposure and exercise on health. Questionnaires regarding exposure history, or studies examining indoor air pollution were excluded. Each included study needs to have clear exercise intervention plan. The pooled estimates of the combination effect of air pollution exposure and outdoor exercise on health were calculated in the meta-analysis. The quality of each included study was assessed and the quality of evidence for each outcome assessed in the meta-analysis was also measured. Twenty-five studies were identified. Six studies addressed ozone exposure, four diesel exhaust exposure, six traffic-related air pollution, ten particulate matter (PM) exposure. Only peak expiratory flow (effect size [ES] = -0.238, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.389, -0.088) was found to be significantly decreased after exercise intervention in a polluted environment in the meta-analysis. Seven studies reported exposure to air pollutant during exercise was associated with an increased risk of airway inflammation and decrements in pulmonary function. Six studies discovered that exposure of traffic pollution or high PM during exercise may contribute to changes in blood pressure, systemic conduit artery function and micro-vascular function. The combination effect of air pollution and exercise was found to be associated with the increased risk of potential health problems of cardiopulmonary function, immune function, and exercise performance.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Exercise; Humans; Pneumonia
PubMed: 30582950
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.036