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Review
. 2012 Feb 5;208(3):293-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.11.008. Epub 2011 Nov 18.

Direct and indirect effects of particulate matter on the cardiovascular system

Timothy D Nelin  1 , Allan M Joseph, Matthew W Gorr, Loren E Wold
Affiliations
Review

Direct and indirect effects of particulate matter on the cardiovascular system

Timothy D Nelin et al. Toxicol Lett. .

Abstract

Human exposure to particulate matter (PM) elicits a variety of responses on the cardiovascular system through both direct and indirect pathways. Indirect effects of PM on the cardiovascular system are mediated through the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate variability, and inflammatory responses, which augment acute cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis. Recent research demonstrates that PM also affects the cardiovascular system directly by entry into the systemic circulation. This process causes myocardial dysfunction through mechanisms of reactive oxygen species production, calcium ion interference, and vascular dysfunction. In this review, we will present key evidence in both the direct and indirect pathways, suggest clinical applications of the current literature, and recommend directions for future research.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the pathways by which particulate matter promotes acute cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis. Mechanisms can be broadly divided into direct and indirect pathways.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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