Early life exposure to air pollution impacts neuronal and glial cell function leading to impaired neurodevelopment

Morris, Rebecca H.; Counsell, Serena J.; McGonnell, Imelda M.; Thornton, Claire

Abstract

The World Health Organisation recently listed air pollution as the most significant threat to human health. Air pollution comprises particulate matter (PM), metals, black carbon and gases such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO). In addition to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, PM exposure is linked with increased risk of neurodegeneration as well as neurodevelopmental impairments. Critically, studies suggest that PM crosses the placenta, making direct in utero exposure a reality. Rodent models reveal that neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance and oxidative stress are triggered following gestational/early life exposure to PM, and may be exacerbated by concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction. Gestational PM exposure (potentiated by mitochondrial impairment in the metabolically active neonatal brain) not only impacts neurodevelopment but may sensitise the brain to subsequent cognitive impairment. Having reviewed this field, we conclude that strategies are urgently required to reduce exposure to PM during this sensitive developmental period.

Citation

Morris, R. H., Counsell, S. J., McGonnell, I. M., & Thornton, C. (in press). Early life exposure to air pollution impacts neuronal and glial cell function leading to impaired neurodevelopment. BioEssays, 2000288. https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.202000288

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 23, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 9, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 22, 2021
• Journal: BioEssays
• Print ISSN: 0265-9247
• Electronic ISSN: 1521-1878
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 2000288
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.202000288
• Keywords: General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1444308