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

doi:10.1002/bies.202000288

Authors

Rebecca H. Morris

Serena J. Counsell

Imelda M. McGonnell

Claire Thornton

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