A study recently published in JAAC CardioOncology reviewed preclinical and epidemiological evidence showing an association between air pollution and cardiac oncology.
study: Uncovering the Air Pollution and Environmental Link in Cardio-Oncology: JACC: Current Trends in Cardio-Oncology ReviewImage credit: Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com
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Cancer treatments have significantly improved patient survival rates, but as cancer patients live longer, chronic health conditions have emerged.
Cardio-oncology refers to the research and clinical practice of predicting, preventing, and treating cardiotoxicity due to cancer treatment. Cardio-oncology has expanded over time to include the multifaceted and bidirectional link between cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Air pollution has emerged as an environmental risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is thought to be involved in oxidative stress, immune responses, and metabolic remodeling, which may amplify the effects of risk factors.
Although air pollution is recognized as a risk factor for CVD and cancer, little attention has been paid to its role in cardio-oncology. In this study, we reviewed the evidence linking cancer and CVD, with a specific emphasis on the impact of air pollution on cardio-oncology.
Air pollution, cancer, and CVD
Exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 (PM2.5Air pollution has been linked to arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks. Air pollution is also linked to cancer, especially lung cancer. The Global Burden of Disease Study found that PM pollutants contribute to more than 15% of lung cancer deaths worldwide.
With an increasing number of cancer survivors, the prevalence of cancer and CVD comorbidity is soaring. Studies have shown that cancer patients are at higher risk for CVD and heart failure patients are at higher risk for cancer. Through their literature search, the authors identified eight studies that investigated the effect of air pollution on cancer in CVD cohorts and the effect of air pollution on CVD in cancer cohorts.
Three studies suggested that increased cardiopulmonary disease and CVD mortality were attributable to PM.2.5 Two studies also reported increased incidence of PM and CVD.2.5 and Prime MinisterTenThis is especially true in breast cancer.
Finally, three studies found that NOX Incidence of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP)-associated cancers in patients with CVD.
Impact of air pollution on cancer and CVD risk factors
The relationship between air pollution and obesity risk has been studied across life stages: a randomized controlled trial showed a small reduction in body mass index (BMI) in 23-month-old infants whose mothers used high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters;
Furthermore, a Spanish study found that prenatal and postnatal exposure to PM2.5,afternoonTenand NO2 It was associated with small changes in BMI over the first 5 years of life.
A cross-sectional study of children aged 6–17 years found that every 10 μg/m was associated with a 10% increase in the incidence of obesity.3 Increase in PM2.5A systematic review found an 8% to 10% increase in risk of diabetes for every 10 μg/m .3 Increase in PM2.5.
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes and also with an increased risk of diabetes in the fetus.
In addition, short-term or long-term PM2.5 Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to high blood pressure.2.5 Air pollution exposure increased the transition from prehypertension to hypertension, CVD, and mortality. Exposure to air pollution may accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis.
Several studies have shown that PM exposure and2.5 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
Shared genes and molecular pathways
Oxidative stress and inflammation exhibit causal relationships and interact with other factors to affect carcinogenesis and the cardiovascular system.
Various air pollutants can breach the respiratory barrier and be deposited in the alveoli, causing systemic effects, local inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to oxidative injury and inflammatory dysregulation, leading to cardiovascular damage and cancer predisposition.
Inflammation and reactive oxygen species play important roles in tumor growth and metastasis. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the main organic components of PM,2.5PM is said to be associated with lung cancer.2.5 Includes several types of carcinogens and mutagens that form DNA adducts.
This can lead to genetic instability, transcriptional changes, and epigenetic modifications. PM2.5 Exposure has been shown to induce dose-dependent changes in DNA damage-related gene expression.
Conclusion
Overall, the health effects of air pollution vary among individuals and geographic regions, resulting in diverse outcomes. Although evidence is emerging for an association between air pollution and cardio-oncology, several gaps and limitations remain.
Variations in residential history and time-activity patterns may lead to inaccurate data related to air pollution exposure. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the carcinogenic potential of air pollution.
