Abstract:
There is increased cardiovascular disease incidence attributed to ambient air pollution. It is
estimated that ischaemic heart disease and stroke account for 80% of ambient air pollutionrelated
early deaths. The most deleterious are the ultrafine particles (UFPs) which have more
prominent potential health threat, since they can act as carriers of other strong air pollutant
such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). UFPs are small in size, hence can easily
penetrate and reach cardiovascular tissues and organs. To understand their mechanisms,
studies on UFPs and PAHs induced cardiovascular diseases were reviewed. The studies showed
that UFPs and PAHs initiate events in atherogenesis including oxidative stress, expression
of cell adhesion molecules on the surface of the endothelium, inflammation, and endothelial
dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as
hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease.
The current review provides useful information on deleterious effect of UFP and PAH exposure
on cardiovascular system. Thus advancing knowledge on UFP and PAH toxicity underscores the
importance of the cardiovascular effects of air pollutants.
