Environmental Pollution and Asthma

Francisco-Javier      Gonzalez-Barcala; Cristina      Martinez; Jose-D.      Moure-Gonzalez; Maria      Pintos; Pablo      Martin-Lancharro; Luis      Valdes

Abstract

Different environmental factors can have an effect on the development of asthma, as well as on its clinical expression. The main sources of environmental pollution are the burning of fossil fuels in the combustion engines of different means of transport, in industry and in heating, as well as the biomass used for cooking and heating. Also contributing to this complex mixture is the dust generated by traffic on road surfaces, or substances arising from the degradation of vehicle parts, such as brakes or tires. Among the most abundant components of air pollution in urban areas are particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and volatile organic compounds. Sulphur dioxide is particularly abundant in industrial areas. Various mechanisms on how environmental contaminants could cause asthma have been considered. One possibility could be the direct irritation of the airway mucosa. Another possible mechanism could be the combination of the contaminants with various allergens, increasing the allergenic activity. It has also been observed that some environmental contaminants trigger cell inflammation processes. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as hypermethylation of DNA or acetylation of histones, were also described. It has been observed in animal models that a pre-existing mitochondrial dysfunction increases bronchial inflammation after exposure to ragweed pollen extract. In conclusion, it appears that there probably is a harmful effect by environmental contaminants on asthma, increasing both the severity and the prevalence of the disease. But the persistence of some contradictions in the data seems to support the need to continue research in this field, clarifying the magnitude of this effect, as well as the underlying mechanisms, which could help to identify measures to reduce the harmful effects of this exposure.

Keywords: Asthma, ambient pollution, cost, exacerbations, epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, risk factor.