This thesis of Parinaz Poursafa is structured into five parts, exploring the impact of early-life exposure to air pollution on human health, focusing on metabolic syndrome, endothelial dysfunction, cardiometabolic risks, and underlying mechanisms.
Part 1 discusses the relationship between air pollution and human health. Analysis of global data highlights rising deaths and disability-adjusted life years from PM2.5, particularly among older adults, with chronic respiratory diseases increasing despite declining cardiovascular death rates. Biomonitoring studies reveal significant exposure of children to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
Part 2 investigates environmental factors and metabolic syndrome. Early-life environmental exposures, including air pollution, influence cardiovascular and metabolic health through mechanisms like fetal programming and maternal health. Air pollution exposure in children is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, while increased green space exposure demonstrates protective effects by reducing fasting blood glucose levels.
Part 3 examines the link between air pollution and endothelial dysfunction. Pollutants are associated with vascular dysfunction in children, while maternal exposure impairs neonatal outcomes, underlining prenatal vulnerability.
Part 4 focuses on cardiometabolic risks. Air pollution is linked to higher blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles, and obesity in children, reinforcing its role in metabolic syndrome.
Part 5 highlights epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, as mediators between air pollution and metabolic syndrome, influencing inflammation, vascular function, and adiposity.
This thesis suggests early-life air pollution exposure as a determinant of lifelong metabolic health. Mechanisms such as systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes are highlighted. These findings call for comprehensive public health measures, including reducing exposure to air pollution, enhancing green space access, and implementing biomonitoring programs, to mitigate these risks.
