Diesel Pollution and Atherosclerosis

Diesel Pollution and Atherosclerosis
A recent study done by UCLA has found a correlation between diesel exhaust pollution and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries, is a dangerous condition that induces a greater susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes. The study shows that when polluted air particulates intermingle with cholesterol fats, they can trigger genes that cause blood vessel inflammation which can further lead to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in this study paid close attention to the fatty acids found in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and how they interacted with the diesel particulates. Specifically, they looked at cell damage caused by free radicals. Found in polluted particulates, free radicals find their way into the body through the inhalation of air and through natural metabolic reactions.
Statistics have shown a 6% spike in heart and lung-related deaths for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in air particulates. The research team hopes that once they develop a biomarker, a simple blood sample will be the single determinant that decides whether one's amount of exposure to diesel particulates will need medical attention.

Summarized by: Steven Katigbak
Source: http://newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=8104.