Thailand medical study finds that long-term air pollution exposure disrupts Kynurenine pathway, elevating disease risks
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 26, 2024 2 weeks, 4 days, 22 hours, 29 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Understanding the Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health - A New Study.
Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide, and its effects on human health are increasingly coming under scrutiny. A recent study conducted by researchers from Chiang Mai University and Burapha University in Thailand has revealed significant alterations in the kynurenine pathway in individuals exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air, specifically PM2.5 and PM10. This
Thailand Medical News report delves into the findings of the study which explores how long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to serious health consequences.
Thailand medical study finds that long-term air pollution exposure disrupts
Kynurenine pathway, elevating disease risks
The Kynurenine Pathway and Its Importance
The kynurenine pathway is a crucial metabolic route responsible for breaking down the essential amino acid tryptophan. This pathway plays a significant role in regulating immune responses, maintaining neuronal function, and synthesizing important molecules such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Alterations in this pathway can have widespread effects on the body, potentially leading to the development of various diseases.
Research Focus: Long-Term Exposure to PM2.5 and PM10
The study focused on the impact of long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, two common pollutants found in the air, particularly in areas prone to seasonal haze, such as Northern Thailand. Researchers recruited 190 healthy volunteers from two districts in Thailand - Mae Jam District in Chiang Mai province, known for high PM exposure, and Watthana Nakhon District in Sa Kaeo province, a lower exposure area.
Blood samples were collected from these volunteers and analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) to measure the levels of tryptophan metabolites in the blood. This article aims to highlight how this exposure affects the kynurenine pathway and contributes to various health risks.
Key Findings of the Study
The study revealed significant differences in the levels of metabolites in the kynurenine pathway between individuals exposed to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 and those in lower exposure areas. Notably, serotonin, cinnabarinic acid, xanthurenic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and several other metabolites were significantly increased in the high-exposure group, while NAD and quinolinic acid levels were significantly decreased.
This disruption in the kynurenine pathway suggests that long-term exposure to particulate matter can lead to a cascade of health issues. The study also found that enzyme activities associated with this pathway, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and formamidase, were altered. Specifically, the activities of kynureninase and kynurenine monooxygenase were significantly increased in the high-exposure group.
Implications for Public Health
The findings of this study have significant implications for public health, partic
ularly in regions with high levels of air pollution. The disruption of the kynurenine pathway could potentially contribute to the development of various non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain types of cancer. The study findings suggest that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 might promote diseases through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation.
Moreover, the study’s findings indicate that the balance of metabolites within the kynurenine pathway is crucial for maintaining normal physiological functions. Disruption of this balance due to environmental pollutants could have far-reaching health consequences, underscoring the need for effective measures to reduce exposure to air pollution.
Conclusions: The Need for Preventive Measures
The results of this study emphasize the urgent need for strategies to reduce exposure to particulate matter, particularly in areas with high levels of air pollution. Reducing exposure could help mitigate the adverse effects on the kynurenine pathway and, by extension, protect against the development of various diseases.
The researchers highlight that while more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which PM2.5 and PM10 affect the kynurenine pathway, the evidence already points to significant health risks associated with long-term exposure. For those living in high-exposure areas, protective measures and efforts to reduce pollution sources should be prioritized to safeguard public health.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomedicines.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/9/1947
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