Scientists from the University of Birmingham and elsewhere found that breathing in polluted air could lead to toxic particles being transported from the lungs to the brain, via the bloodstream.
This may contribute to brain disorders and neurological damage.
The research is published in PNAS and was conducted by Professor Iseult Lynch et al.
Scientists have discovered a possible direct pathway used by inhaled fine particles through blood circulation.
Once there, the particles stay longer in the brain than in other main organs.
In the study, the team found various fine particles in human cerebrospinal fluids taken from patients who had experienced brain disorders.
This showed a process that may result in toxic particulate substances ending up in the brain.
The study suggests that up to eight times the number of fine particles may reach the brain by traveling, via the bloodstream, from the lungs than pass directly via the nose.
Air pollution is a cocktail of many toxic components, but particulate matter (PM, especially ambient fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM0.1), are the most concerning in terms of causing detrimental health effects.
Ultrafine particles, in particular, are able to escape the body’s protective systems, including sentinel immune cells and biological barriers.
Recent evidence has revealed a strong link between high levels of air pollution and marked neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s-like changes, and cognitive problems in older people and even in children.
The team of scientists discovered that inhaled particles could enter the bloodstream after crossing the air-blood barrier—eventually reaching the brain, and leading to damage to the brain-blood barrier and surrounding tissues as they do so.
Once in the brain, the particles were hard to clear and were retained for longer than in other organs.
Their findings offer new evidence in proving the risks from particulate pollution to the central nervous system.
The researchers recommend that more investigation is needed into the mechanics of how inhaled ambient fine particles reach the brain.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about how processed meat impacts your lung function, and this drug treatment may prevent COVID death and lung damage.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about how anxiety and PTSD can strongly change your brain, and results showing 9 unhealthy habits that damage your brain.
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