CNS Demyelination Diseases Following Exposure to Urban Air Pollution

Abstract

Epidemiology findings show that exposure to urban air pollutants as a source of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation is associated with the Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). An autoimmune response involving increased inflammation and demyelination in the CNS leads to the pathophysiology of MS, which is more common in adult young females. Particulate Matter (PM), including fine particles (PM <2.5μm, PM 2.5) and very fine particles (PM <0.1μm, PM 0.1), transition metals, and ozone are of potent or oxidant capable of producing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Redox-sensitive pathways can be caused by oxidative stress, leading to various biological processes, including inflammation and other harmful outcomes in the brain. Exposure to Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEPs) mediates significant alterations in myelination across various regions in the brain. There is also an increase in ROS production in the CNS of DEPs exposed mice. Thus, targeting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress can be a useful strategy to eliminate the obvious symptoms of the CNS demyelinating diseases. Overall, in the current mini-review, we examined the exposure to air pollutants nanoparticles associated with the CNS demyelinating diseases, such as MS.