Impairment of mitochondrial function by particulate matter: Implications for the brain

Research efforts in the past decades have provided insight into the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure. Exposure to airborne particulate matter is known to impair the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and more recent investigations have provided evidence demonstrating harmful effects on the central nervous system. Investigations have primarily focused on the interconnected cellular pathways of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are induced by pollutant particle exposure both in peripheral tissues, and in the brain. Alterations to mitochondria, organelles important for cellular respiration and signaling, are often associated with increased cellular oxidative stress. This review focuses on the role of mitochondria in particulate matter-induced adverse effects on cellular health. More investigation to link air pollution and human health on the cellular and molecular level could in the future aid the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic options to combat pollutant particle-induced alterations.