The alveolar macrophages play a
major role in protecting the host against airborne pathogens. However,
environmental health scientist showed a major concern on the ability of the
environment chemicals to affect the immunological function of these cells.
A recent research has confirmed the
existence of a relation between air pollution and decreased immunity against
Mycobacterium tubeculosis. The exposure of human to diesel exhaust particles
inhibit phagocytic cells. The research was conducted performing experiments that study the ability of phagocytic cells to fight TB in the presence or absence of
DEP. After comparing the results, the researchers were able to prove that cells
of the immune system become desensitized and less able to fight TB after
exposure to air pollution.
The inhibition of the immune system
can be exlpained by dysregulation of chemokine and cytokine production, the
inability of phagocytic cell to migrate, and the loss of the phagocytosis
potential. The effect of air pollution does not only leave the host vulnerable
to TB infection but also lead to modifications in other macrophages mechanisms
that are essential for pathogen clrearance.
Current statistics state that TB
affect ten million people worldwide and cause the death of 1.5 million people
per year. The prevalence of the disease is especially high in developing
countries that are experiencing sudden industrial growth associated with a
increase in air pollution. In addition, a study have shown that by 20 years
from now 50% of the population will be moving to urban environment. All this is
an indication that TB will keep on affecting a higher number of the population
worldwide.
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| http://www.public.asu.edu/~shaydel/research_001tb_2.html |
This was pretty cool! I did not know that diesel fuel had this much of an impact on the immune system. Diesel fuel apparently includes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic metals such as nickel and arsenic, which are known carcinogens.
ReplyDeleteMost diesel particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs. Diesel exhaust contains 20 times more particles than gasoline exhaust does. Some of the main toxic gases in diesel exhaust are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and carbon monoxide.
This was very interesting. I never thought air pollution could be linked to an increased risk of TB. In an article published in May 2008 by UAB, it states along with air pollution, tobacco smoke plays a significant role in triggering a tuberculosis infection. "The study showed that CO triggers Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, to shift from active infection to a drug-resistant dormant state. This is called latency, a global problem that results in tuberculosis escaping detection and treatment, and which contributes to overall tuberculosis transmission." This can be something else smokers can think about when it comes to quitting :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting read. Air pollution does indeed increase tuberculosis incidents. Upon further research I have found out that we have the potential capacity to eliminate air pollution and be less exposed to tuberculosis. In 1952 England suffered an incident named the London smog disaster. The smog resulted from thousands of tons of black soot, tar particles, and sulfur dioxide that had accumulated in the air from the heavy coal combustion. Due to the smog one of the causes of death was tuberculosis infection due to the air pollution. The British government stepped in and has since passed several bills that made industrial companies use cleaner energies and other methods to avoid a similar disaster. The American government and health organizations could help clean the air of DEP and CO by making industries follow stricter guidelines to improve air quality all over the U.S.
ReplyDeleteLondon Smog disaster Article: http://www.eoearth.org/article/London_smog_disaster,_England
I agree with what Kacy said about another reason to quit smoking, not only for the person that is smoking but for those exposed to it."Tobacco Smoke, Indoor Air Pollution and Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" discusses a study of tuberculosis related to second hand smoke. It was proven that children who are not normally at a high risk for contraction of TB have increased risk from second hand smoke. Improving the air quality in order to avoid decreased immunity to TB should be a goal not just for personal health safety, but for the well-being of others as well.
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