title: Diesel exhaust particles and endothelial cells dysfunction: An update.
abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown a consistent positive correlation between exposure to particulate matter (PM) and increased mortality largely due to increased rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are major constituents of atmospheric PM and have been shown to cause disruption of the endothelial cell monolayer integrity, thereby affecting organ functions. Endothelial cells are very active metabolic components of biological tissue that performs a number of important physiological functions. Therefore, anything that compromises the integrity and functions of the endothelium will lead to organ dysfunction and disease. This review focuses on scientific evidence that link DEP exposure to endothelial cell dysfunction in various pathophysiological conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. The various mechanisms involved in the DEP-induced endothelial cell dysfunction are also addressed together with the preventive and therapeutic approaches to overcoming these challenges.
authors.affiliation: Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Bellville 7535, South Africa. Electronic address: tolekan@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Lawal
authors.affiliation: Redox Laboratory, Dept Human Biology, Rm 6.02.2, Level 6, Anatomy Bldg, UCT Medical School Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925, South Africa.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Davids
authors.affiliation: Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Belliville Campus, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Marnewick
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000633:toxicity*; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Diesel exhaust particles; Endothelial cells; Oxidative stress; Particulate matters