Mechanistic studies on neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants

Atmospheric pollution is a well-known environmental hazard, especially in developing countries where millions of people are exposed to airborne pollutant levels above safety standards. In recent years, science has found augmenting evidence that gases and nano-sized particles generated by transport may promote neurodegenerative disease. epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that ozone (O3) inhalation can affect the brain and play a role in AD development or progression. In addition, individuals residing close to busy roads are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and nanomaterials that are specifically generated by transport (e.g., fuel combustion, tire wear and brake wear) have been detected in human brains. Although we know the important role of airborne pollutants plays in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases caused by airborne pollutants are still unknown.

This research topic aims to explore the impacts of airborne pollutants on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and illustrate the underlying mechanisms as well. Moreover, the ways of airborne pollutants, especially nanomaterials, enter the brain are what we are interested in. The airborne pollutants can be organic, inorganic or their mixture, and particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), O3, traffic-related nanomaterials are especially encouraged. Original research papers, reviews, minireview, or perspective works with new findings or viewpoints on the impacts of airborne pollutants on neurodegenerative diseases are welcome.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to
- How airborne pollutants induce AD, Parkinson’s disease (PD) or other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Molecular mechanisms of O3 induced neurodegenerative processes.
- How the airborne nanomaterials or other PM enter the brain by inhalation.
- Mechanism of air pollution exposure effects on blood-brain barrier (BBB)
- Distribution of different components of PM in the brain.
- Role of Ca2+ or other metal ion flow plays in neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants.
- Role of excess ROS/RNS or oxidant/antioxidant imbalance plays in neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants.
- Role of neuroinflammation plays in neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants.
- Role of mitochondrial dysfunction plays in neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants.
- Role of microglial priming plays in neurodegenerative diseases induced by airborne pollutants.

Keywords: Neurodegenerative diseases, Blood brain barrier, Traffic-related nanomaterials, Ozone, PM2.5

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