TITLE:
Air Pollution and Epigenetics
AUTHORS:
Aleena Syed, Kinjal Hew, Arunima Kohli, Greg Knowlton, Kari C. Nadeau
KEYWORDS:
Air Pollution; Epigenetics; DNA Methylation; Histone Acetylation; microRNA; PAH; DEP; Ozone
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.4 No.8A,
August
12,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Air pollution is a global problem with
far-reaching environmental impacts. Exposure has been linked to a number of
different adverse health effects. Understanding the impact of ambient air
pollution is complicated given the diversity of both the pollutants involved as
well as the complexity of associated diseases. While we see a positive
correlation between levels of exposure and health issues, the mechanisms of
pathogenesis are still under investigation. The study of epigenetic regulation
as it relates to disease is emerging as an exciting new way to interpret the
possible effects of ambient air pollution on DNA. In this review we provide an
overview of epigenetic modifications as well as an analysis of how epigenetic
mechanisms are involved in the adverse effects associated with the most common
components of ambient air pollution.