Air Pollution and Insulin Resistance: Do All Roads Lead to Rome?

摘要

The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide in 2012, nearly 7 million deaths occurred prematurely due to air pollution (1). In addition to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, air pollution exposure is also linked to increased incidence of diabetes (2). Notably, the prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia escalated exponentially in the latter half of the 20th century coincident with the manufacture, use, and release of massive amounts of chemicals and pollution. The increase in the prevalence of these chronic conditions also coincides with an increase in sedentary lifestyles, calorie-rich diets, and human stress. Together, these factors contribute to metabolic disease. This complex tapestry suggests that many elements, including air pollution, are likely involved in an interactive manner to increase the risk of certain health conditions. Determining how air pollution might be linked to diabetes is useful not only in understanding how environmental factors contribute to the pathogene-sis of this disease but also for identifying molecular targets for potential therapeutic strategies. Improved understanding of this dynamic also provides further rationale for improving air quality standards and public health.