Air Pollution Make Good Cholesterol Change to Bad Cholesterol

Exposure to pollution is not only bad for the health of the lungs. A new study finds inhaling smoke pollution from vehicles can change the "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein / HDL) turn out to be "evil". Such changes contribute to the blockage of the arteries that increases the risk of heart disease.

The research team consisting of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and other institutions found inhaling smoke pollution may alter the structure of HDL in the body. In addition, these activities also activate other components that cause oxidation damage to cells and tissues premature triggering inflammation and hardening of the arteries.

The study, published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology conducted a study on mice. The first group of rats exposed to fumes a few hours per day, for two weeks. The first group of rats subsequently placed for a week in the cage with the air that has been filtered.

The second group with the same treatment, but not placed in cages with filtered air. While the third group was given only exposure to filtered air for two weeks.

Mice that received exposure to fumes have oxidative damage in the blood and heart. Even this damage can not be repaired after being given a clean air exposure is performed on the first group.

Senior study author Dr.. Jesus Araujo, professor of medicine and director of environmental cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said this study shows air pollution can increase HDL dysfunction and activate internal oxidation pathway. Consequently, obstruction of vessels that got so bad that trigger heart disease and stroke.

Particle emissions from vehicle fumes enveloped found chemicals sensitive to free radicals. These particles are known to cause oxidation.

Author of the study and a researcher in the division of cardiology at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA recommends people limit exposure to air pollution to reduce the negative impacts.