RESUMEN
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in air pollution increases cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, physical exercise is a widely used therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular risk, but its efficacy in an environment of air pollution, particularly with PAHs, remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of exercise on inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance due to PAH exposure using a mouse model. Twenty male BALB/c mice were subjected to a mixture of PAHs (phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene) in conjunction with aerobic exercise. The investigation evaluated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, gene expression linked to inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance in aortic tissues. Furthermore, the study evaluated the expression of the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins. Exercise led to notable changes in serum inflammatory cytokines, as well as the modulation of genes associated with endothelial dysfunction and REDOX imbalance in aortic tissue. In turn, exercise produced a modulation in the protein expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The findings implicate the potential of exercise to counter PAH-induced damage, as demonstrated by changes in markers. In conclusion, exercise could mitigate the adverse effects related to exposure to PAHs present in air pollution, as evidenced by changes in inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and REDOX imbalance.
RESUMEN
The particulate matter present in air pollution is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles that vary in size, origin, and composition, among which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Although exposure to PAHs has become an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the mechanisms by which these compounds contribute to increased cardiovascular risk have not been fully explored. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PAH exposure on systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial dysfunction. An intervention was designed using a murine model composed of twenty BALB/c male mice separated into controls and three groups exposed to a mixture of phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene using three different concentrations. The serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines and gene expression of adhesion molecules located on endothelial cells along with inflammatory markers related to PAH exposure in aortic tissue were determined. Furthermore, the expression of the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins was evaluated. The data showed significant differences in IL-6 and IFN-γ in the serum. In the gene expression, significant differences for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-Selectin were observed. The results suggest that phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene, present in air pollution, stimulate the increase in serum inflammatory cytokines and the expression of markers of endothelial dysfunction in the murine model studied, both relevant characteristics associated with the onset of disease atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
RESUMEN
Current evidence suggests that attitude towards older people may be associated with sociodemographic and educational variables; hence, a positive attitude towards older people is key when training new university professionals. However, there is little evidence of this association in Chilean university students. The objective was to analyze students from a Chilean university's attitudes towards older people, according to sociodemographic and educational variables. Analytical and cross-sectional study; 515 students from a Chilean university were consulted online about their attitude towards older people using Kogan's Attitudes towards Old People scale. Additionally, sociodemographic and educational variables were recorded. The average score for positive attitude was 70.8 (±9.7), while the negative attitude score was 68.3 (±11.6). The total score was 139.1 (±16.6). Mostly, university students perceive themselves with a low-level positive attitude (61.2%). Additionally, older university students (26-42 years old); women; Chileans; students of law, speech therapy, and occupational therapy; students in their final years of the programs; and those who had training in older people outside the university have a more positive attitude towards older people. In Conclusion, a profile of sociodemographic and educational characteristics of students with a lower and higher attitude towards older age was investigated. These results are relevant since the way of seeing the aging process could regulate the training of future professionals and consequently generate changes in dealing with older people. Young people's perception of ageing would affect the treatment and incorporation of the older people in society and the adaptation of policies in this age group.