Exposure to air pollution has been associated with adverse effects on human health, and ultimately increased morbidity and mortality. This is predominantly due to hazardous effects on the cardiovascular system. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is considered to be responsible for the most severe effects. Here we summarize current knowledge from existing epidemiological, clinical and animal studies on the influence of PM exposure on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality and the potential initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We highlight experimental studies that bring support to the causality and point to possible mechanistic links. Recent studies indicate that the functional properties of HDL are more important than the levels per se. Fine (PM2.5–0.1) and ultrafine (UFP) PM are composed of chemicals as well as biological elements that are redox-active and may trigger pro-inflammatory responses. Experimental studies indicate that these properties and responses may promote HDL dysfunction via oxidative pathways. By affecting protein and lipid components of the HDL particle, its anti-atherosclerotic characteristics including cholesterol efflux capacity, as well as other anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory features might be impaired. Current literature suggests that PM promotes HDL dysfunction via oxidative pathways. However, as relatively few studies so far have evaluated the impact of particulate air pollution on HDL functionality, more human epidemiological as well as experimental studies are needed to strengthen any possible causal relationship and determine any relevance to atherosclerosis.

中文翻译：

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颗粒物对动脉粥样硬化的影响：通过高密度脂蛋白（HDL）功能的联系？

暴露于空气污染已对人类健康产生不利影响，并最终增加了发病率和死亡率。这主要是由于对心血管系统的有害影响。暴露于颗粒物（PM）被认为是造成最严重影响的原因。在这里，我们总结了现有的流行病学，临床和动物研究中有关PM暴露对高密度脂蛋白（HDL）功能以及动脉粥样硬化的潜在发生和发展的影响的当前知识。我们重点介绍为因果关系提供支持的实验研究，并指出可能的机械联系。最近的研究表明，HDL的功能特性比水平本身更重要。精细（PM2.5-0。1）和超细（UFP）PM由化学物质以及具有氧化还原活性并可能触发促炎反应的生物元素组成。实验研究表明，这些特性和响应可能通过氧化途径促进HDL功能障碍。通过影响HDL颗粒的蛋白质和脂质成分，其抗动脉粥样硬化特征（包括胆固醇外排能力）以及其他抗氧化和抗炎特性可能会受到损害。当前文献表明，PM通过氧化途径促进HDL功能障碍。但是，由于迄今为止很少有研究评估颗粒空气污染对HDL功能的影响，因此需要更多的人类流行病学和实验研究来加强任何可能的因果关系并确定与动脉粥样硬化的任何相关性。