Research Links Air Pollution to Increased Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
New research reveals that long-term exposure to air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles, can impair brown fat function through epigenetic changes, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. This study highlights environmental pollutants as significant contributors to metabolic health issues and potential targets for future therapies.
Recent research indicates that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter in air pollution may play a significant role in disrupting metabolic health, leading to obesity and diabetes. A comprehensive study conducted by scientists from the University of Zurich and Case Western Reserve University revealed that chronic inhalation of PM2.5 particles—tiny airborne pollutants less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter—can impair the function of brown adipose tissue (brown fat), which is vital for heat generation and energy regulation.
The study involved exposing laboratory mice to filtered air or concentrated PM2.5 for six hours daily, over a span of 24 weeks, to simulate long-term urban pollution exposure. Results showed that mice exposed to PM2.5 exhibited metabolic disturbances, including reduced insulin sensitivity and altered gene expression in brown fat. These changes were linked to increased fat accumulation and tissue damage within brown adipose tissue.
Further investigation uncovered epigenetic mechanisms driving these effects, notably changes in DNA methylation and chromatin organization. Key enzymes, HDAC9 and KDM2B, were identified as central players, modulating gene activity in response to pollution exposure. Suppressing these enzymes improved brown fat function, suggesting they could be targets for future therapies.
This evidence underscores the broader impact of air pollution beyond respiratory and cardiovascular health, highlighting its role in metabolic disorders. Understanding how pollutants influence gene regulation in fat tissue opens new avenues for prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental pollutants for overall health.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-air-pollution-contribute-obesity-diabetes.html
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