Progress in research on effect of PM on occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Fine particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM ) air pollution is regarded as one of the prominent risk factors that contributes to morbidity and mortality globally, among which cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been strongly associated with PM exposure and is a leading cause of death. Atherosclerosis (AS), the common pathological basis of many CVDs, is a progressive syndrome characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous plaque in the arteries. Recent epidemiological and toxicological studies suggest that PM may also contribute to the development of AS, even at levels below the current air quality standards. In this paper, the complete pathological process of atherosclerotic plaque from occurrence to rupture leading to CVD was elaborated. Then, the growing epidemiological evidence linking PM to AS in humans was reviewed and summarized. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms of PM -mediated AS were discussed, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, abnormal lipid metabolism, disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, and abnormal coagulation function. This paper aimed to provide a comprehensive view of the effect of PM on the occurrence and development of AS for better prevention and mitigation of adverse health impacts due to PM air pollution.