The Hidden Threat: How Traffic Air Pollution Affects Your Liver
Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a common liver disease that occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, causing inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and potentially increasing the risk of cancer and liver failure.
“We think of air pollution as being harmful to people’s lungs, but it has a broader impact on health, including on the liver.”
Professor Hui Chen, lead author from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, clearing toxins, regulating blood sugar, and producing essential vitamins and proteins. Any impairment in liver function can disrupt these processes, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and unwell.
Prevalence of Fatty Liver Disease
Around one in three Australian adults suffers from fatty liver disease. It is more common in individuals who are overweight or have diabetes, but environmental factors such as traffic air pollution may also contribute to its development.
Professor Jacob George, a world-leading liver specialist and director of the Storr Liver Centre at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, emphasizes the importance of addressing these environmental risks. He notes that lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to fatty liver, but external influences cannot be ignored.
Impact of Traffic Air Pollution on the Liver
A recent study, Prolonged exposure to low-dose traffic-derived PM2.5 causes fatty liver disorder in mice, published in the Journal of Environmental Sciences, explores the effects of traffic air pollution on liver health. Dr. Min Feng, the first author and a medical doctor and PhD candidate in the UTS Faculty of Science, led the research.
Over a period of four, eight, and 12 weeks, the study showed that exposure to traffic-derived PM2.5 caused cumulative damage to the liver. Specifically, the liver’s ability to process fats and store sugars for energy was disrupted, leading to increased levels of harmful fats like triglycerides, diacylglycerols, and ceramides. Additionally, the liver’s inflammation and fibrosis, or scarring, increased over time.
Profound Changes in Liver Function
The study identified changes in 64 specific functional proteins within the liver, some of which are linked to fatty liver disease, immune system dysfunction, and processes related to cancer. These findings suggest that even low levels of traffic-derived air pollution can cause significant harm.
Professor Chen highlights the importance of this study, stating, “Previous research has shown that heavy air pollution is associated with liver disorders, but this study reveals that even low levels of exposure can be detrimental. It suggests there is no safe level of exposure to traffic-derived air pollution.”
Protecting Your Liver from Air Pollution
Given these findings, it is crucial to minimize exposure to traffic-derived air pollution. Simple measures can make a significant difference:
- Avoid peak hour traffic.
- Choose less congested routes when walking or cycling.
- Consider wearing a mask in polluted areas.
- Keep car windows closed and use air recirculation mode while driving in heavy traffic.
By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants and potentially mitigate the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
Conclusion
The findings from this study highlight the broader impact of air pollution on health, extending beyond the lungs to the liver. It underscores the importance of addressing environmental factors to protect public health. With simple precautions, individuals can safeguard their liver from the hidden threats of traffic air pollution.
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