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Environmental modulators of vascular physiology and inflammation

Sustainable Social Development 2025
Anusha N. Seneviratne, Anne Majumdar, Kalpana Surendranath, Mark R. Miller

Summary

This review synthesizes evidence on environmental factors, including chemicals from plastics such as phthalates and BPA, that modulate vascular physiology and promote inflammation. It links exposure to these ubiquitous contaminants with endothelial dysfunction and elevated cardiovascular risk. The authors call for greater attention to environmental chemical exposures in cardiovascular disease research and prevention.

Environmental factors play a crucial role in modulating vascular inflammation, contributing significantly to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This review synthesizes current evidence on how various environmental exposures influence vascular function and inflammation, with a focus on pollutants such as particulate matter and chemical toxins like bisphenols and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These environmental stressors can trigger oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and vascular dysfunction, potentially accelerating the progression of atherosclerosis. We also explore the protective effects of natural compounds and exposure to green spaces in dampening inflammation and reducing cardiovascular risk. By examining the complex interplay between traditional risk factors and environmental exposures, this work highlights the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address both individual lifestyle factors and broader environmental determinants of cardiovascular health. We underscore the importance of further research to elucidate the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors influence vascular function, with the aim of developing targeted interventions to mitigate their harmful effects and promote cardiovascular well-being.

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