Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution Is Associated With Endothelial Injury and Systemic Inflammation

Episodic PM2.5 exposures are associated with increased endothelial cell apoptosis, an antiangiogenic plasma profile, and elevated levels of circulating monocytes and T, but not B, lymphocytes. These changes could contribute to the pathogenic sequelae of atherogenesis and acute coronary events.