Impact of Urban Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Cardiovascular Health

Author

Shelby P. Briggs, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-11-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

School of Pharmacy

First Advisor

James Stewart

Second Advisor

Courtney Roper

Third Advisor

John Wiginton

Relational Format

Dissertation/ Thesis

Abstract

Air pollution, particularly exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a growing threat to cardiopulmonary health. PM2.5 consists of microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter and originates from industrial combustion, transportation, and urban dust. These particles are classified as xenobiotics and are capable of bypassing respiratory defenses to enter systemic circulation, where they cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular dysfunction. This study examines the effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular function using a murine model. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into control (saline), subchronic (10 µg), and chronic (100 µg) groups and were exposed weekly for 11 weeks via intranasal instillation of Standard Reference Material (SRM 1649b), a representative urban dust sample. Echocardiography was used to non-invasively assess left and right ventricular function throughout the exposure period. Key measurements included heart rate, ejection fraction, cardiac output, and diastolic function via mitral and tricuspid E/A ratios. Findings from this study provide insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which PM2.5 disrupts cardiac structure and function, including reduced heart rate variability, myocardial remodeling, and diastolic dysfunction. These data underscore the urgent need to mitigate air pollution to prevent cardiovascular disease. This model offers a controlled platform to evaluate time-dependent effects of air pollution and lays the groundwork for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for populations exposed to environmental pollutants.

Recommended Citation

Briggs, Shelby P., "Impact of Urban Fine Particulate Matter Exposure on Cardiovascular Health" (2025). Honors Theses. 3220.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3220