New Delhi, 31 January (IANS). Even a small amount of PM2.5 particles coming out of traffic can damage the liver and increase the risk of fatty liver disease. This information was revealed in a new study on Friday.
Research found that only 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 particle can negatively impact liver health.
Fatty liver, also known as hepatic status, has become a common problem worldwide. This happens when a lot of fat is accumulated in the cells of the liver. Earlier research suggests that poor food, lack of exercise and excessive consumption of alcohol causes this problem. But now new research has shown that air pollution can also be a major reason for this.
According to the chain, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney, people consider air pollution only to be harmful to the lungs, but it also affects the liver. When we breathe in polluted air, very small PM 2.5 particles reach the blood through our lungs. Since the work of the liver is to clean the blood, it accumulates these poisonous elements. These include heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, nickel and zinc.
In this study, scientists kept mice in contact with 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 particles per day and saw a change in their liver after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The first 4 to 8 weeks showed no major changes, but after 12 weeks the liver functioning started disturbances. Researchers found that 64 functional proteins were affected in the liver, many of which were associated with fatty liver and immune system disturbances.
Due to air pollution, more immune cells accumulated in the liver, causing inflammation and more scar tissue. In addition, the liver also increased the amount of harmful fats such as triglycerides, diasylglyglisrols, and ceramides, which can be harmful to health.
-IANS
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