Recent studies have revealed a surprising link between traffic-related air pollution and insulin secretion in humans. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have discovered that exposure to higher levels of air pollution results in an increase in mucin, a glycoprotein found in airway epithelial cells, which in turn leads to an increase in insulin secretion. This research could have important implications for the health of those living in cities with higher levels of air pollution.

In their study, the MIT researchers gathered data from over 50,000 individuals living in urban areas across the United States. They measured the levels of air pollution in the areas and compared them to the individuals’ mucin and insulin levels. They discovered that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in air pollution particles, there was an increase in mucin levels by 0.185 μg/mL, and an increase in insulin levels by 0.073 μIU/mL.

This discovery could be important for understanding the health effects of air pollution, particularly for those living in cities with higher levels of air pollution. The researchers hope that their findings can help inform public health policy and better protect citizens from the adverse health effects of air pollution.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org