Janata Dal (United) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP KC Tyagi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the party, ANI reported. The development comes a day after JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state. Kumar
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (UPMSP) is set to commence the evaluation process for the classes 10th and 12th examinations starting tomorrow, March 18. Over 54 lakh students had appeared for the examination this year. After the evaluation of UP Board exam papers is complete
Meta Platforms shares rose nearly 3% on Monday after a Reuters report that the social media giant plans to lay off 20% or more of its workforce to offset heavy spending on artificial intelligence and bet on productivity gains from the technology. If Meta settles on the 20% figure
AB de Villiers has proposed that MS Dhoni should elevate his batting position within the Chennai Super Kings lineup. On another note, Anil Kumble has endorsed the idea of integrating Sanju Samson into the team's leadership structure, praising his stellar form and rapport with supporters
Oncologist explains why women are more likely to get thyroid cancer, shares 5 warning signs: Voice changes, lump in neckHear from an oncologist on why women are more vulnerable to this type of cancer than men, and what are some signs that can help one stay alert. Published on: Mar 17
Air pollution harms the gut and raises heart disease risk: UCLA researchers warn
Breathing polluted air may harm both the gut and heart, UCLA Health researchers warn
Air pollution has long been associated with lung problems and heart disease. A study from UCLA Health suggests that breathing ultrafine air pollution affects not only the lungs and bloodstream. It may quietly disrupt the gut first - and that disruption could make heart disease worse. The research, published in Environment International, examined how ultrafine particulate matter affects the body beyond the usual suspects.
What the UCLA Health study reveals
UCLA Health scientists exposed mice to ultrafine air particles over a 10-week period. The exposure was not constant. It ran six hours a day, three days a week. The goal was to mirror real-life exposure, not create extreme conditions. Another group of mice breathed clean, filtered air.The difference showed up quickly. Mice exposed to polluted air developed clear shifts in their gut bacteria. Those shifts tracked closely with more atherosclerotic plaque buildup in major arteries - a key warning sign for heart disease, according to UCLA Health.
The polluted-air group also showed signs of stress elsewhere. Levels of short-chain fatty acids in faecal samples rose. Liver malondialdehyde, a marker tied to oxidative damage, increased. Genes linked to antioxidant response and cellular stress became more active. In simple terms, the gut and liver were under pressure.
Why gut health is important when it comes to air pollution
For years, pollution research focused on the lungs and heart. This study suggests that the approach may be too narrow.UCLA Health researchers suggest that the gut microbiome may play a more significant role than previously thought, serving as a link between polluted air and cardiovascular damage.
“This study shows that breathing ultrafine air pollution doesn't just damage the heart and lungs - it disrupts the gut microbiome, triggers liver stress, and speeds up atherosclerosis,” said Jesus Araujo, MD, PhD, director of environmental cardiology at UCLA and lead author of the study.
Changes in gut bacteria can affect inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. All three are closely tied to heart disease. UCLA Health notes that this could help explain why people living in polluted areas often face higher heart risks, even when other factors don't fully account for it.
A broader warning
Ultrafine particles are especially hazardous due to their small size. UCLA Health researchers say they are small enough to slip past the body's usual defenses and reach multiple organs.The study does not claim the gut alone causes heart disease. But it strengthens the case that pollution harms the body system by system, not in isolation.
According to UCLA Health, understanding that a chain reaction matters, especially for people who do not have the option to escape polluted air.
FAQs
What did UCLA Health discover about air pollution and the gut?
UCLA Health found that ultrafine air pollution significantly alters gut bacteria and increases metabolic stress.How does this affect heart health?
The gut changes were linked to faster buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in major arteries.What type of pollution was studied?
Researchers focused on ultrafine particulate matter, one of the smallest and most harmful air pollutants.Who led the UCLA Health study?
The research was led by Dr Jesus Araujo of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.Does this mean pollution affects more than the lungs?
Yes, UCLA Health reports that the findings indicate pollution can affect the gut, liver, and cardiovascular system.Source: LiveMint
Related Posts: How Air Pollution Is Emerging As A Silent Cause Of Lung Cancer Among Indians Too Young For Heart Problems Samsung Galaxy Watch could alert you to heart problems soon before it’s too late 6 Warning Signs Of Heart Problems In Babies How Seasonal Air Pollution Impacts Respiratory And Heart Health In Adults And Children Heart surgeon explains how training leg muscles can prevent heart attacks What your resting heart rate says about your heart health Find Out How Air Quality Is Fuelling Chronic Lung Diseases Cardiologist says pollution worsens outcomes for kids born with heart defects Must have air purifiers to tackle Delhi NCR’s rising air pollution at home and w
New Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh. The top-end variant goes up to Rs 18.49 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. 2026 Renault Duster: Renault has launched the all-new Duster in India at a starting price of Rs 10.49 lakh
4 hours ago
Sourav Ganguly joins TMC rumours: Sourav Ganguly has officially quashed rumours of his political entry ahead of West Bengal's upcoming Assembly elections. His office stated these claims are entirely baseless. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is implementing robust
4 hours ago
Mumbai man says plumber earns ₹18 LPA, owns house and car: 'Contemplating my life choices'The plumber explained how he earns from multiple societies where he regularly handles plumbing work. Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 5:48 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link A Reddit post claiming that a
4 hours ago
Former MP KC Tyagi quits JD(U)His exit comes amid shifting political currents within the JD(U) and its alliances, and is being viewed in political circles as an indication of possible churn within the party’s senior leadership Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:01 PM IST By Sanjeev K Jha
4 hours ago
Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri shared a decades-long friendship and creative partnership, marked by unwavering loyalty, mutual respect, and a shared passion for authentic, groundbreaking cinema. In the memoirs of Indian cinema, few friendships have been as legendary as that of Naseeruddin Shah and
4 hours ago
The controversy surrounding the song ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from the Kannada movie KD: The Devil, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, continues to intensify. After the song’s lyrical video went viral on social media, many netizens and celebrities slammed the song’s ‘vulgar’ lyrics
4 hours ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest from Bhabanipur. She faces BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a key electoral battle. The Trinamool Congress has released its candidate list for all 294 seats. The upcoming elections are crucial for Banerjee's political future
4 hours ago
A number of festivals are lined up this week, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Chaitra Navratri and Gudi Padwa. As Muslims and Hindus alike look forward to these auspicious festivals, preparations are in full swing to mark the celebrations this year. This week’s festivities begin with Gudi Padwa and
4 hours ago
Joan Laporta was reelected as the president of FC Barcelona for another five years after winning a leadership vote among members of the Spanish soccer powerhouse. Shortly after midnight in Barcelona, the club announced Laporta had won. His only rival, Víctor Font
4 hours ago
The Odisha Congress on Tuesday suspended three of its MLAs for defying the party whip during the recently held Rajya Sabha elections, in a move aimed at enforcing discipline within the party. The suspended legislators — Ramesh Jena, Sofia Firdous and Dasarathi Gamang — were accused of
4 hours ago
US President Donald Trump was cautioned ahead of military action against Iran that Tehran could retaliate against American allies in the Gulf, according to officials familiar with US intelligence assessments. Sources said pre-war briefings had identified Iranian retaliation as a likely scenario
4 hours ago
Akshay Kumar opens up about spooky incident at home: ‘My son pointed at nothing and asked someone to leave…’As he returns to the horror-comedy genre, Akshay Kumar spoke about an eerie experience that once left him shaken Published on: Mar 17
4 hours ago
“Micro dreaming games" are trending on social media, with many claiming they help anxious minds and people with insomnia fall asleep faster. The idea is gaining popularity largely because of how simple it sounds. For anyone who has spent hours staring at the ceiling
4 hours ago
FM Sitharaman’s remarks come amid broader discussions on financial sector health, where overall MSME NPAs remain lower at around 3.6 per cent as of March 2025, compared to Mudra-specific figures. New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reaffirmed the transformative role of the Pradhan
4 hours ago
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body. From digesting the food we eat to filtering toxins from the blood, it performs hundreds of essential functions that keep the body running smoothly. However, modern lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits have led to a rise in serious
4 hours ago
Vivo T5x 5G Price In India: The smartphone supports 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi, GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and a USB Type-C port. The phone also includes sensors like an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor
4 hours ago
Mustard oil is one of those kitchen staples you rarely question. It sits on the shelf, gets heated till it smokes, and finds its way into everything from tadkas to pickles. But lately, there’s been a growing unease around what exactly is going into that bottle
4 hours ago
The National Investigation Agency has arrested seven foreign citizens on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India, ThePrint reported on Monday. While six of them are Ukrainians, one is from the United States, The Indian Express reported
4 hours ago
As West Bengal gears up for assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress announced its candidate list, a critical exercise to maintain dominance after 15 years. The party focused on balancing experience with youth, analyzing local equations and feedback to counter anti-incumbency and ensure
4 hours ago
Eid is a time of celebration, togetherness, and sharing delicious food with loved ones. This festive season, add a special touch to your Eid table with flavorful and nourishing recipes made with nuts, offering the perfect balance of taste, tradition, and festive indulgence
4 hours ago
China announced emergency humanitarian assistance for Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, aiming to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The foreign ministry expressed deep sympathy for affected populations, emphasizing the ongoing conflict's devastating impact
4 hours ago
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested seven foreign nationals, six Ukrainians and one American for allegedly providing terrorist training to insurgent groups in Myanmar to carry out attacks in northeast India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had a major breakthrough on March
4 hours ago
If you love Korean cuisine, these K-dramas are a must-watchIf you love to savour Korean cuisines, these K-dramas featuring food as the main character are definitely a must-watch. Updated on: Mar 17, 2026 5:14 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link Korean dramas have taken the world by
4 hours ago
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Cuba early on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake hit at a depth of 11.6 kilometers (7.2 miles) about 49 kilometers south-southwest of Cuba's easternmost municipality of Maisi at 12:28 a.m.
4 hours ago
In the third week of the joint US-Israeli war against Iran, Donald Trump faces decisions that could define the rest of his presidency. But if the American commander-in-chief is grappling with a war of choice that seems in danger of spiralling in ways he can't control
4 hours ago
‘I want Nayanthara’: AIADMK MP remarks while criticising Stalin at women safety rally stokes controversyWhile participating in the party's protest against the DMK dispensation in Villupuram , Shanmugam, a former state minister remarked "I want Nayanthara''. Published on: Mar 17
4 hours ago
All Indian Cine Workers Association demands ban on Nora Fatehi song Sarke Chunar, FIR against producersThe All Indian Cine Workers Association has said that songs such as Sarke Chunar with vulgar and double-meaning content is unacceptable in Indian cinema. Mar 17, 2026
4 hours ago
