Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased systemic inflammation, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MS). This study assessed the impact of nutrition and PM2.5 exposure on inflammatory markers in individuals with MS. A total of 50 participants (25 with MS, 25 healthy controls) were monitored during a high-PM2.5 exposure period (HEP) and a low-PM2.5 exposure period (LEP). Dietary intake, health assessments, and inflammatory markers—TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP—were evaluated. The MS group had significantly higher BMI, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride levels and lower HDL-C than the healthy group (p < 0.01), but these parameters did not change significantly between the HEP and LEP. Notably, dietary fiber intake increased in the MS group during the LEP (p < 0.05). CRP levels were higher in the MS group and significantly decreased in both groups during the LEP (p < 0.05). IL-6 was higher in the MS group during the HEP but did not significantly change across periods. TNF-α showed no differences. Dietary fiber intake was inversely correlated with IL-6 and CRP in the healthy group and strongly correlated with CRP in the MS group (r = −0.403, p < 0.01). Antioxidant vitamins were inversely correlated with inflammation only in healthy participants. These findings suggest that an increased dietary fiber intake may help reduce PM2.5-induced inflammation, particularly in individuals with MS.

Background/Objectives: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals with hypertension. This study examined the association between dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and vascular inflammation among individuals with hypertension living in rural and peri-urban areas of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 47 participants (23 rural, 24 peri-urban). Data on dietary intake, smoking, alcohol use, anthropometry, and blood chemistry were collected. Serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Partial correlation analysis was used to examine associations with lifestyle factors, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: Peri-urban participants had significantly higher levels of ICAM-1 [83.0 vs. 50.1 ng/mL], VCAM-1 [639.3 vs. 376.5 ng/mL], and IL-6 [4.80 vs. 1.02 pg/mL] compared to rural participants. Rural individuals reported higher intakes of antioxidant-related nutrients (selenium, β-carotene, niacin, vitamins A, B6, and C), while peri-urban individuals had higher sugar intake. Sugar intake was positively associated with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, whereas selenium and vitamin C were inversely associated with both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, while vitamin B6 was inversely associated with VCAM-1 only. Although rural participants had a higher rate of current smoking (34.8% vs. 4.4%), smoking and alcohol use were not significantly associated with inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Rural dietary patterns may be linked to reduced vascular adhesion molecule levels. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to clarify these associations and guide lifestyle strategies for managing vascular inflammation in PM_2.5-exposed individuals with hypertension.

The study explored proteomics to better understand the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (HT) in Thai adults, using shotgun proteomics and bioinformatics analysis. Plasma samples were taken from 61 subjects: 14 healthy subjects (mean age = 40.85 ± 7.12), 13 with T2DM (mean age = 57.38 ± 6.03), 16 with HT (mean age = 66.87 ± 10.09), and 18 with coexisting T2DM/HT (mean age = 58.22 ± 10.65). Proteins were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Protein–protein interactions were analyzed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) version 11.5. We identified six unique proteins in T2DM patients, including translationally controlled 1 (TPT1) and nibrin (NBN), which are associated with the DNA damage response. In HT patients, seven unique proteins were identified, among them long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase (ASCL), which functions in the stimulation of triacylglycerol and cholesterol synthesis, and NADPH oxidase activator 1 (NOXA1), which is involved in high blood pressure via angiotensin II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating systems. In coexisting T2DM/HT patients, six unique proteins were identified, of which two—microtubule-associated protein 1A (MAP1A)—might be involved in dementia via RhoB-p53 and diacylglycerol kinase beta (DGKB), associated with lipid metabolism. This study identified new candidate proteins that are possibly involved in the pathology of these diseases.

Background/Objectives: Chronic particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure is associated with vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk. However, the role of diet in modulating inflammation under such conditions remains unclear. This study explored the associations between nutrient intake and circulating vascular inflammatory biomarkers among apparently healthy adults living in PM2.5-affected rural and peri-urban areas in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: Fifty-three healthy adults (27 rural; 26 peri-urban) were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and dietary intake using three consecutive 24 h recalls. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze associations between nutrient intake and inflammatory markers, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Peri-urban participants exhibited significantly higher levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-6 compared to rural participants (p < 0.05). They also had higher intakes of sugars and saturated fatty acids, whereas rural participants consumed more cholesterol, antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C, A, and E), and minerals (e.g., potassium, selenium). Regression analyses revealed positive associations between sugar intake and all three inflammatory markers (ICAM-1: β = 0.467; VCAM-1: β = 0.481; IL-6: β = 0.557; all p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, intakes of selenium and vitamin A were inversely associated with VCAM-1 levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain dietary components may influence vascular inflammation among individuals exposed to PM2.5. Encouraging consumption of anti-inflammatory nutrients may help mitigate pollution-related cardiovascular risks.