Autopsy-based approach connecting air pollution, myocardial aging, and anatomical education

• Grant number: 24/17301-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Anatomy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Cremasco Takano
• Grantee: Ana Paula Cremasco Takano
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Airlane Pereira Alencar ; Camilo de Lellis Santos ; Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that air pollution can accelerate cellular modifications characteristic of aging. Furthermore, aging is known to be a significant factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the possible association between chronic exposure to urban pollution and myocardial aging has yet to be explored. Through the analysis of tissues obtained from autopsies of non-smoking individuals who lived in São Paulo, this project aims to evaluate the effects of urban pollution in the cardiovascular context, investigating potential markers of cellular aging, such as telomere shortening and the presence of senescent cells in the myocardium. Simultaneously, the autopsy environment will be utilized to explore educational strategies in practical anatomy teaching, focusing on preparing students for real-life situations, including surgical procedures and anatomopathological research. Thus, this multidisciplinary study not only seeks to deepen the understanding of the impacts of pollution on health but also aims to contribute to the training of more capable healthcare professionals to meet society's demands effectively. (AU)