Figure 8. A schematic diagram depicting Intracranial Atherosclerosis induced by PM2.5 in a high-cholesterol diet rat model.

Blood lipids are induced by HCD, PM2.5 exposure or their combination, as evidenced by elevations in blood TG, LDL and CHO, with reduction in HDL expression. Subsequently, brain inflammation is also induced with elevations in TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, INF-ɣ, iNOS and VCAM-1. The resulting consequence is the development of intracranial atherosclerosis, with increased media thickness and narrowing of lumen diameter. The effects of HCD and PM2.5 can be attenuated with O3FA supplementation.