Benzene exposure is associated with cardiovascular disease risk.

Benzene is a ubiquitous, volatile pollutant present at high concentrations in toxins (e.g. tobacco smoke) known to increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution Is Associated With Endothelial Injury and Systemic Inflammation.

Rationale: Epidemiological evidence indicates that exposures to fine particulate matter air pollution (PM) contribute to global burden of disease, primarily as a result of increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, mechanisms by which PM exposure induces cardiovascular injury remain unclear. PM-induced endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation have been implicated, but direct evidence is lacking.

Insulin sensitizers prevent fine particulate matter-induced vascular insulin resistance and changes in endothelial progenitor cell homeostasis.

Exposure to fine particular matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. Because blood vessels are sensitive targets of air pollutant exposure, we examined the effects of concentrated ambient PM2.

Role of CD4+ T cells in a protective immune response against Cryptococcus neoformans in the central nervous system.

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening disease caused by the encapsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. Although infection with C. neoformans is initiated in the lungs, morbidity and mortality is mostly associated with infections of the central nervous system (CNS).

Cytokine and chemokine expression in the central nervous system associated with protective cell-mediated immunity against Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast that causes cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease that develops following inhalation and dissemination of the organisms. C. neoformans has a predilection for the central nervous system (CNS) and mortality is most frequently associated with meningoencephalitis.