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Exploring the link between the pediatric exposome, respiratory health, and executive function in children: a narrative review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Exploring the link between the pediatric exposome, respiratory health, and executive function in children: a narrative review

Cecilia S. Alcala, Jamil M. Lane, Vishal Midya, Shoshannah Eggers, Robert O. Wright and Maria José Rosa
Frontiers in public health, Vol.12, 1383851
10/16/2024
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1383851
PMCID: PMC11521889
PMID: 39478741
url
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1383851View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Asthma is a highly prevalent inflammatory condition, significantly affecting nearly six million U.S. children and impacting various facets of their developmental trajectories including neurodevelopment. Evidence supports a link between pediatric environmental exposures in two key areas: asthma and executive function (E.F.). E.F.s are a collective of higher-order cognitive processes facilitating goal-oriented behaviors. Studies also identify asthma-associated E.F. impairments in children. However, limited research has evaluated the inter-relationships among environmental exposures, asthma, and E.F. in children. This review explored relevant research to identify and connect the potential mechanisms and pathways underlying these dynamic associations. The review suggests that the role of the pediatric exposome may function through (1) several underlying biological pathways (i.e., the lung-brain axis, neuroendocrine system, and hypoxia), which could drive asthma and maladaptive E.F. in children and (2) the relationships between the exposome, asthma, and E.F. is a bidirectional linkage. The review reveals essential synergistic links between asthma and E.F. deficits, highlighting the potential role of the pediatric exposome.
pediatric environmental health asthma executive function respiratory health exposome

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