Environmental Exposures, Diseases and Epigenetic Regulation: From Scientific Evidence to Prevention
Research Theme Summary
This workshop brought together experts from various fields, including public health, epidemiology, environmental economics, obesity, epigenetics, neurobiology, immunology, microbiota, and cancer. The goal was to form a research network to study the effects of diverse environmental exposures on human health in Chile and Sweden. We explored their connection to disease incidence and how to study and manage these environmental determinants. We shared experiences from both countries, focusing on public education, policy implementation, prevention strategies, and monitoring systems. This approach aims to foster future collaborative research and guide policy- making.
PIs
Carlos Guerrero Bosagna, Uppsala University
Marcela K. Sjöberg Herrera, P. Universidad Católica
Participants
Adan L. Martinez-Cruz, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Estefania Andrea Nova Lamperti, Universidad de Concepción
Erick Marcelo Riquelme Sanchez, P. Universidad Católica
Víctor Cortés, P. Universidad Católica
Jorge Campusano, P. Universidad Católica
Peter Bergsten, Uppsala University
Maria Teresa Muñoz Quezada, Universidad de Chile
Sandra Cortés, P. Universidad Católica
Rodrigo Morales Castro, Karolinska Institute
Parisa Norouzitallab, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Eduardo Villablanca, Karolinska Institute
Results
The workshop focused on three main topics to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and prevention of environmentally related diseases.
Firstly, we presented evidence on environmental exposures impacting human health in Chile and Sweden and deliberated strategies for reducing, monitoring, and regulating pollutants in both countries. This discussion encompassed Swedish government incentives that foster sustainable practices, leading to a decrease in the utilization or exposure reducing the adverse health effects. The necessity to broaden the range of pollutants monitored in Chile, legislate responsible concentration ranges, and adhere to laws and standards was underscored.
Secondly, we tackled communication strategies to articulate the impact of environmental exposures on health.
Thirdly, we contemplated the design and development of a scalable pilot study to map obesogenic environments. This considers the build-up of a model that includes individual assessments, environmental emissions as well as the territorial planification, socioeconomic factors and cost-benefit estimations of applying personalized interventions for maximum community impact.
The long-term objective would be to utilize this model to reshape areas to align with OECD standards and prevent environmental exposures affecting human health.