Impaired cardiac mitochondrial function and contractile reserve following an acute exposure to environmental particulate matter

► Exposure to PM is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. ► Altered oxidative and energetic metabolism is suggested as an underlying mechanism. ► Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxidative phosphorylation was induced by PM. ► Altered oxidative metabolism correlated with deficient cardiac performance. ► The findings comprise an early cardiovascular alteration triggered by PM exposure.