Cell Death Pathways: The Variable Mechanisms Underlying Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Cytotoxicity

Abstract

Recently, the advent of health risks due to the cytotoxicity of fine particulate matter (FPM) is concerning. Numerous studies have reported abundant data elucidating the FPM-induced cell death pathways. However, several challenges and knowledge gaps are still confronted nowadays. On one hand, the undefined components of FPM (such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pathogens) are all responsible for detrimental effects, thus rendering it difficult to delineate the specific roles of these copollutants. On the other hand, owing to the crosstalk and interplay among different cell death signaling pathways, precisely determining the threats and risks posed by FPM is difficult. Herein, we recapitulate the current knowledge gaps present in the recent studies regarding FPM-induced cell death, and propose future research directions for policy-making to prevent FPM-induced diseases and improve knowledge concerning the adverse outcome pathways and public health risks of FPM.

Exhaled VOC Biomarkers from Rats Injected with PMs from Thirty-One Major Cities in China

“…38 Additionally, certain heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) exhibit high carcinogenicity. 39,40 To accurately assess the bioavailability of PMSF in rats following PMSF exposure, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the concentration of trace elements present in 31 ambient PMSF samples that could potentially enter the rats. Using ICP-MS, we classified the 49 detected elements into eight categories (Figure 1).…”

“…Heavy metals present in PM have been associated with various neurological toxicities and carry a potential risk of cancer. − For instance, zerovalent copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) have also been detected in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease . Additionally, certain heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) exhibit high carcinogenicity. , To accurately assess the bioavailability of PMSF in rats following PMSF exposure, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the concentration of trace elements present in 31 ambient PMSF samples that could potentially enter the rats. Using ICP-MS, we classified the 49 detected elements into eight categories (Figure ).…”

Apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) in A549 cells exposed to water-soluble fraction of particulate matter (PM10)

“…Cell death has a central role in homeostasis and it is also responsible for the onset of several pathological conditions. In recent years, various types of cell death, such as apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, have been elucidated (Chen et al, 2023), and an increasing number of works have focused on the cellular death pathways related to PM exposure. Among the death cell types, apoptosis is the most widely Frontiers in Physiology frontiersin.org 08 investigated in PM-induced cytotoxicity and it has been related to the appearance of pulmonary fibrosis (Yang et al, 2020).…”

“…In general, oxidative stress has been associated with cell homeostasis imbalance, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis –( Yang et al, 2018 ; Zhang et al, 2018 ). Though numerous studies have focused on the cytotoxic effects of PM so far, several issues remain unclarified, particularly those related to the cell death pathways and underlying mechanisms ( Chen et al, 2023 ).…”

Enhanced Intrusion of Exogenous Airborne Fine Particles toward Eyes in Humans and Animals: Where Damaged Blood–Ocular Barrier Plays a Crucial Role

“…20 AFPs are laden with various pollutants (e.g., heavy meal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pathogens) and will transform once in the biological microenvironment, 21−24 generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) 25 and bringing unpredicted health risks. 26 It should be noted that the inner structure of the eye is delicate and fragile, built up by muscles, collagenous fiber, thousands of vessels, and millions of neurons. The direct intrusion of AFPs into the inner eye would not be easy, but if it happens, it would induce significant adverse outcomes, such as structural damage, function loss, homeostasis breakdown, and even accelerating the blindness process.…”