The impact of airborne particulate matter-based pollution on the cellular and molecular mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 954; p. 176413
• Main Authors: Taylor-Blair, Hudson C., Siu, Alexander Chi Wang, Haysom-McDowell, Adam, Kokkinis, Sofia, Bani Saeid, Ayeh, Chellappan, Dinesh Kumar, Oliver, Brian G.G., Paudel, Keshav Raj, De Rubis, Gabriele, Dua, Kamal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Air pollution; Atmospheric pollution; COPD; Lung disease; Respiratory pathophysiology; Atmospheric pollution; Lung disease; Air pollution; Respiratory pathophysiology; PM; COPD
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176413

Inhalation of particulate matter (PM), one of the many components of air pollution, is associated with the development and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is one of the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity, with a paucity of therapeutic options and a significant contributor to global health expenditure. This review aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways that lead to the development of COPD following chronic PM exposure. Our review describes how the inhalation of PM can lead to lung parenchymal destruction and cellular senescence due to chronic pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. Following inhalation of PM, significant increases in a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mediated by the nuclear factor kappa B pathway are reported. This review also highlights how the inhalation of PM can lead to deleterious chronic oxidative stress persisting in the lung post-exposure. Furthermore, our work summarises how PM inhalation can lead to airway remodelling, with increases in pro-fibrotic cytokines and collagen deposition, typical of COPD. This paper also accentuates the interconnection and possible synergism between the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to COPD. Our work emphasises the serious health consequences of PM exposure on respiratory health. Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms can provide insight into possible therapeutic options. Finally, this review should serve as a stark reminder of the need for genuine action on air pollution to decrease the associated health burden on our growing global population. [Display omitted] •Inhalation of air pollution can lead to chronic respiratory disease.•Numerous pathophysiological mechanisms can be induced by particulate matter.•Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can be induced by air pollution exposure.•Particulate matter is a genuine global health and environmental issue.•There is an urgent need for greater action to decrease global airborne pollution.