Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies for Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Lung and Cardiovascular Damage: Marketed Drugs, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Biological Agents.

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), defined as airborne particles with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm, represents a major constituent of air pollution and has been globally implicated in exacerbating public health burdens by elevating morbidity and mortality rates associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Adverse health effects of PM_2.5 exposure manifest across diverse susceptibility profiles and durations of exposure, spanning both acute and chronic timelines. While prior reviews have predominantly focused on elucidating the toxicological mechanisms underlying PM_2.5-induced pathologies, there remains a paucity of comprehensive summaries addressing therapeutic interventions for cardiopulmonary damage. This review systematically synthesizes pharmacological agents with potential therapeutic efficacy against PM_2.5-induced pulmonary and cardiovascular injury. By integrating mechanistic insights with translational perspectives, this work aims to provide a foundational framework for advancing research into novel therapeutic strategies targeting PM_2.5-associated cardiopulmonary disorders.