Particulate matter-induced oxidative stress – Mechanistic insights and antioxidant approaches reported in in vitro studies

Inhaled particulate matter (PM) is a key factor in millions of yearly air pollution-related deaths worldwide. The oxidative potential of PM indicates its ability to promote an oxidative environment. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cell damage via oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, airway remodeling, and various cell death modes (apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis). ROS can also interact with macromolecules, inducing DNA damage and epigenetic modifications, disrupting homeostasis. These effects have been studied extensively in vitro and confirmed in vivo.

This review explores the oxidative potential of airborne particles and PM-induced ROS-mediated cellular damage observed in vitro, highlighting the link between oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death modes described in the latest literature. The review also analyzes the effects of ROS on DNA damage, repair, carcinogenicity, and epigenetics. Additionally, the latest developments on the potential of antioxidants to prevent ROS’s harmful effects are described, providing future perspectives on the topic.