Effects of PM2.5 on Chronic Airway Diseases: A Review of Research Progress

Xin Li,Xiaoju Liu

doi:10.3390/atmos12081068

Xin Li, Xiaoju Liu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081068

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Abstract

The adverse effects of polluted air on human health have been increasingly appreciated worldwide. It is estimated that outdoor air pollution is associated with the death of 4.2 million people globally each year. Accumulating epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), one of the important air pollutants, significantly contributes to respiratory mortality and morbidity. PM2.5 causes lung damage mainly by inducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress. In this paper, we reviewed the research results of our group on the effects of PM2.5 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer. And recent research progress on epidemiological studies and potential mechanisms were also discussed. Reducing air pollution, although remaining a major challenge, is the best and most effective way to prevent the onset and progression of respiratory diseases.

Highlights

Atmosphere 2021, 12, 1068. https://In the past few decades, air pollution has become a major contributor impacting human health
Per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was positively associated with a 1.10-fold risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) death
We have found that LPS significantly upregulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 and increased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocyte derived macrophages expression of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in Alveolar macrophages (AMs) in COPD

Summary

Introduction

In the past few decades, air pollution has become a major contributor impacting human health. It is estimated that 4.2 million people worldwide die from lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and acute and chronic airway diseases each year due to environmental air pollution [1]. Pollutants that have the greatest impact on human health include particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. PM is generally divided into three categories based on its aerodynamic diameter: coarse particles (PM2.5–10 ). 2.5 μm, and ultrafine particles with a diameter less than 0.1 μm. We summarized recent epidemiological studies by our team and others on the effects of PM2.5 on the development of chronic airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer, and discussed the potential mechanisms involved. Web of Science, and Scopus, focusing on peer-reviewed English journal articles published in the last 5 years

Main Findings

Asthma

Lung Cancer

Conclusions