Mechanisms and effects of PM2.5 on diseases of respiratory system: Latest findings / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

The chemical composition of PM2.5 is extremely complex and it can carry some viruses and bacteria, gather many toxic and hazardous substances. The respiratory system is the main target organ of PM2.5 exposure and impact. There are many different kinds of respiratory system diseases, which have complex etiologies and unpredictable outcomes. Previous reports have shown that PM2.5 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of respiratory obstructive, infectious, allergic and neoplastic diseases; of which mechanisms may be related to oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction, genetic toxicity, cell apoptosis, cell autophagy and cell cycle disorders.