Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of PM2.5-mediated neurodegenerative diseases

Toxicol Lett. 2020 Sep 1:329:31-37. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.04.017. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Abstract

PM2.5 particles are widely believed to be associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, recent studies have reported that PM2.5 may be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The exact mechanism by which PM2.5 mediates neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction is still unclear. In the current work, we collected evidence supporting the association between PM2.5 exposure and development of neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence from epidemiological investigations, animal experiments, and ex vivo cell experiments showed that PM2.5 exposure may lead to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, synaptic damage and ultimately neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Mitochondrial dysfunction; Neurodegenerative disease; Neuroinflammation; Neuronal apoptosis; Oxidative stress; PM(2.5).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / etiology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Particulate Matter / toxicity*

Substances

  • Particulate Matter