Abstract
Air pollution is a very critical issue worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Particulate matter (PM) is a type of air pollution that comprises a heterogeneous mixture of different particle sizes and chemical compositions. There are various sources of fine PM (PM(2.5)), and the components may also have different effects on people. The pathogenesis of PM(2.5) in several diseases remains to be clarified. There is a long history of epidemiological research on PM(2.5) in several diseases. Numerous studies show that PM(2.5) can induce a variety of chronic diseases, such as respiratory system damage, cardiovascular dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus. However, the epidemiological evidence associated with potential mechanisms in the progression of diseases need to be proved precisely through in vitro and in vivo investigations. Suggested mechanisms of PM(2.5) that lead to adverse effects and chronic diseases include increasing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and genotoxicity. The aim of this review is to provide a brief overview of in vitro and in vivo experimental studies of PM(2.5) in the progression of various diseases from the last decade. The summarized research results could provide clear information about the mechanisms and progression of PM(2.5)-induced disease.