Particulate matter 2.5 accelerates aging: Exploring cellular senescence and age-related diseases

Abstract

Exposure to Particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) accelerates aging, causing declines in tissue and organ function, and leading to diseases such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and musculoskeletal disorders. PM_2.5 is a major environmental pollutant and an exogenous pathogen in air pollution that is now recognized as an accelerator of human aging and a predisposing factor for several age-related diseases. In this paper, we seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which PM_2.5 induces cellular senescence, such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Our goal is to increase awareness among researchers within the field of the toxicity of environmental pollutants and to advocate for personal and public health initiatives to curb their production and enhance population protection. Through these endeavors, we aim to promote longevity and health in older adults.

Keywords: Age-related diseases; Aging; Cellular senescence; Particulate matter 2.5.