Particulate Matter and Its Molecular Effects on Skin: Implications for Various Skin Diseases

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2024-09, Vol.25 (18), p.9888
• Main Authors: Paik, Kyungho, Na, Jung-Im, Huh, Chang-Hun, Shin, Jung-Won
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acne; Aging; Air Pollutants - adverse effects; Air Pollutants - toxicity; Air pollution; Animals; Apoptosis; atopic dermatitis; Cell death; Chemical properties; Cytochrome; Cytokines; Dermatitis; Development and progression; DNA damage; Endoplasmic reticulum; Environmental aspects; Enzymes; Health aspects; Homeostasis; Humans; Hydrocarbons; Inflammation - metabolism; Ligands; Lipid peroxidation; Lipids; Mitochondrial DNA; Outdoor air quality; Oxidation; Oxidative stress; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Particles; particulate matter; Particulate Matter - adverse effects; Particulate Matter - toxicity; Physiological aspects; Protein folding; Psoriasis; Review; Risk factors; Skin - drug effects; Skin - metabolism; Skin - pathology; skin aging; Skin Aging - drug effects; skin disease; Skin diseases; Skin Diseases - metabolism; Skin Diseases - pathology; Transcription factors
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189888

Particulate matter (PM) is a harmful air pollutant composed of chemicals and metals which affects human health by penetrating both the respiratory system and skin, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review investigates the association between PM and skin disease, focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms and specific disease pathways involved. Studies have shown that PM exposure is positively associated with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin aging. PM-induced oxidative stress damages lipids, proteins, and DNA, impairing cellular functions and triggering inflammatory responses through pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), NF-κB, and MAPK. This leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines and exacerbates skin conditions. PM exposure exacerbates AD by triggering inflammation and barrier disruption. It disrupts keratinocyte differentiation and increases pro-inflammatory cytokines in psoriasis. In acne, it increases sebum production and inflammatory biomarkers. It accelerates skin aging by degrading ECM proteins and increasing MMP-1 and COX2. In conclusion, PM compromises skin health by penetrating skin barriers, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation through mechanisms like ROS generation and activation of key pathways, leading to cellular damage, apoptosis, and autophagy. This highlights the need for protective measures and targeted treatments to mitigate PM-induced skin damage.