The role of pyroptosis in environmental pollutants-induced multisystem toxicities

The global ecosystem is adversely affected by environmental pollutants, which have numerous deleterious consequences on both the environment and human health. A multitude of human organs and systems, including the neurological, digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive, and respiratory systems, can be adversely affected by these pollutants. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death, primarily involving the Caspase-1/Gasdermin D (GSDMD) classical inflammasome pathway, Caspase-4/5/11/GSDMD non-classical inflammasome pathway, Caspase-3/8 pathway, and other signaling pathways, which induce cell death and regulate the occurrence of inflammatory responses. Pyroptosis plays an important role in a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease. Evidence has emerged in recent years indicating that environmental pollutants exert various toxic effects by modulating pyroptosis. In this review, we examine hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, reproductive toxicity and the related mechanisms caused by environmental pollutants through the regulation of pyroptosis. We aim to provide theoretical references for future toxicity research on environmental pollutants.