Long-Term Particulate Matter (PM) Exposure Promotes Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Angiogenesis Through...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major cancer subtype, especially in non-smokers.
• Fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution is linked to increased cancer risk.
• PM may promote cancer progression via angiogenesis, a process supporting tumor growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of long-term PM exposure on LUAD progression.
• To explore the role of angiogenesis in PM-induced LUAD.
• To identify molecular mechanisms linking PM exposure to cancer.

Main Methods:

• Integrative bioinformatics analysis of epidemiological and transcriptomic data (TCGA, GEO).
• Evaluation of VEGFA expression in relation to PM exposure.
• In vitro and in vivo experiments using PM-adapted cancer cell lines and xenograft models.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation was found between PM exposure and LUAD mortality.
• VEGFA was significantly upregulated in tumors from high PM areas, linked to poorer survival.
• PM exposure induced VEGFA and promoted angiogenesis in experimental models, effects blocked by VEGFA or MAPK pathway inhibition.

Conclusions:

• A molecular link exists between PM exposure and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.
• VEGFA-driven angiogenesis is a key mechanism in PM-induced oncogenesis.
• Reducing ambient PM exposure is crucial to mitigate its cancer-promoting effects.