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Low-dose radiation mitigates PM2.5-induced lung impairment by down-regulating ROS-mediated inflammation and apoptotic
Rongrong Liu1, Yang Yu1, Zhiyuan Wang1
1NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Low-dose radiation (LDR) effectively mitigates lung damage caused by particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure. LDR reduces inflammation and apoptosis by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for PM2.5-induced lung injury.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Radiation Biology
Background:
- Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure is linked to lung diseases via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
- Low-dose radiation (LDR) is known to reduce inflammation and apoptosis.
- The therapeutic potential of LDR for PM2.5-induced lung injury is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of LDR in mitigating PM2.5-induced lung damage.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of LDR's protective effects against PM2.5 exposure.
Main Methods:
- Established mouse and cell models of PM2.5-induced lung damage using X-ray irradiation.
- Utilized transcriptomic profiling (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes.
- Assessed inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress, and apoptosis using flow cytometry, ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, biochemical assays, IHC, and IF.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis markers (Cyt c, caspase-3, Bax) while decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and SOD.
- LDR intervention significantly attenuated PM2.5-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress (ROS, MDA).
- LDR protected mitochondrial integrity against PM2.5-induced damage.
Conclusions:
- LDR mitigates PM2.5-induced lung injury by regulating ROS-mediated inflammation and apoptosis.
- LDR demonstrates a protective role against the adverse effects of PM2.5 exposure on lung tissues and cells.
- The findings suggest LDR as a potential therapeutic approach for air pollution-related lung damage.
