[Advances on the effects and mechanisms of maternal exposure to particulate matter on offspring neurodevelopment]

Maternal particulate matter exposure is an important environmental risk factor for offspring neurodevelopment. Epidemiological and toxicological evidence indicates that prenatal particulate matter exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring, including anxiety-like behavior, impaired memory, and altered social behavior. This review summarizes global epidemiological evidence and relevant animal studies, and discusses potential biological mechanisms, including placental barrier disruption and particle translocation, oxidative stress and inflammation, epigenetic alterations, endocrine dysfunction, and gut microbiota imbalance. These exposure-related neurodevelopmental impairments may have long-term health consequences and impose substantial burdens on families and society. Therefore, greater attention and further research are urgently needed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current progress and a theoretical basis for identifying key toxic components of particulate matter, defining sensitive exposure windows, and developing effective intervention strategies.