Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Molecular mechanisms of airborne particulate matter-induced carcinogenesis: A systematic review of experimental evidence

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
La Saudi 1
Fiona Paramitha 2
Nurullia Hanum Hilfida 3
Anja Hesnia Kholis 3
Aby Nugrah Septanto 3
Novianti Lailiah 3
Yeni Septia Ningsi 4
1 Department of Nursing , Faculty of Medicine, State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
2 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
3 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, State University of Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
4 Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
10.22038/ijbms.2026.95823.20663
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, has been classified as a carcinogen; however, experimental evidence elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer risk remains limited. This review synthesizes experimental evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which airborne PM induces carcinogenesis, emphasizing pathways involved in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were performed across six databases (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, SpringerLink, and Taylor & Francis) for English-language studies published between January 2015 and December 2025. Eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experimental investigations using human-relevant models that examined molecular responses to PM exposure. Risk of bias was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. Of 5,962 records screened, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria; most examined PM2.5 exposure in lung cancer models, with A549 cells being the most frequently used model. Across studies, six interconnected carcinogenic mechanisms were consistently identified: oxidative stress and chronic inflammation driven by reactive oxygen species; genotoxicity accompanied by impaired DNA repair; epigenetic dysregulation involving DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs; activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis; evasion of apoptosis with metabolic reprogramming; and deregulated cell proliferation and growth suppression. Experimental evidence indicates that PM-induced carcinogenesis extends beyond direct DNA damage to include persistent epigenetic alterations, metabolic adaptation, and activation of oncogenic signaling networks. These findings underscore potential molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for early detection and prevention of air pollution–related cancers.
Keywords
Air pollution
Carcinogenesis
Molecular
Oxidative stress
Particulate matter
PM2.5
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 November 2026