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Molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress induced by environmental pollutants
Summary
This review examines how environmental pollutants including microplastics, heavy metals, and pesticides damage cells by disrupting mitochondria, triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress, and generating harmful reactive oxygen species. Researchers describe the molecular signaling pathways through which these pollutants cause cell dysfunction and death. The study highlights the interconnected nature of these cellular stress responses and their relevance to understanding pollution-related health effects.
Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are essential organelles playing pivotal roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism, energy production, and protein synthesis. In addition, these organelles are important targets susceptible to external stimuli, such as environmental pollutants. Exposure to environmental pollutants can cause the mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and oxidative stress, leading to cellular dysfunction and death. Therefore, understanding the toxic effects and molecular mechanisms of environmental pollution underlying these processes is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on human health. In the present study, we summarized and reviewed the toxic effects and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial damage, ERS, and oxidative stress caused by exposure to environmental pollutants as well as interactions inducing the cell apoptosis and the roles in exposure to environmental pollutants.
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