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Researchers find how pollution hampers lung function and how to reverse that damage and restore lung function.


New research has identified the mechanism by which air pollution damages the lungs’ self-cleaning system, leaving us vulnerable to infection. In doing so, it has also identified a way to reverse that damage and restore lung function.

Fine particulate matter, called PM 2.5 because its particles are 2.5 micrometers or smaller, commonly comes from natural and human-made sources: cars and truck exhaust, coal-fired power stations, industrial facilities, wildfires and dust storms. Many of these pollutants can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress that can damage cells and tissues, ultimately resulting in health problems. “Altogether, these results demonstrate aldehyde metabolism ensures ciliary resilience and illuminates its therapeutic potential in mitigating respiratory disorders associated with air pollution,” the researchers said.

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