Multi-omics of oxidative stress and particulate matter exposure: a systematic review

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a significant public health concern associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Oxidative stress is a key biological mechanism mediating the harmful effects of PM exposure. However, a comprehensive review of relating PM exposure to omics layers of oxidative stress has been lacking. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence on the associations between PM exposure and the multi-omics signatures of oxidative stress. We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 2021 and March 2024 in PubMed and Web of Science, following a registered protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024617742). Eligible studies assessed the impact of PM exposure on oxidative stress-related omics in adult human populations. Data on exposure assessment, study characteristics, and omics outcomes were extracted, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane’s. Seventy-seven studies were included. PM exposure was consistently associated with oxidative stress markers across multiple omics platforms. Studies on the analytes showed that PM was associated with an increase in oxidative markers. Metabolomics studies revealed alterations in pro-oxidant metabolites (e.g., eicosanoids, ceramides) and disruptions in antioxidant pathways (e.g., glutathione, vitamin C, and E metabolism). PM exposure was also linked to changes in energy metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and detoxification pathways. Genomics studies reported differential methylation in genes involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. Microbiome studies suggest that PM exposure alters the composition of gut and nasal microbiota, favoring a pro-oxidative profile. However, some studies reported no significant associations, highlighting heterogeneity in findings. Our systematic review demonstrates that PM exposure affects multiple molecular pathways related to oxidative stress across diverse omics platforms. These findings highlight the complex responses to PM, underscoring the need for integrative multi-omics approaches to fully understand the health impacts of air pollution.