The interactions and combined effects of benzo[a]pyrene with other environmental pollutants

Benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous environmental carcinogen that poses growing health risks when co-exposed with other pollutants. However, there is still a poor understanding of the underlying interaction mechanisms, which hinders accurate risk assessment and targeted prevention. Co-exposure of BaP with heavy metals, particulate matter, organic pollutants, and physical factors can produce complex effects such as synergistic, antagonistic, or additive effects, involving multiple molecular pathways such as changes in absorption and metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic regulation. In recent years, relevant studies have initially revealed some combined toxicity mechanisms, providing a basis for understanding the health effects of combined exposure. At the same time, it also suggests that abnormal molecular markers may become new targets for early risk warning. This review systematically summarizes the toxic effects and mechanisms of BaP co-exposure, aiming to offer new insights for preventing and treating BaP-related disorders.