Figure 1.

Illustration of potential mechanisms for the effect of PM exposure on cardiovascular system and progenitor/stem cells. PM exposure resulted in ROS formation that in turn could lead to the detrimental effects on cardiovascular system and impaired number and function of progenitor/stem cells. The mechanisms for decreased number and function of progenitor/stem cells following PM exposure might be because of the inhibition of self‐renewal, proliferation, survival (enhanced apoptosis), homing, mobilization, adhesion to extracellular matrices or differentiation. Blocking PM‐induced ROS formation might be an effective treatment option to attenuate or prevent the adverse effect of PM exposure on the progenitor/stem cells and cardiovascular system. Other mechanisms like reduction in VEGF receptor‐mediated signalling, decreased Akt signalling and nitric oxide level could be also important for the effect of PM exposure. PM: particulate matter; ROS: reactive oxygen species. ‐: diminish; ↓: decrease.