This study constructed regulatory networks and identified genes DE in the corneal response to PM2.5 exposure, particularly those involved in autophagy, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress-related pathways. These results lay the groundwork for further research into the effects of PM2.5 on ocular surface health and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced damage to human corneal epithelial cells, potentially guiding the development of targeted diagnostics or therapies to mitigate ocular surface injury caused by PM2.5.
Hou et al. (Tue,) studied this question.