Cellular and Molecular review of Sulfur Mustard-induced ChronicPulmonary Injuries

Sulfur mustard gas (SM) is one of the most used chemical warfare agents in world that used against Iranian soldiers in the Iraq-Iran war (1980–88). After three decades, although some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms such as damage to DNA and cell membrane, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and probably inflammation are known, some of SM lung injuries are unknown yet. The well-known molecular mechanisms of SM lung injuries are imbalances in the oxidant-antioxidant, protease-antiprotease, and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-кB and Smad. The papers about SM pulmonary injuries were studied and analyzed based on cell and molecular perspective. Also, current treatments were reviewed in this paper. At present, based on the knowledge about chronic lung injuries induced by SM, current treatment protocols has been established. By understanding more about the SM pulmonary injuries process, could prevent further damages.