Research progress in mechanism of lung injury due to paraquat poisoning and its relevant treatments

Poisoning by Paraquat( PQ) leads to multiple organ failure. The main target organ for PQ toxicity is the lung. The specific mechanism of lung damage is pulmonary fibrosis. But the mechanism of PQ toxicity has not been fully understand yet. It may result from the PQ generates reactive oxygen species, activates immune system and releases inflammatory cytokines. No antidote or effective treatment to decrease PQ accumulation in the lung or to disrupt its toxicity has yet been developed. The managements of PQ poisoning rely mainly on supporting therapy. Some progress has been achieved in the treatment of PQ poisoning such as new anti-oxidant therapy, immunosuppressive agents, haemoperfusion and haemodialysis, but these methods have failed to alter the final outcomes in poisoned patients. This paper reviews the new progress in research of the mechanisms of lung toxicity caused by PQ-poisoning and its treatments.