Recent experimental data on toxic effects of sulfur dioxide (literature review)

Sulfur dioxide is one of the most common anthropogenic air pollutants, posing a significant hazard to human health, especially in industrial regions.

The aim of this literature review is to summarize and systematize recent experimental data on the mechanisms and toxic effects of sulfur dioxide and its water-soluble derivatives (sulfite and bisulfite ions) in in vivo and in vitro models.

Based on the analysis of 64 publications selected from international and Russian databases, this review provides a detailed description of toxicokinetics and key pathogenetic pathways. We established that the leading mechanisms of toxicity include the induction of intense oxidative stress, a systemic proinflammatory response through NF-κB activation, and profound disruption of cellular energy metabolism due to mitochondrial dysfunction.

This review describes systemic toxic effects of sulfur dioxide, extending beyond its direct irritant effect on the respiratory tract. Evidence is presented of damage to the cardiovascular system (cardiomyocyte apoptosis and structural myocardial changes), nervous system (neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal apoptosis), and reproductive function (impaired spermatogenesis, damage to the blood-testis barrier, and ovarian suppression). In addition, the genotoxic potential of sulfur dioxide and its role in disrupting cellular energy homeostasis are discussed. The findings expand our understanding of the fundamental principles of sulfur dioxide toxicity.

Author contributions:
Bateneva V.A., Nikogosyan K.M., Slobodchikova A.S. – data collection and analysis, draft manuscript preparation;
Minigalieva I.A. – goal formulation, approval of the final version;
Rybina T.M. – data collection and analysis.
All co-authors are responsible for approving the final version of the article and ensuring the integrity of all its parts

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no obvious or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The authors declare no obvious or potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Received: March 2, 2026 / Revised: June 3, 2026 / Accepted: August 3, 2026 / Published: September 16, 2026

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