Integrative single‑cell and bulk transcriptomic profiling reveals MMP1 as a core effector and CTSB as a putative collaborator in ATBC‑aggravated pulmonary fibrosis.
Intratracheal instillation exposure to ATBC may aggravate fibrosis progression on the basis of pre‑existing lung injury, with MMP1 serving as a core effector molecule, and preliminary experimental support for the safety assessment of plasticizers following respiratory tract exposure is offered.