In addition, an independent four-group mechanistic validation cohort (Control, PTE, PTE + DNase I, and PTE + ferrostatin-1 [Fer-1]; n = 5 per group) was used to evaluate NETs, TLR9, phospho-p65, total p65, and GPX4 by ELISA and qRT-PCR.<h4>Results</h4>The PTE model demonstrated progressive pulmonary fibrosis (increasing CVF, P < 0.05) and a sustained hypofibrinolytic state. Here, TLR9 is linked to pulmonary fibrosis.