Heavy metals bound to fine particulate matter from northern China induce season-dependent health risks: A study based on myocardial toxicity

Abstract

Substantial epidemiological evidence has consistently reported that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes. PM2.5 is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets composed of multiple components, and there has been high interest in identifying the specific health-relevant physical and/or chemical toxic constituents of PM2.5. In the present study, we analyzed 8 heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn and Co) in the PM2.5 collected during four different seasons in Taiyuan, a typical coal-burning city in northern China. Our results indicated that total concentrations of the 8 heavy metals differed among the seasons. Zn and Pb, which are primarily derived from the anthropogenic source, coal burning, were the dominant elements, and high concentrations of these two elements were observed during the spring and winter. To clarify whether these heavy metals in the locally collected PM2.5 were associated with health effects, we conducted health risk assessments using validated methods. Interestingly, Pb was responsible for greater potential health risks to children. Because cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a main contributor to the mortality associated with PM2.5 exposure, we performed experimental assays to evaluate the myocardial toxicity. Our in vitro experiments showed that the heavy metal-containing PM2.5 induced season-dependent apoptosis in rat H9C2 cells through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inflammatory response. Our findings suggested that heavy metals bound to PM2.5 produced by coal burning play an important role in myocardial toxicity and contribute to season-dependent health risks.

Air pollutants reinforce autism–like behavior in the VPA-Induced – rat model of autism

“…In the present study, concentrations of PAHs, and metals in PM 2.5, particularly lead, zinc, manganese, benzo (a)anthracene, benzo (k) uoranthene, benzo (a) pyrene, and pyrene were considered potential neurotoxic risks. Some of these toxicants have been associated with the triggering of in ammation, generation of ROS, and lipid peroxidation [14,15,82,83]. Mostafa, et al [84] hypothesized that lead as a one of the main neurotoxicants acting as environmental triggers for ASD through neuroin ammation, and autoimmunity.…”

“…TRAP includes particulate matter, other criteria air pollutants, and air toxics (e.g., methylene chloride, chromium, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) [10,11,12,13]. Zinc, manganese, benzo(k) uoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and pyrene in PM 2.5 may have neurotoxic potential and adverse developmental outcomes [14,15,16,17]. Some of these species have been associated with the production of ROS resulting in DNA damage [18].…”

The Role of Air Pollution by the Particulate Matter in Pathogenesis of the Chronic Noninfectious Diseases

“…Zhang Y. и соавт. (2016) в экспериментах на культуре кардиомиобластов крысы H9c2 показали, что тяжелые металлы, входящие в состав PM2,5, увеличивают апоптоз клеток через воспалительную реакцию, обусловленную активными формами кислорода (АФК), и таким образом способствуют развитию ССЗ [43].…”

“…Оксидативный стресс при действии PM является центральной ступенью провоспалительной реакции, а активные формы кислорода и азота (АФА) могут быть триггерами освобождения цитокинов из тканей через транскрипционные факторы NF-κB (ядерный фактор «каппа-би»), AP-1 (белок-активатор 1), Nrf2 (ядерный фак-тор, подобный выделенному из эритроидных клеток-2) и AhR (рецептор акриловых углеводородов) [43,44].…”

Biapenem as a Novel Insight into Drug Repositioning against Particulate Matter-Induced Lung Injury

“…Suspended particulate matter (PM), less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in diameter, a well-known indicator of air pollution, has adverse effects on the respiratory and circulatory systems [8]. PM2.5 is made up of a number of different components that exert toxic effects, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, oxygenated volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals [9,10]. The relationship between PM2.…”