Intratracheal instillation of coal and coal fly ash particles in mice induces DNA damage and translocation of metals to extrapulmonary tissues

Abstract

Continuous exposure to coal mining particles can cause a variety of lung diseases. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of exposure to detailed characterized coal and coal fly ash (CFA) particles on DNA, lung and extrapulmonary tissues. Coal samples (COAL11 and COAL16) and CFA samples (CFA11 and CFA16) were included in this study. Intending to enhance the combustion process COAL16 was co-fired with a mixture of fuel oil and diesel oil, producing CFA16. Male BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with coal and CFA particles. Measurements were done 24h later. Results showed significant rigidity and obstruction of the central airways only for animals acutely exposed to coal particles. The COAL16 group also showed obstruction of the peripheral airways. Mononuclear cells were recruited in all treatment groups and expression of cytokines, particularly TNF-α and IL-1β, was observed. Only animals exposed to COAL16 showed a significant expression of IL-6 and recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells. DNA damage was demonstrated by Comet assay for all groups. Cr, Fe and Ni were detected in liver, spleen and brain, showing the efficient translocation of metals from the bloodstream to extrapulmonary organs. These effects were associated with particle composition (oxides, hydroxides, phosphates, sulfides, sulphates, silciates, organic-metalic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hidrocarbons) rather than their size. This work provides state of knowledge on the effects of acute exposure to coal and CFA particles on respiratory mechanics, DNA damage, translocation of metals to other organs and related inflammatory processes.

Average Hourly Concentrations of Air Contaminants in Selected Urban, Town, and Rural Sites

“…Concentrations of air pollutants depend on city density and on urban planning, and the level of industrialization also has an impact (Landim et al 2018; León-Mejía et al 2018; Saikia et al 2018). The daily activity patterns of people, including time spent at home, working hours, and travel, are specific to particular areas and fluctuate during the day.…”

Herbal Combinational Medication of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Agastache rugosa Containing Glycyrrhizic Acid, Tilianin Inhibits Neutrophilic Lung Inflammation by Affecting CXCL2, Interleukin-17/STAT3 Signal Pathways in a Murine Model of COPD

“…Several researchers examined complex chemical mixtures such as CFA and DEP as materials that may represent the complex make-up of urban-collected PM [30,31]. Several investigators reported a significant lung-inflammation response to airway exposure to CFA and DEP [32][33][34]. Numerous different types of airborne particles including cigarette smoke (CS), carbon black (CB), CFA, and DEP are typical constituents of urban PM and are commonly used in studies to investigate effects of PM in airway-disease models.…”

Respirable nano-particulate generations and their pathogenesis in mining workplaces: a review

“…One noteworthy property of nano-dusts causing attention is their high toxicity and their capacity to bioaccumulate. The continuous inhalation of nano-dusts in the working environment with high dust concentration is hazardous and a silent risk factor to a healthy worker that may lead to oxidative stress, oxidative damage, acute pro-inflammatory response and damage to macromolecules such as lipids (lipid peroxidation), proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids (DNA) (Schins and Borm 1999;Silva 2016;León-Mejia et al 2018). In addition to the well-known lung diseases, liver is reported as a vulnerable target organ since the translocated nano-dust can easily reach micro live vasculature and hepatocytes through bloodstream (Mani 2007;Bourdon et al 2012;Kim et al 2014).…”