LB1609 The evolutionary trajectory of primate skin appendage traits

Abstract

Background: Ambient particulate matter (PM) represents an environmental threat to which millions of people worldwide are exposed. Adverse effects of PM on human health have been reported, but its effect on skin aging has not been widely studied. Autophagy is a regulatory "self-eating" process and is one of the survival mechanisms for cells during extrinsic and intrinsic stress. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between PM exposure, autophagy and skin aging. Methods: We compared the levels of autophagy in human skin fibroblasts before and after PM exposure. We also measured the changes in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1), procollagen I, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and TGF-beta levels before and after PM exposure. Results: Transmission electron microscopy analyses of revealed the presence of PM within the cytoplasm and autophagosomes of the PM exposed fibroblasts. Western blot analysis showed a statistically significant increase in autophagic flux in fibroblasts after PM exposure. An increase in the protein expressions of MMP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and a decrease in procollagen-I and TGF-beta were also noted after PM exposure. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the autophagy pathway is activated with PM exposure. Fibroblasts exposed to PM showed signs of aging which indicate that air pollution might influence skin aging.