The impact of organic extracts of seasonal PM2.5 on primary human lung epithelial cells and their chemical characterization

Abstract

Lung epithelial cells serve as the first line of defense against various inhaled pollutant particles. To investigate the adverse health effects of organic components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected in Seoul, South Korea, we selected 12 PM2.5 samples from May 2016 to January 2017 and evaluated the effects of organic compounds of PM2.5 on inflammation, cellular aging, and macroautophagy in human lung epithelial cells isolated directly from healthy donors. Organic extracts of PM2.5 specifically induced neutrophilic chemokine and interleukin-8 expression via extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. Moreover, PM2.5 significantly increased the expression of aging markers (p16, p21, and p27) and activated macroautophagy. Average mass concentrations of organic and elemental carbon had no significant correlations with PM2.5 effects. However, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and n-alkanes were the most relevant components of PM2.5 that correlated with neutrophilic inflammation. Vegetative detritus and residential bituminous coal combustion sources strongly correlated with neutrophilic inflammation, aging, and macroautophagy activation. These data suggest that the chemical composition of PM2.5 is important for determining the adverse health effects of PM2.5. Our study provides encouraging evidence to regulate the harmful components of PM2.5 in Seoul.

Attenuation of PM2.5-induced alveolar epithelial cells and lung injury through regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion

“…OC concentrations correlated significantly with adverse health effects, such as cardiopulmonary diseases, which require emergency hospitalization [ 24 , 25 ]. In addition, organic extracts of PM 2.5 collected in Seoul induced neutrophilic inflammation, cellular aging and enhanced macro autophagy in primary lung epithelial cells [ 26 ]. The biochemical effects of PM 2.5 rely on its multiple components and this is similarly likely for its adverse health effects which may vary depending on its chemical characteristics and where it is generated.…”

Associations of Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Mass and Constituents with Systemic Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Study of Urban Older Adults in China

“…25 were observed to be significantly associated with IL6 among older adults with a confirmed history of coronary artery disease . Several in vitro laboratory studies have confirmed that PM 2.5 -bound PAHs, water-soluble organic nitrogen, n -alkanes, humic-like substances (HULIS), and secondary organic aerosols are significantly correlated with oxidative stress and inflammation. ,− However, related epidemiological evidence is still scarce.…”

Particulate matter composition drives differential molecular and morphological responses in lung epithelial cells

“…It is worth noting that these vary in cost, physiological relevance, and throughput. Studies have also looked at a variety of environmental pollutants including PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of less than 10µm, 2.5µm, and 0.1µm, respectively) collected from cities including Beijing, Milan, Seoul and others (21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26).…”