Human albumin augmented airway inflammation induced by PM2.5 in NC/Nga mice

The synergic allergic inflammatory effects of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and human albumin were investigated in NC/Nga mice, which are hypersensitive to mite allergens. PM2.5 or PM2.5 plus human albumin with aluminum oxide was injected twice intraperitoneally for sensitization. After 7 days, PM2.5 or PM2.5 plus human albumin was administered five times intranasally to mice for further sensitization. Subsequently, PM2.5 was administered as a challenge on the 11th day. On the 12th day, mice were examined for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count, mRNA expression of Th₁, Th₂ cytokines, chemokines, and mucus proteins (MUC5AC and MUC5B) in the lung tissue and histopathology. Although PM2.5 or human albumin alone did not induce allergic airway inflammation, simultaneous inoculation of PM2.5 and human albumin‐induced airway inflammation showing increase in AHR, total BALF cell numbers, mRNA levels of IL‐13, eotaxin 1, eotaxin 2, and MUC5AC, and anti‐IG against human serum albumin. Inflammation was observed around the bronchus in PM2.5 plus human albumin‐induced lungs. These results demonstrate that PM2.5 can induce allergic airway inflammation through the synergistic action with human albumin in NC/Nga mice.     

PM2.5‐induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in NC/Nga mice

The allergic inflammatory effects of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, collected with the cyclone system in Yokohama city in Japan, were investigated in NC/Nga mice, which are hypersensitive to mite allergens. PM2.5 with alum was injected intraperitoneally for sensitization. Five days later, 200 μg of PM2.5 in 25 μL of saline was administered to mice intranasally five times for further sensitization. On the 11th day, PM2.5 was administered as a challenge. On the 12th day, mice were examined for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count, mRNA expression of Th₁, Th₂ cytokines, and metallothioneins in lung tissue, and histopathology. PM2.5 increased AHR, total cell numbers including eosinophils in BALF, and mRNA levels of IL‐5, IL‐22, eotaxin, eotaxin 2, and metallothionein 3. In PM2.5‐induced lungs, inflammation was observed around the bronchus. These results demonstrate that PM2.5 alone, collected with the cyclone system in Yokohama city in Japan, induces asthma‐like airway inflammation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1047–1054, 2017.     

Anti-interleukin-17 antibodies attenuate airway inflammation in tobacco-smoke-exposed mice

Context: Our previous study showed that the interleukin-17 (IL-17) concentration in lung tissue and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats with tobacco-smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was higher than that of control group. However, whether IL-17 inhibitor could decrease the effect of tobacco smoking is not known yet.

Objectives: To investigate the significance of IL-17 antibodies (Ab) in tobacco-smoke-exposed (TSE) mice.

Materials and methods: Male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: TSE group, TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group, and control group. The number of cells in BALF and the concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, IL-8 and MUC5AC in BALF and lung tissue homogenate were measured. Pulmonary function was measured by pressure sensors, and histologic analysis of the lungs was done in each group.

Results: Lung function tests in TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group were the same compared with TSE group (P?>?0.05). The total cell count and the number of neutrophil cells in BALF were significantly higher in TSE group than the normal control group (P?<?0.01). Compared with the TSE group, the total cell count in TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group was decreased, and the percentage of neutrophils in BALF was highly decreased (P?<?0.01). Airway inflammation was alleviated in TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group by histologic analysis. The concentrations of IL-17 in lung tissue were significantly lower in TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group than in TSE group (P?<?0.01). IL-17 was mainly expressed in the epithelial cells in the airways of TSE mice. The concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and MUC5AC in BALF was decreased in TSE + anti-IL-17 Ab group compared with TSE group.

Discussion and conclusions: These data support a potential role for IL-17 in airway neutrophilic inflammation in TSE mice. Anti-IL-17 decreased the number of neutrophils as well as the concentration of MUC5AC in the BALF and attenuated neutrophilic airway inflammation.     

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) enhances airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) by inducing necroptosis in BALB/c mice

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of prolonged exposure to high concentrations of PM_2.5 on the trachea and lungs of mice and to determine whether the damages to the trachea and lung are induced by necroptosis.MethodsSix- to eight-week-old female Balb/C mice of PM group were restrained in an animal restraining device using a nose-only “PM_2.5 online enrichment system” for 8 weeks, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. Anti -Fas group was exposed to PM_2.5 inhalation and anti-Fas treatment via intranasal instillation. The mice in the control group inhaled filtered clean air. PM_2.5 sample was collected and analyzed. Airway Hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was tested. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, electron microscopy, cellular inflammation, cytokines, Tunel, Fas, RIPK3 and MLKL expression.ResultsCompared to the other two groups, PM group displayed significantly increased AHR, neutrophils in BALF, significant bronchitis and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation and necroptosis which were indicated by increased TUNEL, Fas, RIPK3 and MLKL measure.ConclusionOur findings suggest that PM_2.5 can enhance AHR and these changes are induced by necroptosis-related inflammation.     

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) enhances allergic sensitization in BALB/c mice

Ambient particulate matter (PM), a component of air pollution, exacerbates airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. Studies showed that PM possesses adjuvant-like properties that enhance the allergic inflammatory response; however, the mechanism (or mechanisms) by which PM enhances the allergic response remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to assess how exposure to fine PM collected from Sacramento, CA, shapes the allergic airway immune response in BALB/c mice undergoing sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). Eight-week-old BALB/c male mice were sensitized/challenged with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS/PBS; n = 6), PM/PBS (n = 6), OVA/OVA (n = 6), or OVA + PM/OVA (n = 6). Lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and plasma were analyzed for cellular inflammation, cytokines, immunoglobulin E, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Mice in the OVA + PM/OVA group displayed significantly increased airway inflammation compared to OVA/OVA animals. Total cells, macrophages, and eosinophils recovered in BALF were significantly elevated in the OVA + PM/OVA compared to OVA/OVA group. Histopathological grading indicated that OVA + PM/OVA treatment induced significant inflammation compared to OVA/OVA. Both immunoglobulin (Ig) E and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α levels were significantly increased in OVA/OVA and OVA + PM /OVA groups compared to PBS/PBS control. The number of HO-1 positive alveolar macrophages was significantly elevated in lungs of mice treated with OVA + PM /OVA compared to OVA/OVA. Our findings suggest that fine PM enhances allergic inflammatory response in pulmonary tissue through mechanisms involving increased oxidative stress.     

Zingiber officinale ameliorates allergic asthma via suppression of Th2-mediated immune response

Abstract

Context: Ginger has been used commonly in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Objective: The present study investigates the immunosuppressive activity of ginger by using the mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.

Materials and methods: Treatment with ethanol extract (500?mg/kg) and aqueous extract (720?mg/kg) of rhizomes, and methylprednisolone (5?mg/kg) was initiated 1 week after second sensitization of mice with ovalbumin and continued for 7?d. RT-PCR followed by gel electrophoresis and ELISA were used for the evaluation of mRNA expression levels and protein levels of Th2 type markers, respectively. Lung tissue histopathology was conducted by using H&E and PAS staining.

Results: We observed significant reduction in goblet cell hyperplasia (0.83?±?0.17 and 1.0?±?0.26), infiltration of inflammatory cells in airways (0.67?±?0.33 and 1.0?±?0.37), and edema with vascular congestion (1.0?±?0.26 and 1.2?±?0.17) by both ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. A highly significant reduction of total and differential count of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF, and eosinophil count in blood were also observed. Both extracts significantly inhibited Th2-mediated immune response, which is evident by a decrease in mRNA expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5. Protein levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF, along with total serum IgE levels, were also significantly suppressed by both extracts.

Discussion and conclusion: Our study validated the traditional use of ginger in respiratory disorders and suggests that ginger reduces allergic airway inflammation, possibly by the suppression of Th2-mediated immune response.     

Involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 and Th1/Th2 shift in inflammatory responses induced by fine ambient particulate matter in mice

Epidemiologic studies have reported the association between fine particles (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm; PM2.5) and health effects, but the immunological mechanisms are not clear. To investigate the dose and time-dependent role of toll-like receptor (TLR) and Th1/Th2 shift in local and systemic inflammation induced by PM2.5, mice were subjected to intratracheal instillation of 2.5, 5, or 10?mg/kg PM2.5 in this study. After 24?h, 72?h, 7 days, and 14 days, mice were sacrificed to measure TLR2 and TLR4 expressions and Th1/Th2 related cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood. Histopathological changes in lung were also examined. Inflammatory infiltration and macrophages with engulfed particles were found by lung histopathology after PM2.5 exposure. TLR4 positive cells decreased in BALF but increased in blood at 24?h after the exposure. The low percentage of TLR4 positive cells continued to day 14 in BALF, but recovered at day 7 and decreased further to lower than the control value at day 14 in blood. TLR2 positive cell changed similar to TLR4 in BALF on the dose effects. In BALF at 24?h after the exposure, the Th2 related cytokines IL-5 and IL-10 increased dose-dependently; and in blood, the Th2 related cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 also increased. These results suggest that acute exposure of PM2.5 leads to acute inflammatory responses locally and systemically in mice. TLR2 and TLR4 are involved in this process and PM2.5 can drive a Th2-biased immune response.     

粤北地区过敏性鼻炎发病率与PM2.5相关性的临床研究

目的分析粤北地区过敏性鼻炎发生率与PM2.5间的关联。方法选取2018年8月~2019年10月粤北地区各医院就诊的过敏性鼻炎患者为研究对象,并收集同期空气数据,分析粤北地区过敏性鼻炎发病率与空气中二氧化硫(SO2)、二氧化氮(NO2)、PM10、PM2.5的相关性。结果950例过敏性鼻炎患者中,2018年发病456例,空气中SO2浓度为0.033 mg/m^2、NO2浓度为0.014 mg/m^2、PM10浓度为0.108 mg/m^2;2019年发病494例,空气中SO2浓度为0.034 mg/m^2、NO2浓度为0.024 mg/m^2、PM10浓度为0.098 mg/m^2。过敏性鼻炎发病率与空气中SO2、NO2、PM10浓度无相关性(r=-0.041、0.064、0.025,P>0.05)。2018年空气中PM2.5含量为0.112 mg/m^2,2019年空气中PM2.5含量为0.361 mg/m^2。过敏性鼻炎发病率与空气中PM2.5浓度呈正相关(r=0.697,P<0.05)。结论改善空气质量,减少空气中PM2.5的浓度,能够有效降低过敏性鼻炎发病率。     

The severity of lung injury and metabolic disorders induced by ambient PM2.5 exposure is associated with cumulative dose

Abstract

Lots of epidemiological and experimental studies have found that ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure is associated with the development of cardiopulmonary diseases, obesity and diabetes. This study focused on the effects of cumulative PM_2.5 exposure on pulmonary and systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Thirty-two 6-week-old male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (FA, PM, WEEK and DAY groups) and were continuously or intermittently exposed to concentrated PM_2.5 or filtered air (FA) for four weeks using Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System (“Shanghai-METAS”). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung tissues and white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured. Meanwhile, the expression of NF-κB and phosphor-NF-κB in lung tissue was detected by Western blot. Glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were also determined at the end of exposure. The results found that the mice in PM group displayed moderate inflammatory cell infiltration in lung, whereas the mice in WEEK and DAY groups displayed slight inflammatory cell infiltration in lung. Compared with the mice in FA group, the mRNA expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α in lung tissue and WAT significantly increased in the mice of PM group. Importantly, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions in PM group were higher than those in WEEK and DAY groups. The protein expression of phospho-NF-κB in lung tissue showed that PM group showed the activation of NF-κB, which was higher than that in the WEEK and DAY groups. Meanwhile, the mice in PM group showed more severe glucose tolerance and insulin resistance than that in the WEEK and DAY groups. The results suggested that the reduction of PM_2.5 cumulative exposure may alleviate pulmonary and adipose inflammation, insulin resistance and glucose tolerance impairment. The results provided a clue that the interruption of ambient PM_2.5 exposures by systems such as indoor air purification could be of benefit to people’s health.     

Differences in allergic inflammatory responses in murine lungs: comparison of PM2.5 and coarse PM collected during the hazy events in a Chinese city

Urban particulate matter (PM) is associated with an increase in asthma. PM2.5 (<PM2.5?μm) and coarse PM (CPM: PM2.5–PM10?μm) were collected from the air in a Chinese city during haze events. The amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were higher in PM2.5 than in CPM. Conversely, microbial elements LPS and β-glucan were much higher in CPM than in PM2.5. Concentrations of Si, Al, Fe, and Ti in CPM were greater than in PM2.5, while Pb, Cu and As concentrations were lower than in PM2.5. When RAW264.7 cells were treated with PM2.5 and CPM, the pro-inflammatory response in the cells was associated with the microbial element levels and attenuated partly by both polymyxin B (PMB) and N-acetylcystein (NAC). The expression of the oxidative stress response gene heme oxygenase1 was associated with PAHs levels. The exacerbating effects of the two-types of PM on murine lung eosinophilia were compared to clarify the role of toxic materials. When BALB/c mice were intratracheally instilled with PM2.5 or CPM (total 0.4?mg)?+?ovalbumin (OVA), both exacerbated lung eosinophilia along with allergy-relevant biological indicators, such as OVA-specific IgE in serum; enhancement of lung pathology when compared with counterpart samples without OVA. The exacerbating effects were greater in microbial element-rich CPM than in organic chemical-rich PM2.5. These results indicate that microbial elements have more potently exacerbating effects on the development of lung eosinophilia than do organic chemicals. In addition, oxidative stress and transition metals might be associated with the exacerbation of this negative effect.     

Oxidative stress and endocytosis are involved in upregulation of interleukin‐8 expression in airway cells exposed to PM2.5

Inhaled PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less) can induce lung inflammation through released inflammatory mediators from airway cells, such as interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). However, the mechanisms underlying PM2.5‐induced IL‐8 gene expression have not been fully characterized. BEAS‐2B cells (a human bronchial epithelial cell line) and THP‐1 cells (a human macrophage‐like cell line) were used as the in vitro models to investigate the underlying mechanism in this study. IL‐8 expression was increased in the cells treated with PM2.5 in a dose‐dependent manner. The water‐soluble and insoluble fractions of PM2.5 suspension were both shown to induce IL‐8 expression. PM2.5 exposure could obviously induce ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation, indicative of oxidative stress. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl‐l ‐cysteine (NAC) potently inhibited PM2.5‐induced IL‐8 expression. Employment of the transition metal chelators including TPEN (N,N,N',N'‐tetrakis (2‐pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine) or DFO (desferrioxamine) inhibited IL‐8 expression induced by PM2.5 by over 20% in BEAS‐2B cells, but had minimal effect in THP‐1 cells. Pretreatment with the endocytosis inhibitor CytD markedly blocked IL‐8 expression induced by PM2.5 in both BEAS‐2B and THP‐1 cells. In summary, exposure to PM2.5 induced IL‐8 gene expression through oxidative stress induction and endocytosis in airway cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1869–1878, 2016.     

Rat lung response to ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures

Exposure to different ambient pollutants maybe more toxic to lung than exposure to a single pollutant. In this study, we discussed the inflammation and oxidative stress responses of rat lung caused by ozone and PM_2.5 versus that of rats exposed to saline, ozone, or single PM_2.5. Wistar rats inhaled 0.8 ppm ozone or air for 4 h and then placed in air for 3 h following intratracheal instillation with 0, 0.2 (low dose), 0.8 (medium dose), 3.2 (high dose) mg/rat PM_2.5 dissolved in sterile saline (0.25 mL/rat), repeated twice per week for 3 weeks, the cumulative doses of PM_2.5 in animals were 1.2, 4.8, and 19.2 mg. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last (sixth) exposure. The collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for inflammatory cells and cytokines. Lung tissues were processed for light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examinations. Results showed that total cell number in BALF of PM_2.5‐exposed groups were higher than control (p < 0.05). PM_2.5 instillation caused dose‐trend increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6, lactate dehydrogenase, and total protein of BALF. Exposure to ozone alone only caused TNF‐α significant change in above‐mentioned indicators of lung injury. On the other hand, ozone could enhance PM_2.5‐induced inflammatory changes and pathological characters in rat lungs. SOD and GSH‐Px activities in lung were reduced in PM_2.5‐exposed rats with and without prior ozone exposure compared to control. To determine whether the PM_2.5 and ozone affect endothelium system, iNOS, eNOS, and ICAM‐1 mRNA levels in lung were analyzed by real‐time PCR. These data demonstrated that inflammation and oxidative stress were involved in toxicology mechanisms of PM_2.5 in rat lung and ozone potentiated these effects induced by PM_2.5. These results have implications for understanding the pulmonary effects induced by ozone and PM_2.5. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 343–356, 2015.     

Effects of Astragalus and Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides on alveolar macrophage phagocytosis and inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mice exposed to PM2.5

Astragalus and Codonopsis pilosula are used for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) and Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPP) on alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytosis and inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with exposure to particulate matter with a mean aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5). A mouse model of COPD was established by cigarette smoke exposure. PM2.5 exposure was performed by inhalation of a PM2.5 solution aerosol. APS and CPP were administered intragastrically. COPD showed defective AM phagocytosis and increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. PM2.5 exposure aggravated the damage, and this effect was reversed by APS and CPP gavage. The results indicate that APS and CPP may promote defective AM phagocytosis and ameliorate the inflammatory response in COPD with or without PM2.5 exposure.     

Treg responses are associated with PM2.5-induced exacerbation of viral myocarditis

Abstract

The adverse cardiovascular events induced by ambient fine particles (PM_2.5) are paid more attention in the world. The current study was conducted to explore the mechanisms of T regulatory cells (Treg) responses in PM_2.5-induced exacerbation of viral myocarditis. The male BALB/c mice were administered an intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of 10?mg/kg b.w. PM_2.5 suspension. Twenty-four hours later, the mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100?μl of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) diluted in Eagle's minimal essential medium (EMEM). Seven days after the treatment, serum, splenetic, and cardiac tissues were examined. The results showed that pre-exposure to PM_2.5 aggravated the cardiac inflammation in the CVB3-infected mice along with an increase of Treg cells in the spleen. The mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Foxp3 were up-regulated in the PM_2.5-pretreated mice than that in the CVB3-treated mice. Similar results were found in the sera. In addition, compared with the CVB3-treated mice, the cardiac protein expression of TGF-β increased in the PM_2.5-pretreated mice. These results demonstrated that preexposure to PM_2.5 exacerbated virus-induced myocarditis possibly through the depression of the immune response and increase of inflammation in myocardium through the Treg responses.     

广州城区大气细颗粒物对PC-12细胞IL-8表达的影响

目的 研究广州城区大气细颗粒物(PM2.5)对PC-12细胞IL-8表达的影响,并从p38 MAPK途径探索其作用机制,促进对PM2.5毒性的认识.方法 采集广州城区大气中的PM2.5,对PC-12细胞染毒,设对照组、不同浓度PM2.5组和SB203580+PM2.5组(用20 μ mol/L的SB230580预处理1h后再给予100μg/ml的PM2.5),Trizol法提取RNA用定量PCR法检测细胞IL-8表达情况,RIRP法提取细胞总蛋白,用Western blot法检测p38 MAPK的磷酸化改变.结果 定量PCR检测显示用25、50和100μg/ml的PM2.5染毒后PC-12细胞IL-8表达明显增高;Western blot结果显示PM2.5可磷酸化激活p38 MAPK信号分子,加入p38 MAPK抑制剂SB230580可以抑制PM2.5诱导的IL-8表达.结论 PM2.5可通过p38 MAPK途径诱导PC-12细胞表达细胞因子IL-8,这可能是其导致神经细胞毒性的机制之一.     

TLR-2 is involved in airway epithelial cell response to air pollution particles

Primary cultures of normal human airway epithelial cells (NHBE) respond to ambient air pollution particulate matter (PM) by increased production of the cytokine IL-8, and the induction of several oxidant stress response genes. Components of ambient air PM responsible for stimulating epithelial cells have not been conclusively identified, although metal contaminants, benzo[a]pyrene and biological matter have been implicated. Stimulation of IL-8 release from NHBE with coarse (PM_2.5-10), fine (PM_2.5), and UF particle fractions has shown that the coarse particle fraction has the greatest effect on the epithelial cells as well as alveolar macrophages (AM). Since this fraction concentrates fugitive dusts and particle-associated microbial matter, it was hypothesized that NHBE may recognize PM through microbial pattern recognition receptors TLR2 and TLR4, as has been previously shown with AM. NHBE were shown to release IL-8 when exposed to a Gram-positive environmental isolate of Staphylococcus lentus, and lower levels when exposed to Gram-negative Pseudomonas spp. Comparison of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression in NHBE and AM showed that NHBE express similar levels of TLR2 mRNA as the AM, but expressed very low levels of TLR4. When NHBE were stimulated with PM_2.5-10, PM_2.5, and UF PM, in the presence or absence of inhibitors of TLR2 and TLR4 activation, a blocking antibody to TLR2 inhibited production of IL-8, while TLR4 antagonist E5531 or the LPS inhibitor Polymixin B had no effect. Furthermore, effects on expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA, as well as the stress protein HSP70 was assessed in NHBE exposed to PM. TLR4 expression was increased in these cells while TLR2 mRNA levels were unchanged. Hsp70 was increased by PM_2.5-10 > PM_2.5 > UF PM suggesting the possibility of indirect activation of TLR pathway by this endogenous TLR2/4 agonist.     

PM2.5致大鼠肺损伤模型中肺巨噬细胞NLRP3 炎性小体活化研究

摘要： 目的 探讨肺巨噬细胞NLRP3炎性小体活化在大气细颗粒物 （PM2.5） 所致肺炎症损伤中的作用。方法 采用中流量采样器收集PM2.5颗粒物制成混悬液， 经气管滴注给予高、 中、 低剂量 （分别为15、 10、 5 mg/kg） 制成大鼠肺损伤模型， 3 d后麻醉动物进行肺泡灌洗， 收集支气管肺泡灌洗液 （BALF） 中的巨噬细胞， 中性红法测定其吞噬功能， 并采用免疫荧光双染色观察肺巨噬细胞内NLRP3的表达； 处死大鼠解剖取肺组织， HE染色观察肺损伤严重程度并评分， 免疫组化法检测肺组织NLRP3表达， ELISA法测定肺组织内IL-18、 IL-1β及Caspase-1的表达情况。结果 大鼠经气管滴注PM2.5染毒后， BALF内巨噬细胞吞噬功能下降。实验组大鼠肺损伤明显， 表现为间质性肺炎； 肺泡间隔明显增宽， 部分肺泡壁断裂， 尤以高剂量组表现明显； 各实验组大鼠的肺组织病理学评分均明显高于对照组 （均 P＜0.05）。低、 中、 高剂量组大鼠肺组织内NLRP3表达均高于对照组。肺组织内IL-18、 IL-1β及Caspase-1的表达不同程度上调。结论 大鼠气管滴注PM2.5引起的肺损伤和炎症反应与肺巨噬细胞内NLRP3炎症小体的活化有关。     

PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation in mice: Differences of inflammatory response in macrophages and type II alveolar cells

Particulate matter 2.5 (<PM2.5 μm) leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this study, biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo experiments were investigated to clarify the PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation mechanisms. In an in vitro study using RAW264.7 cells, PM2.5 caused phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐κB, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and extracellular response kinases, an increase of proinflammatory gene and protein expressions (e.g. monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, tumor necrosis factor‐α). These biomarkers were substantially attenuated by polymyxin B (PMB). PM2.5 induced heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) gene, which was attenuated by N‐ acetylcysteine (NAC). However, the suppressive effects of NAC on inflammatory biomarkers were very weak. In bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) of wild‐type BALB/c mice, the effects of PMB and NAC on PM2.5‐induced inflammatory responses were similar to RAW264.7 cells. In BMDMs of MyD88^−/− mice, PM2.5‐induced proinflammatory mediators were substantially more attenuated. PM2.5 caused an increase of proinflammatory gene expressions (interleukin‐6, cyclooxygenase 2) and HO‐1 gene in MLE‐12 cells (mouse alveolar cell line). These biomarkers were substantially attenuated by NAC, but not by PMB. When BALB/c mice were exposed intratracheally to 0.2 mg PM2.5, PM2.5 caused severe lung inflammation, an increase of neutrophils along with proinflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The inflammation was attenuated by NAC, particularly by NAC + PMB, but not by PMB alone. These results indicate that macrophages may act sensitively to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present in PM2.5 and release proinflammatory mediators via the LPS/MyD88 pathway. However, type II alveolar cells may react sensitively to oxidative stress induced by PM2.5 and cause inflammatory response. Therefore, overall, PM2.5 may cause predominantly oxidative stress‐dependent inflammation rather than LPS/MyD88‐dependent inflammation in type II alveolar cell‐rich lungs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PM2.5 deregulated microRNA and inflammatory microenvironment in lung injury

PM2.5 negatively affects human health, particularly lung injury. However, the role of PM2.5-regulated miRNAs in lung injury remains unknown. MiRNA array results showed mmu-miR-467c-5p regulated Prdx6 expression to adapt to lung injury condition, and deregulated miRNAs regulated macrophages to build a localized inflammatory microenvironment. In addition, miRNAs were transferred into adjacent alveolar epithelial cells, regulating the expressions of cell injury signaling pathway-targeted genes, and accelerating local lung tissue injury. NO and RAGE were increased in the coculture supernatant, and SPD was decreased. PM2.5 exposure induced local lung injury, promoted inflammation in local lung tissues, increased capillary permeability in the lung tissue, and rearranged the local lung tissue structure. We also confirmed in AECOPD patients TNF-α and IL-1β levels are obviously higher than healthy person. These findings provide new mechanistic insights regarding PM2.5 and targeted miRNAs in the inflammatory microenvironment, which increases our knowledge of PM2.5-lung injury interactions.     

Urban fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure destroys blood–testis barrier (BTB) integrity through excessive ROS-mediated autophagy

Context: Blood–testis barrier (BTB), constituted by tight junctions (TJs), adherens junctions and gap junctions, is important for spermatogenesis. PM2.5 is known to impair testicular functions and reproduction. However, its effects on BTB and the underlying mechanisms remain obscure.

Objective: To investigate the roles of autophagy in BTB toxicity induced by PM2.5.

Materials and methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were developmentally exposed to normal saline (NS) or PM2.5 with the doses of 9?mg/kg b.w. and 24?mg/kg b.w. via intratracheal instillation for seven weeks. Success rate of mating, sperm quality, testicular morphology, expressions of BTB junction proteins and autophagy-related proteins were detected. In addition, expressions of oxidative stress markers were also analyzed.

Results: Our results demonstrated that developmental PM2.5 exposure induced noticeable decreased fertility, significantly reduced sperm count, increased sperm abnormality rate and severe testicular damage in histomorphology. The expressions of TJ (such as ZO-1 and occludin), gap junction (such as connexin43) were down-regulated significantly after PM2.5 treatment. Intriguingly, PM2.5 simultaneously increased the number of autophagosomes and the levels of autophagy marker LC3-II and p62, suggesting that the accumulated autophagosomes resulted from impaired autophagy degradation. Moreover, the expressions of HO-1 levels remarkably increased and expression levels of Gpx and SOD were significantly decreased after PM2.5 exposure. Vitamins E and C could alleviate the PM2.5-induced oxidative stress, reverse the autophagy defect and restore the BTB impairment.

Conclusions: Taken together, the results suggest that PM2.5 exposure destroys BTB integrity through excessive ROS-mediated autophagy. Our finding could contribute to a better understanding of PM2.5-induced male reproductive toxicity.