Effects of PM2.5 Collected From Cache Valley Utah on Genes Associated With the Inflammatory Response in Human Lung Cells
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A: Current Issues
Volume
70
Issue
20
Publication Date
9-13-2007
First Page
1731
Last Page
1744
Abstract
In January 2004, the normally picturesque Cache Valley in northern Utah made national headlines with the highest PM2.5 levels in the nation. Epidemiological studies linked exposure to particulate air pollution in other locations with stroke and Alzheimer's disease and to early mortality from all causes, cancer, and cardiopulmonary diseases. To determine potential effects of these particles on human health, human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were cultured with PM2.5 collected from various locations in the Cache Valley. These particles were slightly cytotoxic, but more potent than NH4NO3, the major chemical component of Cache Valley PM2.5. Gene expression analysis of PM2.5-exposure induced genes and proteins involved in the inflammatory response. Most notably, PM2.5-exposed cells showed significant gene level upregulation of activating receptors to interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1R1 and IL-6R), as well as concomitant increases in protein. Increases in IL-1 receptor associated kinase-1 (IRAK) protein were observed. PM2.5 exposure resulted in release of IL-6, as well phosphorylated STAT3 protein, providing evidence that PM activates the IL-6/gp130/STAT3 signaling pathway in BEAS-2B cells. IL-20 and major histocompatibility complex peptide class-1 (MICA) were upregulated and cleavage of caspase-12 was detected. In total, our results indicate that Cache Valley PM2.5 produces the upregulation of important cytokine receptors and is able to activate both IL-1R- and IL-6R-mediated signaling pathways in human lung cells. These observations are generally consistent with the adverse effects associated with inhalation of fine particulate matter like PM2.5.
Recommended Citation
Watterson, T.L., Sorenson, J., Martin, R., and R.A. Coulombe, Jr. (2007). Effects of PM2.5 Collected from Cache Valley Utah on Genes Associated with the Inflammatory Response in Human Lung Cells. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 70:1731-1734 (DOI: 10.1080/15287390701457746).
Comments
Originally published by Taylor & Francis. Publisher's PDF available through the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A. HTML fulltext can be accessed through remote link.