1. Summer–winter differences of PM2.5 toxicity to human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) and the roles of transition metals.
- Author
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Chen, Yan, Luo, Xiao-San, Zhao, Zhen, Chen, Qi, Wu, Di, Sun, Xue, Wu, Lichun, and Jin, Ling
- Subjects
EPITHELIAL cells ,TRANSITION metals ,CELL survival ,OXIDATIVE stress ,ATMOSPHERIC aerosols - Abstract
Abstract Atmospheric fine particulate matters (PM 2.5) induce adverse human health effects through inhalation, and the harmful effects of PM 2.5 are determined not only by its air concentrations, but also by the particle components varied temporally. To investigate seasonal differences of the aerosol toxicity effects including cell viability and membrane damage, cell oxidative stress and responses of inflammatory cytokines, the human lung epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to PM 2.5 samples collected in both summer and winter by the in vitro toxicity bioassays. Toxicological results showed that, the PM 2.5 led to the cell viability decrease, cell membrane injury, oxidative stress level increase and inflammatory responses in a dose-dependent manner. Temporally, the cytotoxicity of winter PM 2.5 was higher than summer of this studied industrial area of Nanjing, China. According to the different contents of heavy metals accumulated in PM 2.5 , the transition metals such as Cu might be an important contributor to the aerosol cell toxicity. Highlights • In vitro toxicity of PM 2.5 showed seasonal differences. • PM 2.5 from different seasons showed varied metal components. • Transition metals in PM 2.5 contribute to the particle cell toxicity. • Health risks of PM 2.5 should consider composition and source effects. • Toxicity of winter PM 2.5 from Nanjing was higher than summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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