Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Aggravation of Myocardial Ischemia upon Particulate Matter Exposure in Atherosclerosis Animal Model
Published on: December 10, 2021
Milan PM1 induces adverse effects on mice lungs and cardiovascular system
Francesca Farina1, Giulio Sancini, Eleonora Longhin
1Department of Health Science, POLARIS Research Center, University of Milan-Bicocca, 48 Via Cadore, 20900 Monza, Italy.
Abstract:
Recent studies have suggested a link between inhaled particulate matter (PM) exposure and increased mortality and morbidity associated with cardiorespiratory diseases. Since the response to PM1 has not yet been deeply investigated, its impact on mice lungs and cardiovascular system is here examined. A repeated exposure to Milan PM1 was performed on BALB/c mice. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) and the lung parenchyma were screened for markers of inflammation (cell counts, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2); heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p50 subunit (NFκB-p50); inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS); endothelial-selectin (E-selectin)), cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70); caspase-8-p18), and a putative pro-carcinogenic marker (cytochrome 1B1 (Cyp1B1)). Heart tissue was tested for HO-1, caspase-8-p18, NFκB-p50, iNOS, E-selectin, and myeloperoxidase (MPO); plasma was screened for markers of platelet activation and clot formation (soluble platelet-selectin (sP-selectin); fibrinogen; plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1)). PM1 triggers inflammation and cytotoxicity in lungs. A similar cytotoxic effect was observed on heart tissues, while plasma analyses suggest blood-endothelium interface activation. These data highlight the importance of lung inflammation in mediating adverse cardiovascular events following increase in ambient PM1 levels, providing evidences of a positive correlation between PM1 exposure and cardiovascular morbidity.
Insights
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM1) triggers lung inflammation and cytotoxicity, impacting the cardiovascular system. This study highlights PM1
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Inhaled particulate matter (PM) is linked to cardiorespiratory diseases.
- The specific effects of PM1 on lung and cardiovascular systems require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of repeated exposure to Milan PM1 on the lungs and cardiovascular system of BALB/c mice.
- To identify inflammatory, cytotoxic, and pro-carcinogenic markers in response to PM1.
Main Methods:
- Repeated exposure of BALB/c mice to Milan PM1.
- Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung parenchyma for inflammation and cytotoxicity markers.
- Assessment of heart tissue and plasma for related molecular markers.
Main Results:
- PM1 exposure induced significant inflammation and cytotoxicity in mouse lungs.
- Similar cytotoxic effects were observed in heart tissues.
- Plasma analysis indicated activation of the blood-endothelium interface.
Conclusions:
- Lung inflammation mediated by PM1 exposure is crucial in the development of adverse cardiovascular events.
- There is a positive correlation between PM1 exposure and cardiovascular morbidity.
- Findings underscore the systemic risk of ambient PM1 pollution.
