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Acute exposure to Buenos Aires air particles (UAP-BA) induces local and systemic inflammatory response in middle-aged
Nadia S Orona1, Sebastián A Ferraro1, Francisco Astort2
1Center for The Studies in Health and Environment, School of Science and Technology, National University of General San Martín, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Committee for Scientific Research, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Exposure to air particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbimortality. However, PM doesn't affect equally to all people, being the old cohort the most susceptible and studied. We hypothesized that another specific life phase, the middle-aged subpopulation, may be negatively affected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze in vivo the acute biological impact of two environmental particles, Urban Air Particles from Buenos Aires and Residual Oil Fly Ash, on the cardiorespiratory system of middle-aged mice, evaluating oxidative metabolism and inflammation. Both PM provoked a local and systemic inflammatory response, leading to a reduced alveolar area in the lung, an epicard inflammation in the heart, an increment of IL-6, and a reduction on PON 1 activity in serum of middle-aged animals. The positive correlation of local parameters with systemic markers of oxidative stress and inflammation could be responsible for associations of cardiovascular morbimortality in this subpopulation.
Insights
Middle-aged individuals may be susceptible to cardiovascular risks from air particulate matter (PM) exposure. This study found that urban air particles and residual oil fly ash induced inflammation and oxidative stress in middle-aged mice, impacting their cardiorespiratory systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Toxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Air particulate matter (PM) exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, with older populations being most studied.
- The impact of PM on the middle-aged demographic remains less understood, despite potential susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute cardiorespiratory effects of Urban Air Particles (UAP) and Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA) on middle-aged mice.
- To evaluate the impact of PM exposure on oxidative metabolism and inflammation in this specific age group.
Main Methods:
- In vivo analysis of middle-aged mice exposed to UAP and ROFA.
- Assessment of local and systemic inflammatory markers, including IL-6.
- Evaluation of oxidative metabolism and cardiac/pulmonary tissue changes.
Main Results:
- Both UAP and ROFA induced local and systemic inflammatory responses in middle-aged mice.
- Significant findings included reduced alveolar area in lungs and epicardial inflammation in the heart.
- Increased IL-6 levels and decreased serum PON1 activity were observed, correlating with oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- PM exposure negatively affects the cardiorespiratory system in middle-aged individuals.
- Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers are implicated in PM-associated cardiovascular risks for this population.
- Further research is warranted to understand and mitigate these health risks.
