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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
Published on: July 12, 2024
[Effects of fine particulate matter from on bronchial epithelial cells]
R Aloui1, F Magne2, G Devouassoux2
1Service de pneumologie, centre hospitalier Lyon Sud, 165, chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite cedex, France.
Introduction:
Ambient air contains a variety of pollutants including solid particles. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) play a key role following inhalation of these toxic particles. In a cell culture system of HBEC, we investigated the effects of several fractions of Lyons air-derived particles on cell viability/proliferation and production of the inflammatory mediators IL-8 and TGF-β.
Methods:
Air particles were collected in Lyon (France) by filtration of the air and impaction on filters located on a tapered element oscillating microbalance. Several diameter-based fractions of particles were prepared. HBEC were then exposed to different concentrations of these fractions.
Results:
HBEC survival was not altered after 48hours of culture in the presence of particles regardless of their diameter and concentration. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell growth was observed for all fractions. The particles caused an increase of both TGF-ß and Il-8 protein levels as a function of their diameters and/or concentrations.
Conclusion:
Air-derived particle fractions exhibit both an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and a pro-inflammatory activity on HBEC.
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