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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Analysis of the Ambient Particulate Matter-induced Chromosomal Aberrations Using an In Vitro System
Published on: December 21, 2016
Effects of diesel exhaust-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) on oocytes: Potential risks to meiotic maturation
Osamu Udagawa1, Akiko Furuyama1, Koji Imai1
1Center for Health & Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract:
Particulate air pollution (PM 2.5) is a worldwide concern. Growing epidemiological evidence has shown pathophysiological effects of PM 2.5, not only on cardiovascular system but also on reproductive performance. The composition and physicochemical properties of PM 2.5 vary depending on the emission sources, climate conditions, and complex chemical reactions in the air. These factors make it difficult to understand the cause and mechanistic details of the adverse health effects of PM 2.5. Here, we show potential impacts of PM 2.5 on oocyte maturation in mice by utilizing diesel exhaust-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a major component of urban PM 2.5. We found that the SOA destabilized microtubules of mouse oocytes and p-benzoquinone is one of the candidates for the microtubule-destabilizing compounds. We propose that some biologically reactive components of PM 2.5 should be prioritized for the regulation of atmospheric quality.
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