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Effect of PM2.5 on MicroRNA Expression and Function in Nasal Mucosa of Rats With Allergic Rhinitis
Yu Huang1, Zhi-Qiang Guo1, Ru-Xin Zhang1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Background:
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) refers to particulate matter with aerodynamic equivalent diameter less than or equal to 2.5 µm, which is an important component of air pollution. PM2.5 aggravates allergic rhinitis (AR) and promotes AR nasal mucosa inflammation. Therefore, the influence of PM2.5 inhalation exposure on microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and function in the nasal mucosa of AR rats was investigated.
Methods:
Female Sprague Dawley rats were distributed randomly to 2 groups: AR model PM2.5 exposure group (ARE group) and AR model PM2.5-unexposed control group (ARC group). The rats of ARE group were made to inhale PM2.5 at a concentration of 200 µg/m3, 3 h/day, for 30 days. miRNA expression profiles of the nasal mucosa from both groups were determined using an miRNA gene chip and were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene function enrichment analysis was performed using bioinformatics analysis.
Results:
The ARE group revealed 20 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, including 4 upregulated and 16 downregulated miRNAs (fold change > 1.5 or < 0.66, P < .05). Of these, 9 selected miRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR, and the results of 8 miRNAs were in accordance with the miRNA gene chip results, with highly positive correlation (r = .8583, P = .0031). Numerous target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were functionally enriched in high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor signaling, ErbB signaling, mucin O-glycans biosynthesis, transforming growth factor β signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction, phosphatidylinositol signaling, mucopolysaccharide biosynthesis, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, T cell receptor signaling, Wnt signaling, chemokine signal transduction, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.
Conclusions:
PM2.5 causes significant changes in miRNA expression in the nasal mucosa of AR rats. miRNA plays an important role in regulating PM2.5 effects in AR rat biological behavior and mucosal inflammation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of AR from the effects of environmental pollution on the gene regulation mechanism.
Insights
Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) inhalation alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) rats, impacting inflammation and providing insights into environmental pollution effects on AR.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a major air pollutant that exacerbates allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal inflammation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms, particularly microRNA (miRNA) expression changes, is crucial for managing PM2.5-induced AR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of PM2.5 inhalation exposure on miRNA expression profiles and function in the nasal mucosa of AR rats.
- To identify specific miRNAs and pathways affected by PM2.5 in the context of AR.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of an AR rat model with PM2.5 exposure (200 µg/m³, 3 h/day for 30 days).
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles using miRNA gene chips and verification via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
- Bioinformatic analysis for gene function enrichment of differentially expressed miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Significant differential expression of 20 miRNAs (4 upregulated, 16 downregulated) in the PM2.5-exposed AR group compared to controls.
- High correlation (r=0.8583) between miRNA gene chip and qRT-PCR results for 8 verified miRNAs.
- Enrichment analysis revealed involvement of numerous target genes in key signaling pathways, including IgE receptor, ErbB, TGF-β, MAPK, and Wnt signaling.
Conclusions:
- PM2.5 exposure induces significant alterations in miRNA expression within the nasal mucosa of AR rats.
- miRNAs play a critical role in mediating the effects of PM2.5 on AR-related biological behaviors and mucosal inflammation.
- This research offers a foundational understanding of gene regulation mechanisms affected by environmental pollution in AR, aiding in prevention and treatment strategies.
