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Published on: July 5, 2017
Ambient Particulate Matter Induces Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Changes via NOX1/ROS/NF-κB Dependent and
Chia-Chi Ho1, Yu-Cheng Chen1, Ming-Hsien Tsai1
1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 53053, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure and vascular diseases. Here, we observed that treatment with ambient PM increased cell migration ability in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pulmonary arterial SMCs (PASMCs). These results suggest that VSMCs and PASMCs transitioned from a differentiated to a synthetic phenotype after PM exposure. Furthermore, treatment with PM increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), activated the NF-κB signaling pathway, and increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in VSMCs. Using specific inhibitors, we demonstrated that PM increased the migration ability of VSMCs via the nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (NOX1)/ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway, which also partially involved in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we investigated whether nature polyphenolic compounds prevent PM-induced migration and proinflammatory cytokines secretion in VSMCs. Curcumin, resveratrol, and gallic acid prevented PM2.5-induced migration via the ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway. However, honokiol did not prevent PM2.5-induced migration or activation of the ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway. On the other hand, all polyphenols prevented PM2.5-induced cytokines secretion. These data indicated that polyphenols prevented PM-induced migration and cytokine secretion via blocking the ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway in VSMCs. However, other mechanisms may also contribute to PM-induced cytokine secretion.
Insights
Ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and inflammation. Certain polyphenols, like curcumin and resveratrol, block PM-induced VSMC migration and cytokine release by inhibiting the ROS-dependent NF-κB pathway.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Toxicology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies link ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure to vascular diseases.
- Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a critical role in vascular health and disease.
- PM exposure is suspected to induce phenotypic changes and inflammatory responses in VSMCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ambient PM on VSMC and pulmonary arterial SMC (PASMC) migration.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-induced VSMC migration and inflammation.
- To evaluate the protective effects of natural polyphenols against PM-induced cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of VSMCs and PASMCs with ambient PM.
- Assessment of cell migration, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, NF-κB pathway activation, and proinflammatory cytokine expression.
- Utilized specific inhibitors and tested natural polyphenols (curcumin, resveratrol, gallic acid, honokiol) for their inhibitory effects.
Main Results:
- PM exposure increased VSMC and PASMC migration, suggesting a shift to a synthetic phenotype.
- PM treatment elevated intracellular ROS, activated the NF-κB pathway, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in VSMCs.
- PM-induced VSMC migration was mediated by the NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1)/ROS-dependent NF-κB pathway; curcumin, resveratrol, and gallic acid inhibited this migration and cytokine secretion.
Conclusions:
- Ambient PM exposure promotes VSMC migration and inflammation via the ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.
- Polyphenols like curcumin, resveratrol, and gallic acid can mitigate PM-induced VSMC migration and cytokine secretion.
- These findings highlight potential therapeutic strategies using natural compounds to combat PM-related vascular damage.
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