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The Lung Microbiota Affects Pulmonary Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by PM2.5 Exposure
Simin Wang1, Qixing Zhou1, Yingze Tian2
1Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education)/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
Abstract:
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure causes respiratory diseases by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the correlation between the pulmonary microbiota and the progression of pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress caused by PM2.5 is poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that the lung microbiota affects pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM2.5 exposure. Mice were exposed to PM2.5 intranasally for 12 days. Then, pulmonary microbiota transfer and antibiotic intervention were performed. Histological examinations, biomarker index detection, and transcriptome analyses were conducted. Characterization of the pulmonary microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that its diversity decreased by 75.2% in PM2.5-exposed mice, with increased abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased abundance of Bacteroidota. The altered composition of the microbiota was significantly correlated with pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress-related indicators. Intranasal transfer of the pulmonary microbiota from PM2.5-exposed mice affected pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress caused by PM2.5, as shown by increased proinflammatory cytokine levels and dysregulated oxidative damage-related biomarkers. Antibiotic intervention during PM2.5 exposure alleviated pulmonary inflammation and oxidative damage in mice. The pulmonary microbiota also showed substantial changes after antibiotic treatment, as reflected by the increased microbiota diversity, decreased abundance of Proteobacteria and increased abundance of Bacteroidota. These results suggest that pulmonary microbial dysbiosis can promote and affect pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress during PM2.5 exposure.
Insights
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) alters lung bacteria, increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. Restoring lung microbiota balance may mitigate PM2.5-induced respiratory damage.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is a known cause of respiratory diseases, linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- The role of the pulmonary microbiota in mediating PM2.5-induced lung pathology remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that the lung microbiota influences pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from PM2.5 exposure.
- To elucidate the relationship between PM2.5-induced changes in the pulmonary microbiota and subsequent lung damage.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to PM2.5 intranasally, followed by pulmonary microbiota transfer and antibiotic interventions.
- Histological examinations, biomarker detection, and transcriptome analyses were performed.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing characterized the pulmonary microbiota composition and diversity.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 exposure significantly reduced pulmonary microbiota diversity, increasing Proteobacteria and decreasing Bacteroidota abundance.
- Altered microbiota composition correlated with increased pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
- Microbiota transfer from exposed mice exacerbated PM2.5 effects, while antibiotic treatment alleviated them, restoring microbial balance.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary microbial dysbiosis promotes and exacerbates inflammation and oxidative stress during PM2.5 exposure.
- Modulating the lung microbiota represents a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating PM2.5-related respiratory diseases.
