Ambient particulate matter exposure causes visual dysfunction and retinal neuronal degeneration.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to neurotoxic and vascular effects, including in eye diseases like glaucoma.
• Understanding PM2.5's impact on visual function and retinal neurons is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adverse effects of PM2.5 exposure on visual function and retinal neurons in a mouse model.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced retinal damage.

Main Methods:

• Mice were exposed to controlled air or PM2.5 polluted air using an aerosol concentration enrichment system.
• Visual function was assessed via electroretinography (ERG).
• Histopathological analysis, apoptosis markers, inflammatory cytokines, and DNA damage markers were quantified.

Main Results:

• PM2.5-exposed mice showed poor light response and retinal thinning six months post-exposure.
• Reduced expression of RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) and increased apoptosis markers (TUNEL, p53, caspase-3, Bax) were observed.
• PM2.5 exposure elevated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and DNA damage markers (8-OHdG, γ-H2AX), activating DNA repair pathways.

Conclusions:

• Sub-chronic systemic exposure to concentrated PM2.5 causes significant visual dysfunction.
• PM2.5 exposure leads to retinal neuronal degeneration through apoptosis and inflammation.
• This study highlights the detrimental effects of air pollution on ocular health.