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Assessment of the Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Airborne Particles by Exposing Cultivated Human Lung Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface
Published on: February 23, 2020
Peracetic acid effects on human bronchial cells in an air liquid interface
Ellie S Burns1, Nicole S Olgun1,2, Sherri A Friend1
1Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America.
Peracetic acid (PAA) exposure damages human bronchial cells, increasing cytotoxicity and inflammation. Higher PAA concentrations and longer recovery times lead to greater cell death and airway injury.
Area of Science:
- * Toxicology
- * Respiratory Medicine
- * Occupational Health
Background:
- * Peracetic acid (PAA) is a widely used disinfectant with environmentally friendly decomposition products.
- * Occupational exposure to PAA can cause respiratory irritation and act as an asthmagen.
- * Understanding PAA's effects on human airways is crucial for occupational safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the toxicological effects of peracetic acid (PAA) vapor on normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE).
- * To assess cellular response, viability, integrity, and inflammatory markers following PAA exposure.
- * To determine dose-dependent and time-dependent effects of PAA on airway epithelium.
Main Methods:
- * NHBE cells cultured at air-liquid interface exposed to 0, 3, 12, 24 ppm PAA for 4 hours.
- * Assessed cell viability, cytotoxicity, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) post-exposure (4 and 24 hours recovery).
- * Measured endothelin-1 (ET-1), IL-6, IL-8 via ELISA and examined histological changes.
Main Results:
- * PAA exposure significantly increased cytotoxicity and decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- * Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) significantly decreased with PAA exposure.
- * Elevated levels of ET-1, IL-6, and IL-8 were observed, with histological evidence of injury and cell death at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- * PAA induces significant cell damage and a pro-inflammatory response in human bronchial cells.
- * Increased PAA concentration and recovery time exacerbate cellular injury and mortality.
- * Findings highlight the respiratory risks associated with PAA exposure, warranting further investigation in nasal epithelium.
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