Ambient Particulate Matter Exposure Impairs Gut Barrier Integrity and Disrupts Goblet Cell Function

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Gastroenterology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to digestive diseases and altered gut microbiota.
• The specific impact of PM2.5 on goblet cells and gut mucus barrier integrity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of PM2.5 exposure on goblet cells and gut barrier function in a mouse model of colitis.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced gut pathology.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of interleukin-10 knockout (IL10-/-) mice and LS174T goblet cells to concentrated ambient PM2.5 for 17 weeks.
• Analysis of colon tissues and cells using histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transcriptomic profiling.
• Metabolic activity analysis using METAFlux.

Main Results:

• PM2.5 exposure caused colon shortening, inflammation, and ultrastructural damage to villi and goblet cells in mice.
• LS174T goblet cells showed similar ultrastructural changes after PM2.5 exposure.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulated pathways related to oxidative stress, xenobiotic metabolism, and energy metabolism, indicating altered cellular metabolism and disrupted redox homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• PM2.5 exposure exacerbates gut barrier impairment and goblet cell dysfunction.
• These findings provide evidence for environmental factors contributing to colitis pathogenesis.
• Highlights new perspectives on PM2.5's role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease.