Fine Particulate Matter (PM) Effects on Swine Granulosa and Ovarian Endothelial Cells

We studied fine particulate matter (PM) effects on porcine granulosa, a model of endocrine reproductive cells, and on ovarian endothelial cells. PM produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in metabolic activity. PM reduced endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.001). As for redox status, superoxide anion (O₂^-) production by granulosa was reduced (p < 0.05) by PM, while it was increased in endothelial cells (p < 0.001). PM increased (p < 0.001) nitric oxide (NO) levels in granulosa, while in endothelial cells, it displayed a biphasic effect (p < 0.05) as well as for superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in granulosa cells (p < 0.001). In endothelial cells, PM increased (p < 0.001) SOD. A reduction in Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) (p < 0.01) was observed. In granulosa, PM did not induce oxidative damage to DNA, while in endothelial cells, it determined a reduction (p < 0.05). PM significantly inhibited steroidogenesis (p < 0.05). The accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production was increased (p < 0.05) by PM. The data obtained likely demonstrate that PM induces critical effects on ovarian cells.