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Brake SJ, Lu W, Chia C, Haug G, Larby J, Hardikar A, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Eapen MS, Sohal SS. Transforming growth factor-β1 and SMAD signalling pathway in the small airways of smokers and patients with COPD: potential role in driving fibrotic type-2 epithelial mesenchymal transition. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1216506. [PMID: 37435075 PMCID: PMC10331458 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1216506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COPD is a common disease characterized by respiratory airflow obstruction. TGF-β1 and SMAD pathway is believed to play a role in COPD pathogenesis by driving epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods We investigated TGF-β1 signalling and pSmad2/3 and Smad7 activity in resected small airway tissue from patients with; normal lung function and a smoking history (NLFS), current smokers and ex-smokers with COPD GOLD stage 1 and 2 (COPD-CS and COPD-ES) and compared these with normal non-smoking controls (NC). Using immunohistochemistry, we measured activity for these markers in the epithelium, basal epithelium, and reticular basement membrane (RBM). Tissue was also stained for EMT markers E-cadherin, S100A4 and vimentin. Results The Staining of pSMAD2/3 was significantly increased in the epithelium, and RBM of all COPD groups compared to NC (p <0.0005). There was a less significant increase in COPD-ES basal cell numbers compared to NC (p= 0.02). SMAD7 staining showed a similar pattern (p <0.0001). All COPD group levels of TGF-β1 in the epithelium, basal cells, and RBM cells were significantly lower than NC (p <0.0001). Ratio analysis showed a disproportionate increase in SMAD7 levels compared to pSMAD2/3 in NLFS, COPD-CS and COPD-ES. pSMAD negatively correlated with small airway calibre (FEF25-75%; p= 0.03 r= -0.36). EMT markers were active in the small airway epithelium of all the pathological groups compared to patients with COPD. Conclusion Activation of the SMAD pathway via pSMAD2/3 is triggered by smoking and active in patients with mild to moderate COPD. These changes correlated to decline in lung function. Activation of the SMADs in the small airways is independent of TGF-β1, suggesting factors other than TGF-β1 are driving these pathways. These factors may have implications for small airway pathology in smokers and COPD through the process of EMT, however more mechanistic work is needed to prove these correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel James Brake
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Respiratory Medicine, Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Medicine, Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Hardikar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Gurpreet K. Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie L. Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
- Respiratory Medicine, Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS, Australia
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Oleforuh-Okoleh VU, Sikiru AB, Kakulu II, Fakae BB, Obianwuna UE, Shoyombo AJ, Adeolu AI, Ollor OA, Emeka OC. Improving hydrocarbon toxicity tolerance in poultry: role of genes and antioxidants. Front Genet 2023; 14:1060138. [PMID: 37388938 PMCID: PMC10302211 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1060138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustenance of smallholder poultry production as an alternative source of food security and income is imperative in communities exposed to hydrocarbon pollution. Exposure to hydrocarbon pollutants causes disruption of homeostasis, thereby compromising the genetic potential of the birds. Oxidative stress-mediated dysfunction of the cellular membrane is a contributing factor in the mechanism of hydrocarbon toxicity. Epidemiological studies show that tolerance to hydrocarbon exposure may be caused by the activation of genes that control disease defense pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Disparity in the mechanism and level of tolerance to hydrocarbon fragments among species may exist and may result in variations in gene expression within individuals of the same species upon exposure. Genomic variability is critical for adaptation and serves as a survival mechanism in response to environmental pollutants. Understanding the interplay of diverse genetic mechanisms in relation to environmental influences is important for exploiting the differences in various genetic variants. Protection against pollutant-induced physiological responses using dietary antioxidants can mitigate homeostasis disruptions. Such intervention may initiate epigenetic modulation relevant to gene expression of hydrocarbon tolerance, enhancing productivity, and possibly future development of hydrocarbon-tolerant breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akeem B. Sikiru
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Iyenemi I. Kakulu
- Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Barineme B. Fakae
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayoola J. Shoyombo
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Science, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Adewale I. Adeolu
- Department of Agriculture, Animal Science Programme, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi, Nigeria
| | - Ollor A. Ollor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Onyinyechi C. Emeka
- Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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Tingskov Pedersen CE, Eliasen AU, Ketzel M, Brandt J, Loft S, Frohn LM, Khan J, Brix S, Rasmussen MA, Stokholm J, Chawes B, Morin A, Ober C, Bisgaard H, Pedersen M, Bønnelykke K. Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with early life immune perturbations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:212-221. [PMID: 36075322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to ambient air pollution has been linked to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other inflammatory disorders, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. OBJECTIVE We studied the potential mechanisms leading from prenatal ambient air pollution exposure to asthma and allergy in childhood. METHODS Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as well as to particulate matter with a diameter of ≤2.5 and ≤10 μm (PM2.5 and PM10) were modeled at the residence level from conception to 6 years of age in 700 Danish children followed clinically for development of asthma and allergy. Nasal mucosal immune mediators were assessed at age 4 weeks and 6 years, inflammatory markers in blood at 6 months, and nasal epithelial DNA methylation and gene expression at age 6 years. RESULTS Higher prenatal air pollution exposure with NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 was associated with an altered nasal mucosal immune profile at 4 weeks, conferring an increased odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of 2.68 [1.58, 4.62] for allergic sensitization and 2.63 [1.18, 5.81] for allergic rhinitis at age 6 years, and with an altered immune profile in blood at age 6 months conferring increased risk of asthma at age 6 years (1.80 [1.18, 2.76]). Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution was not robustly associated with immune mediator, epithelial DNA methylation, or gene expression changes in nasal cells at age 6 years. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with early life immune perturbations conferring risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma. These findings suggest potential mechanisms of prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution on the developing immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper-Emil Tingskov Pedersen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Ulrik Eliasen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Health Technology, Section for Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Matthias Ketzel
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Brandt
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environment and Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Section of Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lise Marie Frohn
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jibran Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Section of Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University of Copenhagen, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Susanne Brix
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten A Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Food Science, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Food Science, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreanne Morin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Pedersen
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC), Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Luo M, Liu T, Ma C, Fang J, Zhao Z, Wen Y, Xia Y, Zhao Y, Ji C. Household polluting cooking fuels and adverse birth outcomes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:978556. [PMID: 36935726 PMCID: PMC10020710 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.978556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The current study aimed to clarify the association between household polluting cooking fuels and adverse birth outcomes using previously published articles. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were undertaken for relevant studies that had been published from inception to 16 January 2023. We calculated the overall odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for adverse birth outcomes [low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), stillbirth, and preterm birth (PTB)] associated with polluting cooking fuels (biomass, coal, and kerosene). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also conducted. Results We included 16 cross-sectional, five case-control, and 11 cohort studies in the review. Polluting cooking fuels were found to be associated with LBW (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.52), SGA (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.94), stillbirth (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.55), and PTB (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.36). The results of most of the subgroup analyses were consistent with the main results. In the meta-regression of LBW, study design (cohort study: P < 0.01; cross-sectional study: P < 0.01) and sample size (≥ 1000: P < 0.01) were the covariates associated with heterogeneity. Cooking fuel types (mixed fuel: P < 0.05) were the potentially heterogeneous source in the SGA analysis. Conclusion The use of household polluting cooking fuels could be associated with LBW, SGA, stillbirth, and PTB. The limited literature, observational study design, exposure and outcome assessment, and residual confounding suggest that further strong epidemiological evidence with improved and standardized data was required to assess health risks from particular fuels and technologies utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Luo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tiancong Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Changcheng Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianwei Fang
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiying Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Wen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhong Zhao
| | - Chao Ji
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Chao Ji
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Dey S. Impact of Air Pollution on Child Health in India and the Way Forward. Indian Pediatr 2022. [PMID: 35695140 PMCID: PMC9253235 DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent research in epidemiological modelling reveals that air pollution affects child health in various ways resulting in low birthweight, stillbirth, preterm birth, developmental delay, growth failure, poor respiratory and cardiovascular health, and a higher risk of anemia. India has embarked on the national clean air program, but a much stronger coordinated multi-sectoral approach is required to minimize the child health burden caused by air pollution. Air pollution should be treated as a public health crisis that can only be managed with policy backed by science, gradual transition to clean energy use, emission reduction supported by clean air technologies, long-term commitment from the Government, and cooperation of the citizens.
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6
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Mahapatra B, Walia M, Avis WR, Saggurti N. Effect of exposure to PM 10 on child health: evidence based on a large-scale survey from 184 cities in India. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002597. [PMID: 32816954 PMCID: PMC7437942 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Air pollution is increasingly becoming a serious global public health concern. Prior studies examining the effect of air pollution on health have ignored the role of households’ hygienic practices and socioeconomic condition, which are key determinants of the health status of a country like India. This study examines the effects of air pollution, measured in levels of particulate matters of size below 10 µg/m3 (PM10), on child-health outcomes after adjusting for hygiene practices. Methods Health data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) and PM10 levels provided by the Central Pollution Control Board were matched for 184 Indian towns/cities. Child health outcomes included neonatal mortality, post-neonatal mortality, premature births, children with symptoms of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and low birth weight. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to estimate the risk associated with exposure to PM10. Result Analyses based on 23 954 births found that every 10-unit increase in PM10 level, increased the risk of neonatal mortality by 6% (adjusted RR (95% CI): 1.02 (1.02 to 1.09)), and the odds of symptoms of ARI among children by 7% (adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.07 (1.03 to 1.12)), and premature births by 8% (adjusted OR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.03 to 1.12)). There was no statistically significant difference in the effect of PM10 on child health regardless of household’s hygienic practices. Effects of PM10 on child health outcomes remained similar for cities whether or not they were part of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Conclusion Exposure to PM10, regardless of hygienic practices, increases the risk of adverse child health outcomes. Study findings suggest that the focus of mitigating the effects of air pollution should be beyond the towns/cities identified under NCAP. Given the increasing industrialisation and urbanisation, a systemic, coherent approach is required to address the issue of air pollution in India.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wiliam Robert Avis
- International Development Department, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Guerra S, Lombardi E, Stern DA, Sherrill DL, Gilbertson-Dahdal D, Wheatley-Guy CM, Snyder EM, Wright AL, Martinez FD, Morgan WJ. Fetal Origins of Asthma: A Longitudinal Study from Birth to Age 36 Years. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 202:1646-1655. [PMID: 32649838 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202001-0194oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Deficits in infant lung function-including the ratio of the time to reach peak tidal expiratory flow to the total expiratory time (tptef/te) and maximal expiratory flow at FRC (V̇maxFRC)-have been linked to increased risk for childhood asthma.Objectives: To examine the individual and combined effects of tptef/te and V̇maxFRC in infancy on risk for asthma and abnormalities of airway structure into mid-adult life.Methods: One hundred eighty participants in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study birth cohort had lung function measured by the chest-compression technique in infancy (mean age ± SD: 2.0 ± 1.2 mo). Active asthma was assessed in up to 12 questionnaires between ages 6 and 36 years. Spirometry and chest high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) imaging were completed in a subset of participants at age 26. The relations of infant tptef/te and V̇maxFRC to active asthma and airway structural abnormalities into adult life were tested in multivariable mixed models.Measurements and Main Results: After adjustment for covariates, a 1-SD decrease in infant tptef/te and V̇maxFRC was associated with a 70% (P = 0.001) and 55% (P = 0.005) increased risk of active asthma, respectively. These effects were partly independent, and two out of three infants who were in the lowest tertile for both tptef/te and V̇maxFRC developed active asthma by mid-adult life. Infant V̇maxFRC predicted reduced airflow and infant tptef/te reduced HRCT airway caliber at age 26.Conclusions: These findings underscore the long-lasting effects of the fetal origins of asthma, support independent contributions by infant tptef/te and V̇maxFRC to development of asthma, and link deficits at birth in tptef/te with HRCT-assessed structural airway abnormalities in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Guerra
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center.,Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine - Tucson.,Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
| | - Enrico Lombardi
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center.,Department of Medical Imaging, College of Medicine - Tucson, and
| | | | - Duane L Sherrill
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | | | - Eric M Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona; and
| | | | | | - Wayne J Morgan
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center.,Geneticure, Rochester, Minnesota
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Xu Z, Ding W, Deng X. PM 2.5, Fine Particulate Matter: A Novel Player in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition? Front Physiol 2019; 10:1404. [PMID: 31849690 PMCID: PMC6896848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to the conversion of epithelial cells to mesenchymal phenotype, which endows the epithelial cells with enhanced migration, invasion, and extracellular matrix production abilities. These characteristics link EMT with the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis and cancer progression. Recent studies have preliminarily established that fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) is correlated with EMT initiation. In this pathological process, PM2.5 particles, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from PM2.5, and certain components in PM2.5, such as ions and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been implicated as potential EMT mediators that are linked to the activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/SMADs, NF-κB, growth factor (GF)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), GF/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, high mobility group box B1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling cascades and to cytoskeleton rearrangement. These pathways directly and indirectly transduce pro-EMT signals that regulate EMT-related gene expression in epithelial cells, finally inducing the characteristic alterations in morphology and functions of epithelia. In addition, novel associations between autophagy, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), and exosomes with PM2.5-induced EMT have also been summarized. However, some debates and paradoxes remain to be consolidated. This review discusses the potential molecular mechanisms underlying PM2.5-induced EMT, which might account for the latent role of PM2.5 in cancer progression and fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Xu
- Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Ding
- Laboratory of Environment and Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobei Deng
- Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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