Signalling Pathways of Inflammation and Cancer in Human Mononuclear Cells: Effect of Nanoparticle Air Pollutants.

Fine inhalable particulate matter (PM) triggers an inflammatory response in the airways and activates mononuclear cells, mediators of tissue homeostasis, and tumour-promoting inflammation. We have assessed ex vivo responses of human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages to standardised air pollutants: carbon black, urban dust, and nanoparticulate carbon black, focusing on their pro-inflammatory and DNA-damaging properties. None of the PM (100 µg/mL/24 h) was significantly toxic to the cells, aside from inducing oxidative stress, fractional DNA damage, and inhibiting phagocytosis. TNFα was only slightly increased. PM nanoparticles increase the expression and activate DNA-damage-related histone H2A.X as well as pro-inflammatory NF-κB. We have shown that the urban dust stimulates the pathway of DNA damage/repair via the selective post-translational phosphorylation of H2A.X while nanoparticulate carbon black increases inflammation via activation of NF-κB. Moreover, the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide was significantly stronger in macrophages pre-exposed to urban dust or nanoparticulate carbon black. Our data show that airborne nanoparticles induce PM-specific, epigenetic alterations in the subsets of cultured mononuclear cells, which may be quantified using binary fluorescence scatterplots. Such changes intercede with inflammatory signalling and highlight important molecular and cell-specific epigenetic mechanisms of tumour-promoting inflammation.

Long-term effects of fine particulate matter components on depression among middle-aged and elderly adults in China: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been implicated in various health concerns. However, a comprehensive understanding of the specific PM2.5 components affecting depression remains limited. METHODS: This study conducted a Cox proportional-hazards model to assess the effect of PM2.5 components on the incidence of depression based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants with 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) score of 10 or higher were classified as exhibiting depression. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated a significant positive correlation between long-term exposure to black carbon (BC), sulfate (SO42-), and organic matter (OM) components of PM2.5 and the prevalence of depression. Per 1 Interquartile Range (IQR) increment in 3-year average concentrations of BC, OM, and SO42- were associated with the hazard ratio (HR) of 1.54 (95 % confidence intervals (CI): 1.44, 1.64), 1.24 (95%CI: 1.16, 1.34) and 1.25 (95%CI: 1.16, 1.35). Notably, females, younger individuals, those with lower educational levels, urban residents, individuals who were single, widowed, or divorced, and those living in multi-story houses exhibited heightened vulnerability to the adverse effects of PM2.5 components on depression. LIMITATIONS: Firstly, pollutant data is confined to subjects' fixed addresses, overlooking travel and international residence history. Secondly, the analysis only incorporates five fine particulate components, leaving room for further investigation into the remaining fine particulate components in future studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides robust evidence supporting the detrimental impact of PM2.5 components on depression. The identification of specific vulnerable populations contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the relationship between PM2.5 components and depression.

Indoor and ambient black carbon and fine particulate matter associations with blood biomarkers in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular risk and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathophysiology. Associations between systemic inflammation and exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM ≤ 2.5 µm diameter; PM2.5), and black carbon (BC), a PM2.5 component attributable to traffic and other sources of combustion, infiltrating indoors are not well described. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2017, COPD patients completed in-home air sampling over one-week intervals, up to four times (seasonally), followed by measurement of plasma biomarkers of systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and endothelial activation, soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). Ambient PM2.5, BC and sulfur were measured at a central site. The ratio of indoor/ambient sulfur in PM2.5, a surrogate for fine particle infiltration, was used to estimate indoor BC and PM2.5 of ambient origin. Linear mixed effects regression with a random intercept for each participant was used to assess associations between indoor and indoor of ambient origin PM2.5 and BC with each biomarker. RESULTS: 144 participants resulting in 482 observations were included in the analysis. There were significant positive associations between indoor BC and indoor BC of ambient origin with CRP [%-increase per interquartile range (IQR);95 % CI (13.2 %;5.2-21.8 and 11.4 %;1.7-22.1, respectively)]. Associations with indoor PM2.5 and indoor PM2.5 of ambient origin were weaker. There were no associations with IL-6 or sVCAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: In homes of patients with COPD without major sources of combustion, indoor BC is mainly attributable to the infiltration of ambient sources of combustion indoors. Indoor BC of ambient origin is associated with increases in systemic inflammation in patients with COPD, even when staying indoors.

Impact of black soot emissions on public health in Niger Delta, Nigeria: understanding the severity of the problem.

Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria often referred to as the 'treasure bed of the nation' is the seat of crude oil production activities with the accompanying environmental degradation. The severity of the environmental pollution and contaminated air quality took a new turn for the worse in November 2016, when the residents of Port Harcourt city, Rivers State, a major oil producing State experienced for the first time, aerosol deposition of plumes of black soot. This systematic review paper is aimed at quantifying the severity of this public health challenge. Using appropriate search words, the following databases SCOPUS, PUBMED, Google Scholar, and AJOL were searched from 1990 to 2022 to enable comparative analyses of data before and after the emergence of black soot deposition. Air-related morbidities and mortalities such as cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), chronic bronchitis, measles, pertussis, hemoptysis, cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), pneumonia, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, traumatic skin outgrowth, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and child deformities were compared with levels of air pollutants and particulate matter. The results showed that Port Harcourt city's ambient air quality data were above the standard National Ambient Air Quality data and that of other regulatory agencies having higher levels of both inorganic and organic pollutants. There were significant relationships between air pollutants concentration with morbidities. These correlations were significant in the period covering 2016-2022. Consequently, it is concluded that the black soot emissions in Port Harcourt city, Nigeria has worsened the public health situation in the city.

Long-term mortality burden trends attributed to black carbon and PM2·5 from wildfire emissions across the continental USA from 2000 to 2020: a deep learning modelling study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term improvements in air quality and public health in the continental USA were disrupted over the past decade by increased fire emissions that potentially offset the decrease in anthropogenic emissions. This study aims to estimate trends in black carbon and PM2·5 concentrations and their attributable mortality burden across the USA. METHODS: In this study, we derived daily concentrations of PM2·5 and its highly toxic black carbon component at a 1-km resolution in the USA from 2000 to 2020 via deep learning that integrated big data from satellites, models, and surface observations. We estimated the annual PM2·5-attributable and black carbon-attributable mortality burden at each 1-km2 grid using concentration-response functions collected from a national cohort study and a meta-analysis study, respectively. We investigated the spatiotemporal linear-regressed trends in PM2·5 and black carbon pollution and their associated premature deaths from 2000 to 2020, and the impact of wildfires on air quality and public health. FINDINGS: Our results showed that PM2·5 and black carbon estimates are reliable, with sample-based cross-validated coefficients of determination of 0·82 and 0·80, respectively, for daily estimates (0·97 and 0·95 for monthly estimates). Both PM2·5 and black carbon in the USA showed significantly decreasing trends overall during 2000 to 2020 (22% decrease for PM2·5 and 11% decrease for black carbon), leading to a reduction of around 4200 premature deaths per year (95% CI 2960-5050). However, since 2010, the decreasing trends of fine particles and premature deaths have reversed to increase in the western USA (55% increase in PM2·5, 86% increase in black carbon, and increase of 670 premature deaths [460-810]), while remaining mostly unchanged in the eastern USA. The western USA showed large interannual fluctuations that were attributable to the increasing incidence of wildfires. Furthermore, the black carbon-to-PM2·5 mass ratio increased annually by 2·4% across the USA, mainly due to increasing wildfire emissions in the western USA and more rapid reductions of other components in the eastern USA, suggesting a potential increase in the relative toxicity of PM2·5. 100% of populated areas in the USA have experienced at least one day of PM2·5 pollution exceeding the daily air quality guideline level of 15 µg/m3 during 2000-2020, with 99% experiencing at least 7 days and 85% experiencing at least 30 days. The recent widespread wildfires have greatly increased the daily exposure risks in the western USA, and have also impacted the midwestern USA due to the long-range transport of smoke. INTERPRETATION: Wildfires have become increasingly intensive and frequent in the western USA, resulting in a significant increase in smoke-related emissions in populated areas. This increase is likely to have contributed to a decline in air quality and an increase in attributable mortality. Reducing fire risk via effective policies besides mitigation of climate warming, such as wildfire prevention and management, forest restoration, and new revenue generation, could substantially improve air quality and public health in the coming decades. FUNDING: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Applied Science programme, NASA MODIS maintenance programme, NASA MAIA satellite mission programme, NASA GMAO core fund, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) GEO-XO project, NOAA Atmospheric Chemistry, Carbon Cycle, and Climate (AC4) programme, and NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions.

Ambient black carbon reaches the kidneys.

BACKGROUND: Ultrafine particles, including black carbon (BC), can reach the systemic circulation and therefore may distribute to distant organs upon inhalation. The kidneys may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of BC exposure due to their filtration function. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that BC particles reach the kidneys via the systemic circulation, where the particles may reside in structural components of kidney tissue and impair kidney function. METHODS: In kidney biopsies from 25 transplant patients, we visualized BC particles using white light generation under femtosecond-pulsed illumination. The presence of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and cystatin c (CysC) were evaluated with ELISA. We assessed the association between internal and external exposure matrices and urinary biomarkers using Pearson correlation and linear regression models. RESULTS: BC particles could be identified in all biopsy samples with a geometric mean (5th, 95th percentile) of 1.80 × 103 (3.65 × 102, 7.50 × 103) particles/mm3 kidney tissue, predominantly observed in the interstitium (100 %) and tubules (80 %), followed by the blood vessels and capillaries (40 %), and the glomerulus (24 %). Independent from covariates and potential confounders, we found that each 10 % higher tissue BC load resulted in 8.24 % (p = 0.03) higher urinary KIM-1. In addition, residential proximity to a major road was inversely associated with urinary CysC (+10 % distance: -4.68 %; p = 0.01) and KIM-1 (+10 % distance: -3.99 %; p < 0.01). Other urinary biomarkers, e.g., the estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance showed no significant associations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings that BC particles accumulate near different structural components of the kidney represent a potential mechanism explaining the detrimental effects of particle air pollution exposure on kidney function. Furthermore, urinary KIM-1 and CysC show potential as air pollution-induced kidney injury biomarkers for taking a first step in addressing the adverse effects BC might exert on kidney function.

Curcuma longa supplementation reduces MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in a rat model exposed to soot particulates.

Background: Particulate matter (PM) is one of the important components in air pollution that can cause endothelial vascular dysfunction through exacerbation of atherosclerosis and inflammation of the respiratory system. Increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in blood plasma can be an indicator of oxidative stress. Then, macrophages can secrete proinflammatory cytokines that will stimulate immune cells and vascular endothelial cells to release inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α). Curcuma longa works by scavenging the active free radicals involved in the peroxidation process. Aims: This study aims to prove that the administration of C. longa can reduce MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in Rattus norvegicus exposed to soot particulates. Methods: The subjects of this study were 30 male rats which were divided into 5 treatment groups with the following: (C0): negative control; (C+): positive control; (T1): Treatment group 2, rats exposed to particulate soot at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 1 mg/kg bw; (T2): Treatment group 3 was rats exposed to soot particulates at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw; (T3): Treatment group 4 was rats exposed to soot particulates at a concentration of 1,064 mg/m3 for 8 hours and given C. longa at a dose of 3 mg/kg bw.Giving the C. longa extract orally with a probe every day for 30 days after treatment of exposure to soot. Examination of MDA, TNF-, and IL-6 levels with the ELISA method. Results: The administration of C. longa can reduce MDA while the lowest MDA levels were obtained in the T3 treatment with an average of 1.542 ± 0.231. The results of the description of the lowest levels of TNF-α were obtained in the C-treatment with an average of 55.981 ± 4.689. Then, the lowest levels of IL-6 were obtained in the C-treatment with an average of 2.292 ± 0.461. Conclusion: The results stated that the administration of C. longa could reduce MDA levels, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Curcuma longa as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant play an effective role in inhibiting inflammation by decreasing IL-6 cytokine and TNF-α. Curcuma longa can inhibit lipid peroxidation initiated by free radicals and then reduce MDA levels.

Black carbon content in airway macrophages is associated with increased severe exacerbations and worse COPD morbidity in SPIROMICS.

BACKGROUND: Airway macrophages (AM), crucial for the immune response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are exposed to environmental particulate matter (PM), which they retain in their cytoplasm as black carbon (BC). However, whether AM BC accurately reflects environmental PM2.5 exposure, and can serve as a biomarker of COPD outcomes, is unknown. METHODS: We analyzed induced sputum from participants at 7 of 12 sites SPIROMICS sites for AM BC content, which we related to exposures and to lung function and respiratory outcomes. Models were adjusted for batch (first vs. second), age, race (white vs. non-white), income (<$35,000, $35,000~$74,999, ≥$75,000, decline to answer), BMI, and use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonists, with sensitivity analysis performed with inclusion of urinary cotinine and lung function as covariates. RESULTS: Of 324 participants, 143 were current smokers and 201 had spirometric-confirmed COPD. Modeled indoor fine (< 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) particulate matter (PM2.5) and urinary cotinine were associated with higher AM BC. Other assessed indoor and ambient pollutant exposures were not associated with higher AM BC. Higher AM BC was associated with worse lung function and odds of severe exacerbation, as well as worse functional status, respiratory symptoms and quality of life. CONCLUSION: Indoor PM2.5 and cigarette smoke exposure may lead to increased AM BC deposition. Black carbon content in AMs is associated with worse COPD morbidity in current and former smokers, which remained after sensitivity analysis adjusting for cigarette smoke burden. Airway macrophage BC, which may alter macrophage function, could serve as a predictor of experiencing worse respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function.

Ambient air pollution exposure and depressive symptoms: Findings from the French CONSTANCES cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Few studies have reported the association between air pollution exposure with different dimensions of depression. We aimed to explore this association across different dimensions of depressive symptoms in a large population. METHODS: Data from the enrollment phase of the French CONSTANCES cohort (2012-2020) were analyzed cross-sectionally. Annual concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the land-use regression models were assigned to the residential addresses of participants. Total depressive symptoms and its four dimensions (depressed affect, disturbed interpersonal relations, low positive affect, somatic complaints) were measured using Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression questionnaire (CES-D). We reported results of negative binomial regression models (reported as Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure), for each pollutant separately. Stratified analyses were performed by sex, income, family status, education, and neighborhood deprivation. RESULTS: The study included 123,754 participants (mean age, 46.50 ± 13.61 years; 52.4 % women). The mean concentration of PM2.5, BC and NO2 were 17.14 µg/m3 (IQR = 4.89), 1.82 10-5/m (IQR = 0.88) and 26.58 µg/m3 (IQR = 17.41) respectively. Exposures to PM2.5, BC and NO2 were significantly associated with a higher CES-D total (IRR = 1.022; 95 % CI = 1.002: 1.042, IRR = 1.027; 95 % CI = 1.013: 1.040, and IRR = 1.029; 95 % CI = 1.015: 1.042 respectively), and with depressed affect, and somatic complaints. For all pollutants, a higher estimate was observed for depressed affect. We found stronger adverse associations for men, lower-income participants, low and middle education groups, those living in highly deprived areas, and single participants. CONCLUSION: Our finding could assist the exploration of the etiological pathway of air pollution on depression and also considering primary prevention strategies in the areas with air pollution.

Maternal exposure to ambient black carbon particles and their presence in maternal and fetal circulation and organs: an analysis of two independent population-based observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Maternal exposure to particulate air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to multiple adverse birth outcomes causing burden of disease later in the child's life. To date, there is a paucity of data on whether or not ambient particles can both reach and cross the human placenta to exert direct effects on fetal organ systems during gestation. METHODS: In this analysis, we used maternal-perinatal and fetal samples collected within the framework of two independent studies: the ENVIRONAGE (Environmental Influences on Ageing in Early Life) birth cohort of mothers giving birth at the East-Limburg Hospital in Genk, Belgium, and the SAFeR (Scottish Advanced Fetal Research) cohort of terminated, normally progressing pregnancies among women aged 16 years and older in Aberdeen and the Grampian region, UK. From the ENVIRONAGE study, we included 60 randomly selected mother-neonate pairs, excluding all mothers who reported that they ever smoked. From the SAFeR study, we included 36 fetuses of gestational age 7-20 weeks with cotinine concentrations indicative of non-smoking status. We used white light generation under femtosecond pulsed illumination to detect black carbon particles in samples collected at the maternal-fetal interface. We did appropriate validation experiments of all samples to confirm the carbonaceous nature of the identified particles. FINDINGS: We found evidence of the presence of black carbon particles in cord blood, confirming the ability of these particles to cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation system. We also found a strong correlation (r ≥0·50; p<0·0001) between the maternal-perinatal particle load (in maternal blood [n=60], term placenta [n=60], and cord blood [n=60]) and residential ambient black carbon exposure during pregnancy. Additionally, we found the presence of black carbon particles in first and second trimester tissues (fetal liver [n=36], lung [n=36], and brain [n=14]) of electively terminated and normally progressing pregnancies from an independent study. INTERPRETATION: We found that maternally inhaled carbonaceous air pollution particles can cross the placenta and then translocate into human fetal organs during gestation. These findings are especially concerning because this window of exposure is key to organ development. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of particle translocation. FUNDING: European Research Council, Flemish Scientific Research Foundation, Kom op Tegen Kanker, UK Medical Research Council, and EU Horizon 2020.

Long-term exposure to ambient black carbon is associated with sleep disturbance in college students.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests an association of air pollution with sleep quality. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of black carbon, a key component of ambient particulate matter, on sleep. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of long-term exposure to black carbon and sleep quality in a group of college students. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in five universities in different regions of China. The concentrations of black carbon and other environment factors were defined as the averages during the 6 years prior to the recruitment. Averagely daily dose of black carbon exposure was estimated according to the respiratory rate. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a cutoff >5 indicating sleep disturbance. Linear regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate the association. The sensitivity analyses were conducted to estimate the effects of 1-month, 6-month and 1-year mean levels of exposure to black carbon on sleep quality. RESULTS: A total of 20,053 incoming college students were included. 29.3% reported impaired sleep quality, with a mean PSQI score of 4.3 ± 2.2. The logistic regression showed that the risk of impaired sleep quality was positively associated with black carbon exposure, especially in the highest quantile (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.11-1.43) compared with the lowest quartile after adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analysis showed that the effect of black carbon on sleep quality was stronger in participants with higher BMI, lower household income, and lower parental educational level. The results of sensitivity analyses were similar with main analyses. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to black carbon is associated with sleep disturbance in college students. Improvement of air quality may help improve sleep quality.

Effect of NLRP3 repression on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human corneal epithelial cells with black carbon exposure.

PURPOSE: To investigate the inhibitory effects of NLRP3 siRNA on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) with fresh black carbon (FBC) particles and ozone-oxidized BC (OBC) particles treatment. METHODS: HCECs were transfected with NLRP3 siRNA or control siRNA for 48 h, followed by 200 µg/ml FBC or OBC suspension for an additional 72 h. Untreated controls were cells with no siRNA transfection or BC treatment. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of components of the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) and downstream cytokine (IL-1ß), respectively. RESULTS: Compared with untreated control cells, mRNA levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1ß were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in control siRNA transfected cells with BC treatments. Compared with the control siRNA transfected cells, NLRP3 siRNA transfection reduced the expression of NLRP3 and ASC, whereas it had a limited effect on the expression of Caspase-1 and IL-1ß with FBC or OBC exposures. Under FBC treatment, the reductions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 mRNA levels were 53.5% (p < 0.001) and 34.2% (p < 0. 01), respectively, and NLRP3 and ASC protein levels were lowered by 58.2% (p < 0.001) and 45.4% (p < 0.001), respectively. Under OBC treatment, the reductions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 mRNA levels were 39.8% (p < 0.001) and 25.6% (p < 0.05), respectively, and NLRP3 and ASC protein levels were lowered by 44.8% (p < 0.001) and 41.7% (p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, mRNA levels of ASC and IL-1ß, the protein levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1ß showed a tendency to decrease in NLRP3 siRNA transfected cells, it was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NLRP3 siRNA transfection could partially reverse the increased mRNA levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1, the protein levels of NLRP3 and ASC in HCECs with BC treatment, whereas the reductions of protein levels of Caspase-1 and IL-1ß were not significant, indicating that NLRP3 siRNA has a limited inhibitory effect on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome triggered by BC.

RIPK1 is a key factor in black carbon-induced cell death.

Air pollution is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and with cell death at a cellular level. However, the exact mechanism of particulate matter-induced cell death remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present in vitro study using human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) was to determine the cell death pathway(s) induced by black carbon (BC) and ozone oxidized-black carbon (O-BC). BC and O-BC induced A549 cell death and the cytotoxic effect was dose-dependent. Cell death was significantly abrogated by inhibitor of receptor protein interacting kinase 1 (RIPK1) but only mildly inhibited by apoptosis inhibitor and RIPK3. BC- and O-BC-treated cells showed RIPK1 and RIPK3 protein overexpression and high phosphorylated levels of these proteins, as well as detectable levels of caspase-8 active form. BC- and O-BC-triggered cell death was also fully rescued in A549 cells that under-expressed RIPK1 with RIPK1 siRNA. Our results indicated that BC and O-BC could induce cell death through a multitude of pathways including apoptotic and necroptotic pathways and that RIPK1 is the upstream signal protein of these cell death pathways, with an important role in the regulation of BC-induced cell death.

Modification of associations between indoor particulate matter and systemic inflammation in individuals with COPD.

RATIONALE: Little is known about personal characteristics and systemic responses to particulate pollution in patients with COPD. OBJECTIVES: Assess whether diabetes, obesity, statins and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) modify associations between indoor black carbon (BC) and fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) on systemic inflammation and endothelial activation. METHODS: 144 individuals with COPD without current smoking and without major in-home combustion sources were recruited at Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System. PM2.5 and BC were measured in each participant's home seasonally for a week (up to 4 times; 482 observations) and plasma biomarkers of systemic inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP); interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and endothelial activation [soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)] measured. Linear mixed effects regression with a random intercept was used, and effect modification assessed with multiplicative interaction terms and stratum specific estimates. RESULTS: Median (25%ile, 75%ile) indoor BC and PM2.5 were 0.6 (0.5,0.7) µg/m3 and 6.8 (4.8,10.4) µg/m3, respectively. Although p-values for effect modification were not statistically significant, there were positive associations (%-increase/interquartile range; 95% CI) between CRP and BC greater among non-statin (18.8%; 3.6-36.3) than statin users (11.1%; 2.1-20.9). There were also positive associations greater among non-statin users between PM2.5 and CRP. For IL-6, associations with BC and PM2.5 were also greater among non-statin users. Associations between CRP and BC were greater (20.3%; 4.5-38.5) in persons with diabetes than without diabetes (10.3%; 0.92-20.6) with similar effects of PM2.5. There were no consistent associations that differed based on obesity. Effect modification was not observed for NSAID use, or with any factor considered with sVCAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between indoor BC and PM2.5 and CRP were greater in patients with diabetes and those not taking statins, and with IL-6 if not taking statins. These results suggest that these characteristics may modify the systemic response to indoor BC and PM2.5 in persons with COPD.

The effect of air pollution on the transcriptomics of the immune response to respiratory infection.

Combustion related particulate matter air pollution (PM) is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections in adults. The exact mechanism underlying this association has not been determined. We hypothesized that increased concentrations of combustion related PM would result in dysregulation of the innate immune system. This epidemiological study includes 111 adult patients hospitalized with respiratory infections who underwent transcriptional analysis of their peripheral blood. We examined the association between gene expression at the time of hospitalization and ambient measurements of particulate air pollutants in the 28 days prior to hospitalization. For each pollutant and time lag, gene-specific linear models adjusting for infection type were fit using LIMMA (Linear Models For Microarray Data), and pathway/gene set analyses were performed using the CAMERA (Correlation Adjusted Mean Rank) program. Comparing patients with viral and/or bacterial infection, the expression patterns associated with air pollution exposure differed. Adjusting for the type of infection, increased concentrations of Delta-C (a marker of biomass smoke) and other PM were associated with upregulation of iron homeostasis and protein folding. Increased concentrations of black carbon (BC) were associated with upregulation of viral related gene pathways and downregulation of pathways related to antigen presentation. The pollutant/pathway associations differed by lag time and by type of infection. This study suggests that the effect of air pollution on the pathogenesis of respiratory infection may be pollutant, timing, and infection specific.

Small Airway Wall Thickening Assessed by Computerized Tomography Is Associated With Low Lung Function in Chinese Carbon Black Packers.

Nanoscale carbon black as virtually pure elemental carbon can deposit deep in the lungs and cause pulmonary injury. Airway remodeling assessed using computed tomography (CT) correlates well with spirometry in patients with obstructive lung diseases. Structural airway changes caused by carbon black exposure remain unknown. Wall and lumen areas of sixth and ninth generations of airways in 4 lobes were quantified using end-inhalation CT scans in 58 current carbon black packers (CBPs) and 95 non-CBPs. Carbon content in airway macrophage (CCAM) in sputum was quantified to assess the dose-response. Environmental monitoring and CCAM showed a much higher level of elemental carbon exposure in CBPs, which was associated with higher wall area and lower lumen area with no change in total airway area for either airway generation. This suggested small airway wall thickening is a major feature of airway remodeling in CBPs. When compared with wall or lumen areas, wall area percent (WA%) was not affected by subject characteristics or lobar location and had greater measurement reproducibility. The effect of carbon black exposure status on WA% did not differ by lobes. CCAM was associated with WA% in a dose-dependent manner. CBPs had lower FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) than non-CBPs and mediation analysis identified that a large portion (41-72%) of the FEV1 reduction associated with carbon black exposure could be explained by WA%. Small airway wall thickening as a major imaging change detected by CT may underlie the pathology of lung function impairment caused by carbon black exposure.

Carbon black nanoparticles induce HDAC6-mediated inflammatory responses in 16HBE cells.

Long-term inhalation of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) leads to pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) has been identified as an important regulator in the development of inflammatory disorders. However, the direct involvement of HDAC6 in CBNPs-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses remains unclear. To explore whether HDAC6 participates in CBNPs-induced pulmonary inflammation, human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE cells) was transfected with HDAC6 small interference RNA (siRNA) and then exposed to CBNPs at concentrations of 0, 25, and 50 µg/ml for 24 h. Intracellular HDAC6 and intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) mRNA and protein were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The secretions of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CBNPs induced a significant increase in the expressions of IL-8 and IL-6, accompanied by a high level of intracellular HDAC6 mRNA when compared with a blank control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in the levels of TNF-α secretion, intracellular HDAC6 and IFT88 protein induced by CBNPs (p > 0.05). The HDAC6 mRNA expression was significantly suppressed in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells (p < 0.05). The secretions of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly less in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells than that in normal 16HBE cells with exposure to 25 or 50 µg/ml of CBNPs, but intracellular IFT88 mRNA expression was markedly increased in HDAC6 siRNA-transfected cells when compared with normal 16HBE cells exposed to 50 µg/ml of CBNPs (all p < 0.05). Downregulation of the HDAC6 gene inhibits CBNPs-induced inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells, partially through regulating IFT88 expression. It is suggested that CBNPs may trigger inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells by an HDAC6/IFT88-dependent pathway.

Intracranial tumors of the central nervous system and air pollution - a nationwide case-control study from Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Inconclusive evidence has suggested a possible link between air pollution and central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We investigated a range of air pollutants in relation to types of CNS tumors. METHODS: We identified all (n = 21,057) intracranial tumors in brain, meninges and cranial nerves diagnosed in Denmark between 1989 and 2014 and matched controls on age, sex and year of birth. We established personal 10-year mean residential outdoor exposure to particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrous oxides (NOX), primary emitted black carbon (BC) and ozone. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) linearly (per interquartile range (IQR)) and categorically. We accounted for personal income, employment, marital status, use of medication as well as socio-demographic conditions at area level. RESULTS: Malignant tumors of the intracranial CNS was associated with BC (OR: 1.034, 95%CI: 1.005-1.065 per IQR. For NOx the OR per IQR was 1.026 (95%CI: 0.998-1.056). For malignant non-glioma tumors of the brain we found associations with PM2.5 (OR: 1.267, 95%CI: 1.053-1.524 per IQR), BC (OR: 1.049, 95%CI: 0.996-1.106) and NOx (OR: 1.051, 95% CI: 0.996-1.110). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that air pollution is associated with malignant intracranial CNS tumors and malignant non-glioma of the brain. However, additional studies are needed.