Inflammation-Related Effects of Diesel Engine Exhaust Particles: Studies on Lung CellsIn Vitro

P. E. Schwarze,J. Øvrevik,M. Refsnes,A. I. Totlandsdal,J. A. Holme,M. Låg

doi:10.1155/2013/685142

P. E. Schwarze, J. Øvrevik + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/685142

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Abstract

Diesel exhaust and its particles (DEP) have been under scrutiny for health effects in humans. In the development of these effects inflammation is regarded as a key process. Overall, in vitro studies report similar DEP-induced changes in markers of inflammation, including cytokines and chemokines, as studies in vivo. In vitro studies suggest that soluble extracts of DEP have the greatest impact on the expression and release of proinflammatory markers. Main DEP mediators of effects have still not been identified and are difficult to find, as fuel and engine technology developments lead to continuously altered characteristics of emissions. Involved mechanisms remain somewhat unclear. DEP extracts appear to comprise components that are able to activate various membrane and cytosolic receptors. Through interactions with receptors, ion channels, and phosphorylation enzymes, molecules in the particle extract will trigger various cell signaling pathways that may lead to the release of inflammatory markers directly or indirectly by causing cell death. In vitro studies represent a fast and convenient system which may have implications for technology development. Furthermore, knowledge regarding how particles elicit their effects may contribute to understanding of DEP-induced health effects in vivo, with possible implications for identifying susceptible groups of people and effect biomarkers.

Highlights

Living close to heavily trafficked roads has been associated with adverse effects on people’s health, including increased mortality and morbidity from cardiopulmonary causes [1]
Diesel exhaust and its particles (DEP)-enriched particulate matter sampled in a tunnel stimulated cytokine release (IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ) from primary monocyte-derived dendritic cells [53]
These findings suggest that DEP can induce pro-inflammatory responses, and contribute to structural changes with inflammatory implications

Summary

Introduction

Living close to heavily trafficked roads has been associated with adverse effects on people’s health, including increased mortality and morbidity from cardiopulmonary causes [1]. Cell culture models in vitro have been used to characterize various toxic effects of DEP including DNA damage, effects on cell proliferation, release of cytokines and chemokines, differentiation and/or capacity of immune cells to defend against infections cytotoxicity (cellular differentiation), and cytotoxicity. Such models have been used to investigate effects of various types of DEP and DEPcomponents, as well as to study more detailed mechanisms of effect. This paper summarises in vitro studies of pro- and anti-inflammatoryand allergy- linked responses of lung cells after exposure to different DEP and associated compounds. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding of DEPinduced health effects in vivo and represent a fast and convenient system for technology development

Expression and Release of Cytokines and Chemokines

Other Inflammation-Related Proteins

Particle Considerations

Biological Mechanisms of DEP-Induced Proinflammatory and Cytotoxic Effects

Challenges and Concluding Remarks