The Effect of Particulate Matter 10 from Asian Dust on the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species, TGF-β, NF-κB, PDGF-α and Fibronectin in MRC-5 Fibroblast Cells

Abstract

Background: Dust clouds blown by the wind from the arid deserts of Mongolia and Northeast China are known as Asian dust storms. Ambient particulate matter with a diameter <10 μm (PM10) is associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases and increased mortality of heart and lung disease patients. The fibrotic effects of PM10 of Asian dust to pulmonary fibroblast cells are unknown. This study examined the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), TGF-β, NF-κB, PDGF-α and Fibronectin in fibroblasts exposed to Asian dust particles. Methods: Air samples were collected using a high volume air sampler (Sibata model HV500F) with an air flow of 500 L/min for at least 6 hours. The MRC-5 cells were exposed to 0, 50 and 100 μg/mL of PM10 for 24 hours. ROS was detected by measuring the level of oxidized DCF using FACS. TGF-β, NF-κB, PDGF-α and fibronectin were detected by western blotting. Results: There was no increase in the ROS, TGF-s and PDGF-α levels in the MRC-5 cells exposed to PM10. The NF-κ B level was higher in the MRC-5 cells exposed to 50 and 100 μg/mL of PM10 for 24 hours. The fibronectin level in the MRC-5 cells after 24 hours incubation with 50 μg/mL PM10 was significantly higher than the control group (PM10 50 μg/mL 113.27±8.65 of control, p=0.005). Conclusion: PM10 from Asian dust increases the activation of NF-κB and fibronectin expression in MRC-5 fibroblast cells.