Pyroptosis participates in PM2.5-induced air–blood barrier dysfunction

Jia, Ruxue; Wei, Min; Zhang, Xiao; Du, Rui; Sun, Wenping; Wang, Lili; Song, Laiyu

Pyroptosis participates in PM2.5-induced air–blood barrier dysfunction

2022

Epidemiological studies have shown that particulate matters with diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM₂.₅) play an important role in inducing and promoting respiratory diseases, but its underlying mechanism remains to be explored. The air–blood barrier, also known as the alveolar–capillary barrier, is the key element of the lung, working as the site of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between pulmonary vasculatures. In this study, a mouse PM₂.₅ exposure model was established, which leads to an induced lung injury and air–blood barrier disruption. Oxidative stress and pyroptosis were observed in this process. After reducing the oxidative stress by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) treatment, the air–blood barrier function was improved and the effect of PM₂.₅ was alleviated. The level of pyroptosis and related pathway were also effectively relieved. These results indicate that acute PM₂.₅ exposure can cause lung injury and the alveolar–capillary barrier disruption by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the participation of pyroptosis pathway.

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