Diesel Exhaust Particles Synergistically Enhance Lung Injury and Oxidative Stress Induced by Bacterial Endotoxin

Abstract

Summary Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated acute and serious adverse effects of particulate air pollution on respiratory health, especially in people who are susceptible to bacterial infection. The underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) derived from diesel engine-powered automobiles are major constituents of the atmospheric particular matter in metropolitan areas. DEP reportedly enhance airway inflammation and lung injury. Bacterial endotoxin in a purified form known as lipopolysaccharide is also implicated as an environmental factor that exacerbates lung diseases. In this article, we review the synergistic enhancing effects of DEP and bacterial endotoxin on airway inflammation and determine the components in DEP responsible for these effects. Oxygen free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines are proposed mediators for DEP-induced airway inflammation. We elucidate the role of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the enhancement.

Programming of respiratory health in childhood

“…One study recently documented that particulate air pollution had adjuvant effects on endotoxin-induced human monocyte-derived dendritic cells [85]. This finding supports prior toxicological studies demonstrating synergistic effects of endotoxin and DEPs on the production of reactive oxygen species [86,87] and experimental studies suggest that DEPs may interfere with lipopolysaccharide-induced dendritic cell responses contributing to early T-helper differentiation [88].…”

In-air microparticle induced X-ray emission analysis of particles in interstitial pneumonia lung tissue obtained by transbronchial biopsy

“…Diesel particles (DEP) synergistically promote lung tissue injury by enhancing bacterial endotoxin production. ( 21 ) Therefore, it could be useful to identify the origin of particles when environmental exposure (especially DEP) is suspected in patients with respiratory diseases, such as IP.…”

Toxicological and ecotoxicological potencies of biofuels used for the transport sector—a literature review

“…[35][36][37][38] Fossil fuels are a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. Potential negative effects of the use of fossil fuels on the environment and human health have been intensely examined [39][40][41][42][43] but the use of fossil fuels was introduced without the awareness of any future related environmental or human health problems. Today the production and use of alternative fuels are much more questioned and discussions regarding the potential impact on the environment and human health of such alternatives started already several years ago.…”