Effect of chronic exposure to fine particulate matter on cardiac tissue of NZBWF1 mice

Abstract

Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that inhalation of particulate matter (PM) is associated with development of cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to PM may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and reduce life expectancy. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune nature, characterized by the production of autoantibodies that affects several organs, including the heart. Caused by several factors, air pollution, may appear as one of the most important points on the onset and development of SLE. This study aims to investigate whether exposure to air pollution promotes increased inflammation and cardiac remodeling in animals predisposed to SLE. Female mice of NZBWF1, were used in an environmental particle concentrator. Aspects related to cardiac remodeling, inflammation and apoptosis in myocardium were analyzed. Body weight gain, cardiac trophism by heart/body weight ratio, relative area of cardiomyocytes and fibrotic area of cardiac tissue were evaluated during exposure period. Animals exposed to PM2.5 showed increased area of cardiomyocytes, and area of fibrosis, in addition, we observed an increase of IL-1 and C3 in cardiac tissue, demonstrating increased inflammation. We suggest that air pollution is capable of promoting cardiac remodeling and increased inflammation in animals predisposed to SLE.