The Effect of Seasonal Variations in Airborne Particulate Matter on Asthma-Related Airway Inflammation in Mice

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of winter and spring particulate matter (PM) on airway inflammation and allergies in a mouse asthma model. PM was collected during 7–28 February 2013 (winter) and during 7–28 April 2013 (spring) in Yonago, Japan. NC/Nga mice were co-sensitized using intranasal instillation of the PMs and Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) for 5 consecutive days, and were subsequently challenged using intranasal Df at 7 days after the last sensitization. At 24 h after the challenge, serum immunoglobulin levels, differential leukocyte counts, and inflammatory cytokines levels were measured in the mice’s bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Compared to co-sensitization using spring PM and Df, winter PM and Df induced greater increases in the BALF neutrophil and eosinophil counts and total serum IgE and IgG2a levels. Furthermore, winter PM-sensitized mice exhibited higher BALF levels of interleukin-5, interleukin-13, interleukin-6, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine. Therefore, we observed seasonal variations in the effects of PM on asthma-related airway inflammation. These findings suggest that the compositions of PM vary according to season, and that it is important to evaluate PM compositions in order to understand the associations between asthma and PM.

Aqueous and organic extract of PM2.5 collected in different seasons and cities of Japan differently affect respiratory and immune systems

“…An epidemiological study demonstrated that in winter, the outbreaks of respiratory allergy and asthma are higher than those in other seasons (Habre et al 2014). Kurai et al (2016) reported that winter PM samples from western Japan augmented respiratory allergy symptoms in mice. Takemura et al (2016) found no correlation between seasonal respiratory symptoms' variation and common allergens as pollens, house dust mites, molds, and dog or cat dander.…”

Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Exacerbation of Allergic Asthma via Activation of T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain 1

“…The common method of observing PM 2.5 -induced damage to the lungs involves the administration of PM 2.5 through intranasal instillation in the form of a suspension liquid. [ 4 22 ] This type of treatment is suitable for the study of acute injury. For this method, the collection and recovery of PM 2.5 involve the use of a multisolvent filter extraction technique that combines sonication in multiple solvents accompanied by microporous membrane filtration.…”

A Muscarinic Antagonist Reduces Airway Inflammation and Bronchoconstriction Induced by Ambient Particulate Matter in a Mouse Model of Asthma

“…This study has several limitations. First, ambient PM is a complex mixture of various substances, and the effects of seasonal variation and regional heterogeneity on adverse health effects have been described [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Therefore, we should confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of tiotropium bromide by collecting ambient PM on different days and regions.…”