Effect of water-soluble PM₁₀ on the production of TNF-α by human monocytes and induction of apoptosis in A549 human lung epithelial cells

Long-term exposure to airborne particles of 10 µm and less in size (PM₁₀) in dust can lead to increased risk of diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, lung cancer and atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of water-soluble PM₁₀ particles in the Middle East Dust (MED) storm in Ahvaz, Iran, on the production of TNF-α by human monocytes. In addition, we assessed the level of induction of apoptosis in isolated A549 human pulmonary epithelial cells. For this purpose, isolated human blood monocytes (250,000 to 300,000 cell/ ml) as well as isolated human pulmonary A549 epithelial cells (100,0000 cell/ ml) were exposed to various concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500 µg/ml) of water-soluble PM₁₀ particles for different incubation periods (12, 24, 48 h). The results showed that exposure to PM₁₀ particles increased the production of TNF-α in human monocytes and promoted apoptosis induction in A549 cells, in both concentration and incubation of period-dependent manner. In conclusion, airborne dust particles in Ahvaz city contain active compounds capable of increasing production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, and inducing apoptosis of lung epithelial cells.