Expression of adhesion molecules, monocyte interactions and oxidative stress in human endothelial cells exposed to wood smoke and diesel exhaust particulate matter

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Toxicological effects of wood smoke particles are less investigated than traffic-related combustion particles. We investigated the effect of wood smoke particles, generated by smouldering combustion conditions, on human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) co-cultured with or without monocytic THP-1 cells. Standard reference material (SRM) 2975 diesel exhaust particles were used as benchmark particles. Wood smoke particles at 50µg/ml or 100µg/ml caused adhesion of THP-1 monocytes onto HUVECs in co-cultures, whereas SRM2975 had no such effect. Both types of particles from 1µg/ml increased VCAM-1 expression on HUVECs in mono-cultures. However, only the exposure to wood smoke particles was associated with increased expression of TNF and IL8 mRNA in THP-1 cells. We found no effect on the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species by the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA, whereas especially the wood smoke particles caused increased level of DNA strand breaks and oxidised guanines at concentrations with low cytotoxicity. In conclusion, our results indicate that the adherence of monocytes on endothelial cells in wood smoke particle exposed cultures depend on activation of both cell types.
Original languageEnglish
JournalToxicology Letters
Volume209
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)121-8
Number of pages8
ISSN0378-4274
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

ID: 37550410