Comparative Cytotoxicity Study of PM2.5 and TSP Collected from Urban Areas

Ambient particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and total suspended particles (TSPs) are common airborne pollutants that cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the differences of cytotoxicity and mechanism between PM2.5 and TSP activity in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Atmospheric samples from the central district of Seoul were collected and their chemical compositions were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography. PM2.5 and TSP contained high concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb). The most abundant ions in PM2.5 were SO(4)(2−), NH(4)(+), and NO(3)(−). A549 cells were exposed to PM2.5 and TSP (25–200 µg/mL) for 24 h. TSP was more cytotoxic than PM2.5 per unit mass. PM2.5 induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased levels of a glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier, whereas low-concentration TSP increased hemeoxygenase-1 levels. PM2.5 and TSP did not affect c-Jun N-terminal kinase expression. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in PM2.5- and TSP-treated cells decreased significantly in the cytosol and increased in the nucleus. Thus, Nrf2 may be a key transcription factor for detoxifying environmental airborne particles in A549 cells. TSP and PM2.5 could activate the protective Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/Nrf2 pathway in A549 cells.