Correlation of fungi and endotoxin with PM2.5 and meteorological parameters in atmosphere of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases. Studies that focus on the chemical composition of the material are frequent in the literature, but those that characterize the biological fraction are rare. The objectives of this study were to characterize samples collected in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the quantity of fungi and endotoxins associated with PM2.5, correlating with the mass of particulate matter, chemical composition and meteorological parameters. We did that by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and multiple linear regressions. The results have shown that fungi and endotoxins represent significant portion of PM2.5, reaching average concentrations of 772.23 spores mu g(-1) of PM2.5 (SD: 400.37) and 5.52 EU mg(-1) of PM2.5 (SD: 4.51 EU mg(-1)), respectively. Hyaline basidiospores, Cladosporium and total spore counts were correlated to factor Ba/Ca/Fe/Zn/K/Si of PM2.5 (p < 0.05). Genera Pen/Asp were correlated to the total mass of PM2.5 (p < 0.05) and colorless ascospores were correlated to humidity (p < 0.05). Endotoxin was positively correlated with the atmospheric temperature (p < 0.05). This study has shown that bioaerosol is present in considerable amounts in PM2.5 in the atmosphere of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Some fungi were correlated with soil particle resuspension and mass of particulate matter. Therefore, the relative contribution of bioaerosol in PM2.5 should be considered in future studies aimed at evaluating the clinical impact of exposure to air pollution. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo

Collagenase mRNA Overexpression and Decreased Extracellular Matrix Components Are Early Events in the Pathogenesis of Emphysema.

To describe the progression of parenchymal remodeling and metalloproteinases gene expression in earlier stages of emphysema, mice received porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) instillation and Control groups received saline solution. After PPE instillation (1, 3, 6 hours, 3 and 21 days) we measured the mean linear intercept, the volume proportion of types I and III collagen, elastin, fibrillin and the MMP-1, -8, -12 and -13 gene expression. We observed an initial decrease in type I (at the 3rd day) and type III collagen (from the 6th hour until the 3rd day), in posterior time points in which we detected increased gene expression for MMP-8 and -13 in PPE groups. After 21 days, the type III collagen fibers increased and the type I collagen values returned to similar values compared to control groups. The MMP-12 gene expression was increased in earlier times (3 and 6 hours) to which we detected a reduced proportion of elastin (3 days) in PPE groups, reinforcing the already established importance of MMP-12 in the breakdown of ECM. Such findings will be useful to better elucidate the alterations in ECM components and the importance of not only metalloelastase but also collagenases in earlier emphysema stages, providing new clues to novel therapeutic targets

The PMN density values are shown in all protocol groups (values as the means and SD).

<p>There was an increase in PMN density in parenchyma in PPE groups compared to respective Control groups in 1h (* p< 0.001), 3 h (* p<0.001), 6 h (* p = 0.008) and 3 d (*p = 0.015).</p

Antibodies used in immunohistochemistry studies.

<p>Antibodies used in immunohistochemistry studies.</p

Volume proportion of elastin (A) and fibrillin (B) are shown in all protocol groups (values as the means and SD).

<p>A) Elastin: *p = 0.014 compared to respective S group and ^#p = 0.012 compared to respective S group. B) Fibrillin: There was no significant difference in any of PPE groups compared to their respective S groups.</p

Mean linear intercept (Lm) values measured in all S and PPE groups (A) and photomicrographs of mice lung parenchyma (B and C).

<p>A) *p = 0,021; ^#p<0.001; **p = 0.003; ^§p<0.001; all compared to respective Control group (S). Values are means and SD. B) Photomicrographs of lung parenchyma in S groups at all protocol times. C) Photomicrographs of lung parenchyma in PPE groups at all protocol times. There was an increase in Lm in the PPE groups compared to their respective S controls. (400X magnification, hematoxylin-eosin staining). D) Mean linear intercept (Lm) values measured in Control group (S) and inactive PPE groups. Values are means and SD.</p

Antibodies used in immunofluorescence studies.

<p>Antibodies used in immunofluorescence studies.</p

Photomicrographs of Elastin, Type I Collagen and Type III Collagen.

<p>A-D) Photomicrographs of elastin in parenchyma (H&E staining, 400X magnification). There was a decrease in elastin amount at the 3^rd day with a posterior increase in such fibers at 21^st day, comparing the PPE with S group. E-F) Photomicrographs of type I collagen staining by immunofluorescense in alveolar tissue (400X magnification). There was a decline in those fibers at the 3^rd day in PPE group; G-L) Photomicrographs of type III collagen staining by immunofluorescense in alveolar tissue (400X magnification). There was a decline in type III collagen at the 6^th hour and 3^rd day with a consecutive increase at the 21^st day in PPE compared with S groups.</p