On fine particulate matter and COVID-19 spread and severity: An in vitro toxicological plausible mechanism

Environ Int. 2023 Sep:179:108131. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108131. Epub 2023 Aug 11.

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on global public health. The spread of the disease was related to the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 virus but incidence and mortality rate suggested a possible relationship with environmental factors. Air pollution has been hypothesized to play a role in the transmission of the virus and the resulting severity of the disease. Here we report a plausible in vitro toxicological mode of action by which fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could promote a higher infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and severity of COVID-19 disease. PM2.5 promotes a 1.5 fold over-expression of the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme (ACE2) which is exploited by viral particles to enter human lung alveolar cells (1.5 fold increase in RAB5 protein) and increases their inflammatory state (IL-8 and NF-kB protein expression). Our results provide a basis for further exploring the possible synergy between biological threats and air pollutants and ask for a deeper understanding of how air quality could influence new pandemics in the future.

Keywords: ACE2; Early endosome; Inflammation; Mode of action; Particulate matter; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants* / analysis
  • Air Pollutants* / toxicity
  • Air Pollution* / analysis
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Particulate Matter / analysis
  • Particulate Matter / toxicity
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Particulate Matter
  • Air Pollutants