Macrophage-Histiocyte Activation and Clearance Patterns in Pulmonary Anthracosis as a Biomarker for the Relationship Between Environmental Exposure and Lung Disease Risk

• Grant number: 24/18137-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Todorovic Fabro
• Grantee: Maria Julia Faci do Marco
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Macrophages are immune system cells that play several crucial roles in maintaining the body's homeostasis, including phagocytosis, antigen presentation, cytokine release, and initiation of the inflammatory response. Among various antigens, particulate matter (PM) present in the air is notable. With increasing urbanization and industrial production, air pollution and the inhalation of these particles have become significant public health concerns due to their severe impact on respiratory health. This exposure is linked to the development of diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer. Pulmonary anthracosis is associated with the inhalation of particles derived from the combustion of carbon-based materials. These particles, once phagocytized by macrophages, accumulate in the lung tissue, giving it a blackened appearance.The macrophage performance in the phagocytosis of anthracotic particles is crucial for understanding lung pathologies closely related to air pollution and the development of an exacerbated inflammatory response. Macrophages release large quantities of chemokines and cytokines, contributing to oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aims to determine the activation and clearance patterns of macrophage-histiocyte responses to anthracosis within the pulmonary microenvironment, using it as a biomarker of the relationship between environmental exposure and the risk of lung diseases.To achieve this, we will conduct a retrospective analysis of lung tissue samples from autopsies to assess the following: 1) the quantity and distribution of anthracotic foci in lung tissue; 2) the correlation between anthracosis presence and the development of pulmonary diseases; 3) immunohistochemical analysis of macrophage-histiocyte markers; and 4) molecular studies of lung cancer cases.Expected outcomes include establishing correlations between macrophage-histiocyte activation and clearance patterns in anthracosis and the development of lung diseases, as well as investigating the influence of geographic location on these processes.