Evaluation of effects of exposure to air pollution on the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in NZBWF1 mice

Author(s)

Victor Yuji Yariwake

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2021-02-25

Examining board members

Mariana Matera Veras; Durvanei Augusto Maria; Karina do Valle Marques

• Advisor: Mariana Matera Veras

Abstract

Air pollution is a complex mixture of gases and particles suspended in the atmosphere that impairs negative impacts on health and on environment. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations and multifactorial etiology that remains not well elucidated. Studies suggest that air pollution can be a triggering factor for SLE, impairing increased disease activity and gravity. However, this association has not been deeply investigated until now. So, the aim of this work was to evaluate whether exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exerts influence on the exacerbation of SLE manifestations (focusing on kidney impairments) in mice spontaneously prone to SLE development. For this, NZBWF1 female mice were submitted daily to a real exposure (inhalation) of 600µg/m³ of concentrated PM2.5 for a period of four months. During this period, body weight, proteinuria and survival rate were assessed. After this period, mice were euthanized and the following analyses were performed: sorology (anti-DNA), hemogram (erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets), weight of organs (kidneys, thymus, spleen, liver and heart), stereology (volume of kidney compartments), histopathology (of renal tubules and glomeruli), immunohistochemistry (for C3, IgG and macrophages on kidneys), gene expression (of NF-kB and TGF-beta on renal tissue) and oxidative stress (dosage of pro-oxidants (NADPH oxidase and H2O2) and antioxidants (FRAP) on kidneys). The group of NZBWF1 females exposed to PM2.5 presented decreased survival, early onset of proteinuria, increased number of circulating neutrophils and increased kidney weight when compared to the group of NZBWF1 females exposed to filtered air. Therefore, this work suggests that air pollution exerts influence over some SLE manifestations, aggravating the disease in SLE-prone mice. These results reinforce the need of reduction of air pollutants levels (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/05187-5 - Evaluation of effects of exposure to air pollution in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in NZBWF1 mice
• Grantee: Victor Yuji Yariwake
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master