Rapid effects of diesel exhaust particulate extracts on intracellular signaling in human endothelial cells.

Inhalation of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) in air pollution increases cardiovascular mortality by passing into systemic circulation and possibly affecting endothelial cell (EC) function. This study identified the chemical constituents, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in diesel exhaust particulate extracts (DEPEs) prepared from a truck run at different speeds and engine loads. The short-term effects of DEPEs alone or in combination with estradiol (E(2)) on MAPK (ERK1/2), AKT, and eNOS activation and nitric oxide (NO) production in human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) were evaluated.