Fine particulate matter induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in human SH-SY5Y cells.

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM) may contribute to brain injury, however, the molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully described. In this study, the human SH-SY5Y cells were treated with PM with different concentrations (0, 25, 100, and 250 μg/mL) for 24 h to investigate the cell apoptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The ratio of apoptosis, Ca level, biomarkers of ER stress and apoptosis were determined.