[Airborne fine particle decreases the cell viability and induces inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells].

To investigate the effects of airborne fine particle on cell viability and inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells.
 Methods: Atmospheric PM2.5 samples were collected by PM2.5 sampler. PM2.5 morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were treated with PM2.5 at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μg/mL) for 12, 24 or 48 hours, and the cell activity were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The mRNA expression levels of (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor，GM-CSF) and TNF-α were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of GM-CSF and TNF-α.
 Results: According to SEM, the shape of PM2.5 varied, and the diameter was different and mostly equal to or less than 2.5 μm. CCK-8 assay showed that different concentrations of PM2.5 exposure for 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours resulted in loss of cell viability of BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05). Different concentrations of PM2.5 increased the mRNA and protein expression of GM-CSF and TNF-α, and the higher concentration of PM2.5 induced higher expression, which have statistical significant difference between the groups (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Atmospheric PM2.5 can cause inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells. They can reduce cell viability, which may be related to the PM2.5 trigger and aggravation of bronchopulmonary inflammatory diseases.