The effect of toxic components on metabolomic response of male SD rats exposed to fine particulate matter

PM2.5 pollution was associated with numerous adverse health effects. However, PM2.5 induced toxic effects and the relationships with toxic components remain largely unknown. To evaluate the metabolic toxicity of PM2.5 at environmentally relevant doses, investigate the seasonal variation of PM2.5 induced toxicity and the relationship with toxic components, a combination of general pathophysiological tests and metabolomics analysis was conducted in this study to explore the response of SD rats to PM2.5 exposure. The result of general toxicology analysis revealed unconspicuous toxicity of PM2.5 under environmental dose, but winter PM2.5 at high dose caused severe histopathological damage to lung. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant metabolic disorder induced by PM2.5 even at environmentally relevant doses. Lipid metabolism and GSH metabolism were primarily influenced by PM2.5 exposure due to the high levels of heavy metals. In addition, high levels of organic compounds such as PAHs, PCBs and PCDD/Fs in winter PM2.5 bring multiple overlaps on the toxic pathways, resulting in larger pulmonary toxicity and metabolic toxicity in rats than summer. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study explored the metabolic toxicity of PM2.5 at environmentally relevant doses and investigated the seasonal variation and relationship with toxic components. Results showed that even at environmentally relevant doses, PM2.5 induced significant metabolic disorder, with high dose winter PM2.5 causing severe histopathological damage to the lungs in rats. Additionally, high levels of heavy metals and organic compounds in winter PM2.5 brought multiple overlaps on toxic pathways, leading to larger pulmonary toxicity and metabolic toxicity in rats compared to summer.