# Cytotoxicity of Particulate Matter PM10 Samples from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Authors: Joelle Nicole Guissou; Isabelle Baudrimont; Abdoul Karim Ouattara; Jacques Simpore; Jean Sakande
Journal: Journal of Toxicology
 (2022)

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## Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main air pollutants with 257,000 deaths per year in Africa. Studying their toxic mechanisms of action could provide a better understanding of their effects on the population health. The objective of this study was to describe the PM10 toxic mechanism of action collected in 3 districts of Ouagadougou. Once per month and per site between November 2015 and February 2016, PM10 was sampled for 24 hours using the MiniVol TAS (AirMetrics, Eugene, USA). The collected filters were then stored in Petri dishes at room temperature for in vitro toxicological studies using human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) at the Bordeaux INSERM-U1045 Cardio-thoracic Research Center. The three study districts were classified based on PM10 level (high, intermediate, and low, respectively, for districts 2, 3, and 4). PM10 induced a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed at 1 µg/cm2, 10 µg/cm2, and 25 µg/cm2 for, respectively, districts 2, 3, and 4. A significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed at 10 µg/cm2 for district 2 versus 5 µg/cm2 and 1 µg/cm2 for districts 3 and 4, respectively. Finally, a significant production of IL-6 was recorded from 5 µg/cm2 for district 4 versus 10 µg/cm2 for districts 2 and 3. Consequently, Ouagadougou is subjected to PM10 pollution, which can induce a significant production of ROS and IL-6 to cause adverse effects on the health of the population.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Air pollution is one of the major environmental risk factors for the population health [1]. According to the WHO, a reduction in air pollution levels results in a significant decrease in morbidity from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma [2]. The estimated number of deaths due to air pollution was 4.2 million worldwide in 2016 [2]. Most epidemiological studies in air pollution have been conducted in developed countries, and particulate matter (PM) is the main cause [3, 4].The level of PM is an indicator of air pollution, and their size during inhalation exposure seems to determine the affected target organs as well as their impact on health [5]. Indeed, PM2.5, fine particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm, penetrate deeply into the lungs to the terminal bronchioles and alveoli, whereas PM10, with a diameter of 10 µm, are deposited mainly in the upper respiratory tract [5, 6]. Autopsies performed on London smog air pollutant victims in 1952 revealed a high occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [7]. Epidemiological studies have shown the relationship between exposure to PM air pollution and pulmonary pathology (asthma exacerbation, pulmonary cancer, and COPD) [8, 9].Regarding the significant consequences of air pollution, the WHO organized the first international conference on air pollution in 2018 [10]. However, Africa has few air pollution studies [11]; although, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) recorded 258,000 deaths due to air pollution in 2017 in Africa [12]. Sub-Saharan African populations are the most affected by the air quality degradation effects [13]. Unfortunately, interest in air quality is of lesser importance due to the lack of political will and the absence of adequate tools for air quality monitoring [11]. Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is not excluded from this situation.Located in the heart of the Sahel, Ouagadougou has, in addition to the factors mentioned above, a growing fleet of very old and poorly maintained vehicles in a context of increasing human activity [14]. Studies on air pollution are rare, incomplete, or old. They are mainly physicochemical studies on pollutants for environmental pollution [14–18]. Studies on PM10 air pollution considered to be of concern for the health of populations and understanding their toxicological mechanisms of action at the cellular level are needed to guide decision-making about air pollution. In the current study, we report a possible toxicological mechanism of PM10 action collected in Ouagadougou on pulmonary vascular target cells.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Cell and Culture Conditions

PromoCell® human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were used for all toxicology studies. The cells were grown in monolayers in 25 cm2 culture flasks (Falcon®) at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 in Complete Red Medium (CRM).CRM consisted of Endothelial Cell Growth Medium (ECGM), with phenol red, without antibiotics or fungicides, supplemented with Supplement Mix (PromoCell®). The Supplement Mix contains 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 0.4% endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS), 0.1 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF), 1 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF), 90µg/mL heparin, and 1 µg/mL hydrocortisone.Cells were incubated at 37°C in a controlled humid atmosphere of 5% CO2 at pH = 7.4. The culture medium was changed every other day. When the cells reached 80% confluence, they were subcultured. The cells were used between passages 2 and 8. Experiments with the cells were performed in a sterile environment under a laminar flow hood in a P2 laboratory.


### 2.2. Atmospheric Samples

PM10 can directly penetrate the respiratory tract and alveoli to cause adverse health effects in the exposed population. The PM10 level was evaluated in three districts of Ouagadougou, and the districts were then classified based on the PM10 level (high PM10 level, intermediate PM10 level, and low PM10 level). Particulate samples from each category (district 2 for high PM10, district 3 for intermediate PM10, and district 4 for low PM10) were used for the toxicological studies. The MiniVol TAS (AirMetrics, Eugene, USA), a portable air sampling device, was used to sample PM10 from ambient air with a Teflon filter. The filters were weighed before and after sample collection. The device was placed on a stand at the height of a 1.70 m human airway. An authorization (ref: 2016/Labio/XI-02/0135) was requested from the competent structures of the different districts for the PM10 sampling. Four sampling campaigns (November 2016, December 2016, January 2017, and February 2017) were scheduled at each site within the different districts.The mixture from the different campaigns per district was used as the sample from each district. The filters were stored in Petri dishes at room temperature forin vitro toxicology studies. The experimental (toxicological) study was performed at the Cardio-thoracic Research Center of Bordeaux (CRCTB) INSERM-U1045.


### 2.3. Extraction of Particles from Filters

The protocol used in the present study [19] has been adapted by the CRCTB (INSERM U 1045, University of Bordeaux) and the laboratory UMR-CNRS 8251 (University Paris Diderot) [20]. The filters without their periphery were cut into four pieces. Each piece was then placed in Eppendorf tubes supplemented with 500 µl of Complete White Medium (CWM), antibiotics (1% penicillin/streptomycin), and antifungals (1% amphotericin B).The Eppendorf was then alternately vortexed and sonicated (Vibracell® 75186) using an induction probe. Then, the filter was removed and placed in a second Eppendorf tube containing 700µl of CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungals. The same process was also applied to the second Eppendorf. Once all filter pieces were processed, the contents of the two Eppendorf tubes were combined to have a total volume of 1200 µl. The samples were then stored at −20°C for later use.


### 2.4. Cytotoxicity Assessment (WST-1 Test)

The cytotoxicity of PM10 was evaluated by the water-soluble tetrazolium test (WST-1). This colorimetric test is based on the cleavage of the colorless tetrazolium salts WST-1 (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5 tetrazolio]-1, 3-benzene disulfonate) into a formazan derivative, soluble in yellow color by mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenases of living cells. HPAEC cells were first seeded in ninety-six-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 h at 37°C with 5% CO2. They were subsequently exposed to different concentrations of PM10 (1 µg/cm2, 5 µg/cm2, 10 µg/cm2, 25 µg/cm2, and 50 µg/cm2). The experiment was repeated three times with four wells per condition. After 24 hours of exposure, the cells are rinsed with CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungals and incubated for 3 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2 with CWM supplemented with antifungals and antibiotics containing 10% of WST-1 [21].Absorbance was measured directly by spectrophotometry at 450 nm corrected to 630 nm, using a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader and MARS Data Analysis Software (BMG LabTech®). The toxicity assessment determined the PM10 concentrations to be used for the mechanistic studies. It was agreed not to exceed 10 µg/cm2, a concentration resulting in less than 30% cell death. This choice was also made for this concentration to remain as realistic as possible regarding the concentrations to which humans could be exposed.


### 2.5. Assessment of the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Oxidative stress levels follow different steps over time, from antioxidant defense to cytotoxicity through inflammation [22]. Therefore, the ROS production was assessed after 4 h exposure of cells to PM10 according to the method adapted from Deweirdt et al. [21].The different reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by spectrofluorimetric method using the CM-H2DCF-DA probe (5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester), Fisher Scientific®). Nonfluorescent H2DCFCM-H2DCF-DA CM-H2DCF-DA in the acetylated and reduced state is cleaved at the 2′ and 7′ acetylated groups by an esterase to yield nonfluorescent H2DCF. The molecule is then oxidized by ROS to a fluorescent derivative, DCF, which can easily be quantified by fluorimetry. Thus, the fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to the amount of ROS formed in the cell [23].The probe and cells were protected from light. Cells were seeded into twenty-four-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2. Prior to exposure, cells were rinsed and incubated for 20 minutes at 37°C in 5% CO2 with the probe (20 µM) solubilized in serum-free blank medium. Once excess probe not incorporated by the cells had been removed, the cell layer was rinsed with CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungal at 1% and the cells were exposed to different concentrations of PM10 such as 1 µg/cm2, 5 µg/cm2, and 10 µg/cm2 from Ouagadougou districts 2, 3, and 4. The experiment was replicated three times (n = 3) with three wells per condition. The production of ROS was measured in HPAEC by spectrofluorimetry (probe CM-H2DCFDA) after 4 hours of exposure.Fluorescence intensity was determined using a plate reader (FLUOstar Omega 2.10 and MARS Data Analysis Software 2.30 R3 (BMG LabTech®) at an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and an emission of 520 nm. The results were expressed as a percentage increase in ROS compared to control cells.


### 2.6. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Assay

Studies have shown that PM10 induces the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, or IL-10. However, IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that intervenes during the acute phase of inflammation. Previous studies also demonstrated a correlation between IL-6 production and PM10 exposure [24–26]. Based on these previous studies, we focused here on the assessment of IL-6 secretion.Cells were seeded in twelve-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2. Before exposure, the cell mat was rinsed. Then the cells were contacted with different PM10 concentrations (1.5 and 10 μg/cm2). The experiment was repeated three times (n = 3) with three wells per condition. After 24 hours of exposure, the supernatants were removed, centrifuged (10 minutes, at 15,000 g and at 4°C), and stored at −20°C until assay.The assay of IL-6 cytokines in culture supernatants was performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using DuoSet kits (R&D Systems®), a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader, and MARS 2.41 Data Analysis Software (BMG LabTech®). To relate the IL-6 cytokine level (ELISA) to the protein levels, a Lowry test was performed in the culture supernatants for each condition, using the Biorad® DC Protein assay reagent package kit. Absorbance was measured using a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader 2.41 data analysis software (LabTech®) at 750 nm. For each test, the results are expressed as means ± the standard error of the mean (SEM). Each experiment was performed independently three times (n indicates the number of experiments, n = 3). IL-6 was assayed in the culture supernatant of HPAEC cells after 24 hours of intoxication at different concentrations of PM10 (1.5 and 10 µg/cm2) in districts 2, 3, and 4.


### 2.7. Statistical Analyses

Differences between the means of HPAEC control and PM10-exposed cells were evaluated using different tests: an ANOVA parametric test followed by a multiple comparison test with Dunnett’s correction. Statistical analyses and graphs were performed with GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05(∗), p<0.01(∗∗), and p<0.001(∗∗∗).


## 2.1. Cell and Culture Conditions

PromoCell® human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were used for all toxicology studies. The cells were grown in monolayers in 25 cm2 culture flasks (Falcon®) at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 in Complete Red Medium (CRM).CRM consisted of Endothelial Cell Growth Medium (ECGM), with phenol red, without antibiotics or fungicides, supplemented with Supplement Mix (PromoCell®). The Supplement Mix contains 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 0.4% endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS), 0.1 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF), 1 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF), 90µg/mL heparin, and 1 µg/mL hydrocortisone.Cells were incubated at 37°C in a controlled humid atmosphere of 5% CO2 at pH = 7.4. The culture medium was changed every other day. When the cells reached 80% confluence, they were subcultured. The cells were used between passages 2 and 8. Experiments with the cells were performed in a sterile environment under a laminar flow hood in a P2 laboratory.


## 2.2. Atmospheric Samples

PM10 can directly penetrate the respiratory tract and alveoli to cause adverse health effects in the exposed population. The PM10 level was evaluated in three districts of Ouagadougou, and the districts were then classified based on the PM10 level (high PM10 level, intermediate PM10 level, and low PM10 level). Particulate samples from each category (district 2 for high PM10, district 3 for intermediate PM10, and district 4 for low PM10) were used for the toxicological studies. The MiniVol TAS (AirMetrics, Eugene, USA), a portable air sampling device, was used to sample PM10 from ambient air with a Teflon filter. The filters were weighed before and after sample collection. The device was placed on a stand at the height of a 1.70 m human airway. An authorization (ref: 2016/Labio/XI-02/0135) was requested from the competent structures of the different districts for the PM10 sampling. Four sampling campaigns (November 2016, December 2016, January 2017, and February 2017) were scheduled at each site within the different districts.The mixture from the different campaigns per district was used as the sample from each district. The filters were stored in Petri dishes at room temperature forin vitro toxicology studies. The experimental (toxicological) study was performed at the Cardio-thoracic Research Center of Bordeaux (CRCTB) INSERM-U1045.


## 2.3. Extraction of Particles from Filters

The protocol used in the present study [19] has been adapted by the CRCTB (INSERM U 1045, University of Bordeaux) and the laboratory UMR-CNRS 8251 (University Paris Diderot) [20]. The filters without their periphery were cut into four pieces. Each piece was then placed in Eppendorf tubes supplemented with 500 µl of Complete White Medium (CWM), antibiotics (1% penicillin/streptomycin), and antifungals (1% amphotericin B).The Eppendorf was then alternately vortexed and sonicated (Vibracell® 75186) using an induction probe. Then, the filter was removed and placed in a second Eppendorf tube containing 700µl of CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungals. The same process was also applied to the second Eppendorf. Once all filter pieces were processed, the contents of the two Eppendorf tubes were combined to have a total volume of 1200 µl. The samples were then stored at −20°C for later use.


## 2.4. Cytotoxicity Assessment (WST-1 Test)

The cytotoxicity of PM10 was evaluated by the water-soluble tetrazolium test (WST-1). This colorimetric test is based on the cleavage of the colorless tetrazolium salts WST-1 (4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5 tetrazolio]-1, 3-benzene disulfonate) into a formazan derivative, soluble in yellow color by mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenases of living cells. HPAEC cells were first seeded in ninety-six-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 h at 37°C with 5% CO2. They were subsequently exposed to different concentrations of PM10 (1 µg/cm2, 5 µg/cm2, 10 µg/cm2, 25 µg/cm2, and 50 µg/cm2). The experiment was repeated three times with four wells per condition. After 24 hours of exposure, the cells are rinsed with CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungals and incubated for 3 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2 with CWM supplemented with antifungals and antibiotics containing 10% of WST-1 [21].Absorbance was measured directly by spectrophotometry at 450 nm corrected to 630 nm, using a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader and MARS Data Analysis Software (BMG LabTech®). The toxicity assessment determined the PM10 concentrations to be used for the mechanistic studies. It was agreed not to exceed 10 µg/cm2, a concentration resulting in less than 30% cell death. This choice was also made for this concentration to remain as realistic as possible regarding the concentrations to which humans could be exposed.


## 2.5. Assessment of the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Oxidative stress levels follow different steps over time, from antioxidant defense to cytotoxicity through inflammation [22]. Therefore, the ROS production was assessed after 4 h exposure of cells to PM10 according to the method adapted from Deweirdt et al. [21].The different reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by spectrofluorimetric method using the CM-H2DCF-DA probe (5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester), Fisher Scientific®). Nonfluorescent H2DCFCM-H2DCF-DA CM-H2DCF-DA in the acetylated and reduced state is cleaved at the 2′ and 7′ acetylated groups by an esterase to yield nonfluorescent H2DCF. The molecule is then oxidized by ROS to a fluorescent derivative, DCF, which can easily be quantified by fluorimetry. Thus, the fluorescence intensity is directly proportional to the amount of ROS formed in the cell [23].The probe and cells were protected from light. Cells were seeded into twenty-four-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2. Prior to exposure, cells were rinsed and incubated for 20 minutes at 37°C in 5% CO2 with the probe (20 µM) solubilized in serum-free blank medium. Once excess probe not incorporated by the cells had been removed, the cell layer was rinsed with CWM supplemented with antibiotics and antifungal at 1% and the cells were exposed to different concentrations of PM10 such as 1 µg/cm2, 5 µg/cm2, and 10 µg/cm2 from Ouagadougou districts 2, 3, and 4. The experiment was replicated three times (n = 3) with three wells per condition. The production of ROS was measured in HPAEC by spectrofluorimetry (probe CM-H2DCFDA) after 4 hours of exposure.Fluorescence intensity was determined using a plate reader (FLUOstar Omega 2.10 and MARS Data Analysis Software 2.30 R3 (BMG LabTech®) at an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and an emission of 520 nm. The results were expressed as a percentage increase in ROS compared to control cells.


## 2.6. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Assay

Studies have shown that PM10 induces the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, or IL-10. However, IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that intervenes during the acute phase of inflammation. Previous studies also demonstrated a correlation between IL-6 production and PM10 exposure [24–26]. Based on these previous studies, we focused here on the assessment of IL-6 secretion.Cells were seeded in twelve-well plates at a density of 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2. Before exposure, the cell mat was rinsed. Then the cells were contacted with different PM10 concentrations (1.5 and 10 μg/cm2). The experiment was repeated three times (n = 3) with three wells per condition. After 24 hours of exposure, the supernatants were removed, centrifuged (10 minutes, at 15,000 g and at 4°C), and stored at −20°C until assay.The assay of IL-6 cytokines in culture supernatants was performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using DuoSet kits (R&D Systems®), a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader, and MARS 2.41 Data Analysis Software (BMG LabTech®). To relate the IL-6 cytokine level (ELISA) to the protein levels, a Lowry test was performed in the culture supernatants for each condition, using the Biorad® DC Protein assay reagent package kit. Absorbance was measured using a SPECTROstarNano2.10 plate reader 2.41 data analysis software (LabTech®) at 750 nm. For each test, the results are expressed as means ± the standard error of the mean (SEM). Each experiment was performed independently three times (n indicates the number of experiments, n = 3). IL-6 was assayed in the culture supernatant of HPAEC cells after 24 hours of intoxication at different concentrations of PM10 (1.5 and 10 µg/cm2) in districts 2, 3, and 4.


## 2.7. Statistical Analyses

Differences between the means of HPAEC control and PM10-exposed cells were evaluated using different tests: an ANOVA parametric test followed by a multiple comparison test with Dunnett’s correction. Statistical analyses and graphs were performed with GraphPad Prism 5.0 software. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05(∗), p<0.01(∗∗), and p<0.001(∗∗∗).


## 3. Results

### 3.1. The Effect of PM10 on Cell Viability is District-Specific and Concentration-Dependent

The nature and chemical composition of PM10 are important factors in their health effects. The current study results show that after 24 hours of exposing HPAEC cells to different PM10 concentrations, there is a significant concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability from 1 µg/cm2 for district 2 (Figure 1(a); 76.5% ± 2.5% cell viability), 10 µg/cm2 for district 3 (Figure 1(b); 68.4% ± 7.2% cell viability), and 25 µg/cm2 for district 4 (Figure 1(c); 73.3% ± 6% cell viability). At the highest concentration (50 μg/cm2), a viability of 60.3% ± 4.1%, 66.9% ± 6.4%, and 69.5% ± 7% was noted, respectively, for districts 2, 3, and 4. A significant difference was observed at the concentration of 1 µg/cm2 in HPAEC cells for districts 2 and 3 (76.5% ± 2.5% versus 93.4% ± 1.2% and for districts 2 and 4 (76.5% ± 2.5% versus 92.6% ± 0.39%). Overall, the results demonstrate that increasing the concentration decreases cell viability, and the threshold concentration to obtain a significant decrease in cell viability varies from one district to another.Figure 1
Effects of PM10 from districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on the HPAEC cell viability after 24 hours of exposure. The HPAEC cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/cm2 and then intoxicated or not for 24 hours at different concentrations of PM10 (1.5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/cm2). Cell viability was measured by the WST-1 assay. Percent cell viability was calculated relative to control cells (100%). Data are expressed as means ± the standard error of the mean (SEM) of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells/concentration). The statistical test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction ∗p<0.05, ∗∗p<0.01, and ∗∗∗p<0.001: significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)


### 3.2. PM10-Induced ROS Production is District-Specific and Concentration-Dependent

PM10-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is concentration-dependent. The results show a concentration-dependent increase in ROS production in HPAEC cells compared to control cells (Figure 2).Figure 2
Production of ROS in HPAEC cells after 4 hours of exposure to PM10 of districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The HPAEC cells were seeded for 24 hours and then treated with different concentrations of PM10 (1.5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/cm2) for 4 hours. Intracellular ROS production was evaluated by the CM-H2DCFDA probe and measured by spectrofluorimetric method. The percentage increase in ROS is calculated relative to control cells. Data are expressed as means ±SEM of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells per concentration). The statistical test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction, ∗∗∗p<0.001: significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)This increase is significant at the highest concentration (10µg/cm2) for district 2 (Figure 2(a); 31.4% ± 6.1% increase in ERO production), whereas for districts 3 and 4 (Figure 2(b)) and 4 (Figure 2(c)), a significant increase is observed from 5 μg/cm2 (24.1% ± 6% increase in ERO production) and from 1 μg/cm2 (10.4% ± 0.4%), respectively. A comparison was made at the highest concentration (10 µg/cm2) for the three districts. No significant difference was detected in ROS production in HPAEC cells after 4-hour exposure.


### 3.3. PM10-Induced IL-6 Secretion is District-specific and Concentration-Dependent

The results reveal a concentration-dependent increase in IL-6 after a 24-hour exposure to PM10 in all three districts of Ouagadougou. This increase is significant compared to control cells at the highest concentration (10 μg/cm2) for districts 2 (Figure 3(a)) and 3 (Figure 3(b)). At this concentration, the mean secretion of IL-6 was 317.2 pg/mg ± 38.2 pg/mg and 272.7 pg/mg ± 32.27 pg/mg, respectively for districts 2 and 3, that is, an increase of 71.8% ± 7.8% and 45.7% ± 7.2%, respectively, compared to control cells. The increase was significant for district 4 (Figure 3(c)) from 5 µg/cm2 with a mean IL-6 secretion of 222.5 pg/mg ± 43.14 pg/mg, an increase of 58.8% ± 9% relative to control cells. A comparison was performed at a concentration of 10 µg/cm2 for the three districts. A significant difference was observed between districts 3 and 4.Figure 3
Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in HPAEC cells after 24 hours of exposure to PM10 from districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). HPAEC cells were seeded for 24 hours and then treated with different concentrations of PM10 (1, 5, and 10 µg/cm2) for 24 hours. The IL-6 concentration (pg/mL) was determined by using the ELISA technique and measured by spectrophotometry. This concentration was then related to total protein levels for each well (pg/mg). Data are expressed as the mean ± SEM of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells/concentration). The test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction ∗p<0.05: Significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.1. The Effect of PM10 on Cell Viability is District-Specific and Concentration-Dependent

The nature and chemical composition of PM10 are important factors in their health effects. The current study results show that after 24 hours of exposing HPAEC cells to different PM10 concentrations, there is a significant concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability from 1 µg/cm2 for district 2 (Figure 1(a); 76.5% ± 2.5% cell viability), 10 µg/cm2 for district 3 (Figure 1(b); 68.4% ± 7.2% cell viability), and 25 µg/cm2 for district 4 (Figure 1(c); 73.3% ± 6% cell viability). At the highest concentration (50 μg/cm2), a viability of 60.3% ± 4.1%, 66.9% ± 6.4%, and 69.5% ± 7% was noted, respectively, for districts 2, 3, and 4. A significant difference was observed at the concentration of 1 µg/cm2 in HPAEC cells for districts 2 and 3 (76.5% ± 2.5% versus 93.4% ± 1.2% and for districts 2 and 4 (76.5% ± 2.5% versus 92.6% ± 0.39%). Overall, the results demonstrate that increasing the concentration decreases cell viability, and the threshold concentration to obtain a significant decrease in cell viability varies from one district to another.Figure 1
Effects of PM10 from districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on the HPAEC cell viability after 24 hours of exposure. The HPAEC cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/cm2 and then intoxicated or not for 24 hours at different concentrations of PM10 (1.5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/cm2). Cell viability was measured by the WST-1 assay. Percent cell viability was calculated relative to control cells (100%). Data are expressed as means ± the standard error of the mean (SEM) of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells/concentration). The statistical test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction ∗p<0.05, ∗∗p<0.01, and ∗∗∗p<0.001: significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.2. PM10-Induced ROS Production is District-Specific and Concentration-Dependent

PM10-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is concentration-dependent. The results show a concentration-dependent increase in ROS production in HPAEC cells compared to control cells (Figure 2).Figure 2
Production of ROS in HPAEC cells after 4 hours of exposure to PM10 of districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). The HPAEC cells were seeded for 24 hours and then treated with different concentrations of PM10 (1.5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/cm2) for 4 hours. Intracellular ROS production was evaluated by the CM-H2DCFDA probe and measured by spectrofluorimetric method. The percentage increase in ROS is calculated relative to control cells. Data are expressed as means ±SEM of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells per concentration). The statistical test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction, ∗∗∗p<0.001: significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)This increase is significant at the highest concentration (10µg/cm2) for district 2 (Figure 2(a); 31.4% ± 6.1% increase in ERO production), whereas for districts 3 and 4 (Figure 2(b)) and 4 (Figure 2(c)), a significant increase is observed from 5 μg/cm2 (24.1% ± 6% increase in ERO production) and from 1 μg/cm2 (10.4% ± 0.4%), respectively. A comparison was made at the highest concentration (10 µg/cm2) for the three districts. No significant difference was detected in ROS production in HPAEC cells after 4-hour exposure.


## 3.3. PM10-Induced IL-6 Secretion is District-specific and Concentration-Dependent

The results reveal a concentration-dependent increase in IL-6 after a 24-hour exposure to PM10 in all three districts of Ouagadougou. This increase is significant compared to control cells at the highest concentration (10 μg/cm2) for districts 2 (Figure 3(a)) and 3 (Figure 3(b)). At this concentration, the mean secretion of IL-6 was 317.2 pg/mg ± 38.2 pg/mg and 272.7 pg/mg ± 32.27 pg/mg, respectively for districts 2 and 3, that is, an increase of 71.8% ± 7.8% and 45.7% ± 7.2%, respectively, compared to control cells. The increase was significant for district 4 (Figure 3(c)) from 5 µg/cm2 with a mean IL-6 secretion of 222.5 pg/mg ± 43.14 pg/mg, an increase of 58.8% ± 9% relative to control cells. A comparison was performed at a concentration of 10 µg/cm2 for the three districts. A significant difference was observed between districts 3 and 4.Figure 3
Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in HPAEC cells after 24 hours of exposure to PM10 from districts 2 (a), 3 (b), and 4 (c) of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). HPAEC cells were seeded for 24 hours and then treated with different concentrations of PM10 (1, 5, and 10 µg/cm2) for 24 hours. The IL-6 concentration (pg/mL) was determined by using the ELISA technique and measured by spectrophotometry. This concentration was then related to total protein levels for each well (pg/mg). Data are expressed as the mean ± SEM of three independent experiments n = 3 (three wells/concentration). The test used is a one-way ANOVA followed by a multiple comparison with Dunnett’s correction ∗p<0.05: Significance level compared to control cells.
(a)(b)(c)


## 4. Discussion

The PM10 collected in each of the three districts in the current study led to a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability. Our results are consistent with those of Dieme et al., who had shown the ability of particles collected in Dakar (Senegal) to alter mitochondrial metabolism [27]. Many studies have also shown a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability following exposure of epithelial cells to PM10 [28]. The nature and chemical composition of PM10 certainly determine the threshold amount toxic for cells.Our results show that after 24 hours of exposure to PM10, a significant (concentration-dependent) decrease in cell viability was observed from 1 µg/cm2 for district 2. Cachon et al. in a study conducted on particles from Cotonou (Benin) had shown a significant decrease in cell viability from 3 µg/cm2 [29]. The similarity of these results could be explained by the fact that Cotonou and Ouagadougou are two cities with comparable profiles (transportation, human activities, and city expansion). In our study, the significant decrease in cell viability was observed from 10 µg/cm2 for district 3 and from 25 µg/cm2 for district 4. Indeed, district 2 is a district with a high level of PM10, while district 3 has a lower level of PM10 than the first one. Only a difference in PM10 chemical composition could explain the significant difference observed from 25 µg/cm2. When comparing the cell viability of the three districts, for an exposure to a PM10 concentration of 10 µg/cm2, significant differences were observed between districts 2 and 3 and between districts 2 and 4. Toxicity terms are noted between the different districts depending on the PM10 profiles.Redox homeostasis is essential for cell function and viability [30]. Exposure to extrinsic stress factors such as PM can disrupt this balance. To assess whether the PM10 samples collected in different districts of Ouagadougou could disrupt this balance, the production of ROS was studied. The results show that after 4 hours of exposure, there is a concentration-dependent increase in ROS production in HPAEC cells compared to control cells. The literature reports similar results found in neighboring countries of Burkina and throughout the world [29, 31, 32]. A previous study [20] conducted in Ouagadougou on a single sampling point within the framework of the French National Research Agency MEGATOX project in 2010 also showed a concentration-dependent increase in ROS production in HPAEC cells.At the highest concentration (10µg/cm2), the increase in ROS production was approximately 16% in the MEGATOX project sample [20] compared to 31.4% ± 6% for district 2, 28.5% ± 1.1% for district 3, and 18.5% ± 0.7% for district 4. The values found in the present study are much higher than the previous studies of MEGATOX project. These results could be explained by an increase in PM pollution in recent years and changes in the chemical composition of PM10. Indeed, between 2010 and 2017, the city of Ouagadougou experienced a significant development of anthropogenic activities that constitute a major pollution factor [33]. The comparison of ROS production induced by PM10 between different districts revealed a significant increase in ROS production at the concentration of 10 µg/cm2 for district 2, whereas for districts 3 and 4, a significant increase was observed from 5 µg/cm2. ROS production can be due to several mechanisms [34]. The study focused on the assessment of ROS production using the CM-H2DCFH-DA probe, which allows the evaluation of intracellular changes in H2O2. Other methods for evaluating oxidative stress such as the glutathione assay or the lipid peroxidation assay could explain this difference in results. Indeed, the difference in ROS production induced by PM10 collected in districts 3 and 4 could be due to these two mechanisms. A difference in the chemical composition of PM10 could also explain our results [1].It has been shown in the literature that oxidative stress could trigger a proinflammatory response [35]. To assess these hypotheses, our cellular model was treated with PM10 from the three districts of Ouagadougou, and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 was evaluated. The results show a concentration-dependent increase in IL-6 after 24 hours of PM10 treatment. Ndong Ba et al. in a study carried out on BEAS-2B cells treated with PM from Dakar (Senegal) also found a significant dose-dependent increase in IL-6 production of about 750 pg/ml from 3 µg/cm2 for urban sites and approximately 250 pg/ml from 3 µg/cm2 for rural sites [31]. The results of the present study were significant for districts 2 and 3, at a concentration of 10 µg/cm2 with a rate of 317.2 pg/mg ± 38.2 pg/mg and 272.7 pg/mg ±  32.27 pg/mg, respectively. For district 4, the results were significant from 5 µg/cm2 with a value of 222.5 pg/mg ± 43.14 pg/mg. These differences could be due to the variable chemical composition between the PM10 from Ouagadougou and those from Dakar. A significant difference was found between districts 3 and 4, after comparing the inflammatory response induced by PM10 collected in these districts at the concentration of 10 μg/cm2. This is in line with the classification of districts by PM10 level with district 3 as PM10 low level area and district 4 as PM10 intermediate level area. Overall, the results of the present study suggest an association between PM10 exposure and the occurrence of pulmonary disease. The toxicological study also supports this hypothesis through the correlation between PM10 exposure and ROS production and the secretion of proinflammatory mediators (IL-6). Despite limitations such as the short collection period, the selection of patients based on voluntary participation, and the failure to evaluate some toxicological mechanisms of action, the present original study is of high relevance in a country such as Burkina Faso to document the toxicological profile of atmospheric pollution with PM10.


## 5. Conclusions

The results of the present study revealed that PM10 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity to a greater or lesser extent by sampling district. Oxidative stress is a key source of toxic substances found in the endothelial cells of human pulmonary arteries that can trigger a proinflammatory response. PM10, unlike larger particles that are filtered by the nasal and bronchial cilia, directly penetrate the upper respiratory tract and alveoli, causing inflammation and irritating the bronchi, thus affecting lung function, and exacerbating symptoms of respiratory diseases and other pathologies according to the intensity or duration of the inflammation.The results of this study lead us to question the profile of atmospheric pollution by particulate pollutants in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), especially the other types of PM found there and their chemical composition. In addition, it would be interesting to conduct a study to better define the clinical effects of PM. Finally, to confirm our assumption, it would be necessary, through further studies, to better characterize, in the endothelial cells of human pulmonary arteries, the mechanisms responsible for the toxicity of PM and to assess whether oxidative stress could be a source of calcium signaling alterations or an apoptotic process.



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*Source: 1786810-2022-10-21.xml*