Exposure to Metal-rich Particulate Matter Modifies the Expression of Candidate MicroRNAs in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes

Bollati, V; Marinelli, B; Apostoli, P; Bonzini, M; Nordio, F; Hoxha, M; Pegoraro, V; Motta, V; Tarantini, L; Cantone, L; Schwartz, J; Bertazzi, PA; Baccarelli, A

HERO ID

379298

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

PMID

20061215

HERO ID 379298
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Exposure to Metal-rich Particulate Matter Modifies the Expression of Candidate MicroRNAs in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Authors Bollati, V; Marinelli, B; Apostoli, P; Bonzini, M; Nordio, F; Hoxha, M; Pegoraro, V; Motta, V; Tarantini, L; Cantone, L; Schwartz, J; Bertazzi, PA; Baccarelli, A
Journal Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 118
Issue 6
Page Numbers 763-768
Abstract BACKGROUND: Altered patterns of gene expression mediate the effects of particulate matter (PM) on human health, but mechanisms through which PM modifies gene expression are largely undetermined. MicroRNAs are highly conserved, non-coding small RNAs that regulate the expression of broad gene networks at the post-transcriptional level. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of exposure to PM and PM metal components on candidate miRNAs (miR-222, miR-21 and miR-146a) related with oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in 63 workers of an electric-furnace steel plant. METHODS: We measured miR-222, miR-21 and miR-146a expression in blood leukocyte RNA on the first day of a workweek (baseline) and after three days of work (post-exposure). Relative expression of microRNAs was measured by real-time PCR. We measured blood oxidative stress (8-hydroxyguanine) and estimated individual exposures to PM1, PM10, coarse particles and PM metal components (chromium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, manganese) between the baseline and post-exposure measurements. RESULTS: miR-222 and miR-21 expression was significantly increased in post-exposure samples (baseline=0.68+/-3.41, post-exposure=2.16+/-2.25; p=0.002 for miR-222; baseline=4.10+/-3.04, post-exposure=4.66+/-2.63,; p=0.05 for miR-21). In post-exposure samples, miR-222 expression was positively correlated with lead exposure (beta=0.41, p=0.02), while miR-21 expression was associated with blood 8-hydroxyguanine (beta=0.11, p=0.03), but not with individual PM or metals. Post-exposure expression of miR-146a was not significantly different from baseline (baseline=0.61+/-2.42, post-exposure=1.90+/-3.94; p=0.19), but it was negatively correlated with exposure to lead (beta=-0.51, p=0.011) and cadmium (beta=-0.42, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in miRNA expression may represent a novel mechanism mediating responses to PM and its metal components.
Doi 10.1289/ehp.0901300
Pmid 20061215
Wosid WOS:000278591300019
Url http://www.ehponline.org/ambra-doi-resolver/10.1289/ehp.0901300
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments |WOS:000278591300019
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword epigenetics; etiology; miRNA expression; particulate matter; peripheral blood leukocytes
Is Qa No