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Endotoxin as modifier of particulate matter toxicity: a review of the literature

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Abstract

It is well known that particulate matter (PM) and endotoxin are able to trigger inflammatory responses in the lung. Most studies have focused on the components separately and on the identification of chemical components associated with PM. However, since biological components may represent around 20% of airborne PM, and endotoxin may reach concentrations as high as 30 EU/mg, recent studies have focused attention on the characterization of endotoxin present in PM and health effects. Most of the literature has suggested that endotoxin adsorbed in PM is able to elicit immunological responses associated with increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The aim of this paper is to provide an up to date review of the findings involving toxicity effects of endotoxin associated with PM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, CEP 01246-903, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Cristiane Degobbi & Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva

  2. Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA

    Christine Rogers

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  1. Cristiane Degobbi
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  2. Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
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Degobbi, C., Saldiva, P.H.N. & Rogers, C. Endotoxin as modifier of particulate matter toxicity: a review of the literature. Aerobiologia 27, 97–105 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-010-9179-6

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