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Objectives This aim of this project is to improve understanding of the adverse effects of ambient and motor engine generated particles. Particles, collected in a high volume sampling campaign across Europe will be extensively characterised by chemical composition, size, number and metal content. These data will then be used to interpret the effects the particles have in a range of experimental models, including in vitro, cell culture, animal and human challenge experiments. In summary, the overall objectives of this research project are:
To assess the toxicological and inflammatory potential of ambient suspended particles (collected sites across Europe with contrasting traffic intensity) in comparison with diesel and gasoline engine particles. To relate these findings, made in in-vitro and in-vivo animal and human studies, to the physico-chemical characteristics of particulates. To relate these data to the previously demonstrated effects of exhaust emissions on human airways. To undertake a comparison of these new data in relation to the population based epidemiological findings of adverse health effects of ambient particles.
Results and milestones
Work package I was directed at collection and characterization of ambient and engine particulate matter (PM). This was achieved using high volume samplers which sampled European ambient PM from several sites in Munich, Rome, the Netherlands and Northern Sweden. Additionally, diesel engine and gasoline particulates have been sampled. The particulates were then physically and chemically characterised in detail. These particles have subsequently been forwarded to other partner members for them to evaluate their chemical and biomedical reactions within subsequent work packages.
Work package II. This work package was directed towards toxicological screening of the PM using in-vitro techniques. The groups in London, Edinburgh and Rome used different techniques to clarify oxidative, pro-inflammatory and DNA-transcription related actions induced by the sampled PM. It was demonstrated that particles sampled from different places showed large differences in their capacity to produce reactive responses in these models. Additionally, not only the fine particles but also slightly more coarse particles produced such effects.
Work package III was directed towards evaluating the mechanisms by which the chemical and biological mediated by the air pollution particles. The involvement of oxidative stress pathways and certain transcription factor and DNA associated mechanisms have been shown. Complementary in-depth work is currently ongoing.
Work package IV. The preparation for the overall toxicity and PM composition evaluation is under progress. The completion of this work package is one of the final stages and outcomes of the project, as it rests on the delivery of all the experimental and descriptive data.
Work packages V and VI included diesel engine exhaust exposures in human subjects. It has been demonstrated that certain groups of asthmatics respond with different acute inflammatory response as compared with healthy subjects. A detailed investigation of the reasons behind this is ongoing. People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have been investigated in terms of respiratory and cardiovascular responses, and compared with an age matched elderly group of non-smokers. This is intended to yield new information about how the elderly healthy and respiratory severly ill individual may respond to diesel engine exhaust associated air pollution.
Work package VII. This final work combines all generated data and will try to explain through what physical and chemical characteristics ambient and motor engine PM cause adverse biomedical effects.
Future actions. The final experimental work and full evaluation of the data is due during this last year of the project.
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