PM₁₀ dysregulates epithelial barrier function in human corneal epithelial cells that is restored by antioxidant SKQ1.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to airborne particulate <10 μm (PM₁₀) adversely affects the ocular surface. This study tested PM₁₀ on epithelial barrier integrity in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2) and mouse cornea, and whether antioxidant SKQ1 is restorative. HCE-2 were exposed to 100 μg/ml PM₁₀ ± SKQ1 for 24 h. An Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) system monitored the impact of PM₁₀. RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence measured levels of barrier and associated proteins, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2), and a kit measured total calcium. In vivo, female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either control air or PM₁₀ (±SKQ1) in a whole-body exposure chamber, and barrier associated proteins tested. Tight junction and mucins protei

SUBMITTER: Somayajulu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11563859 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature