Publication
Monitoring rates of particulate matter pollution using genetic biomarkers in small mammals
| Summary: | Particulate matter is a complex mixture of ultrafine, fine and coarse particles from a variety of sources. Important compounds associated with airborne particles are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, among which several are established carcinogens. Reactive intermediates, which can cause direct DNA damage, are generated by their degradation. Moreover, they can enter a reaction with other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and ozone, and generate other potential carcinogens. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of particulate matter and its consequences for the environment and human health, using the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) as a bioindicator. For this purpose we used genetic biomarkers - sperm shape abnormalities assay, micronucleus test, comet assay and determination and characterization of the genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 gene - in addition to registration of body and internal organs weights and evaluation of the levels of particulate matter in the respiratory tract of the animals captured at sites with different concentrations of particulate matter in the districts of Lisbon and Setubal. The results showed a significant increase in liver weight with the level of pollution, as well as an increase in the number of micronuclei and comet score. Relatively to the sperm shape abnormalities assay, there were no differences between the three groups. Through the analysis of semi-thin and electron microscopy lung cuts it was observed that some of the animals from Paio Pires had apparently macrophages with phagocytized particles, which was not observed in the animals from Lourinhã, but it is not possible to draw objective conclusions since the work was not completed. For CYP1A1 gene, it was only possible its amplification and therefore also can not draw conclusions. Then, this work can provide important information on how particles affect our health in a real environment. |
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| Main Authors: | Boa-Alma, Ana Sofia Ribeiro da Costa, 1988- |
| Subject: | Micromamíferos Poluição do ar Bioindicadores Biomarcadores Teses de mestrado - 2011 |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Document type: | master thesis |
| Access type: | open access |
| Associated institution: | Universidade de Lisboa |
| Language: | English |
| Origin: | Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa |
| Summary: | Particulate matter is a complex mixture of ultrafine, fine and coarse particles from a variety of sources. Important compounds associated with airborne particles are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, among which several are established carcinogens. Reactive intermediates, which can cause direct DNA damage, are generated by their degradation. Moreover, they can enter a reaction with other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and ozone, and generate other potential carcinogens. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of particulate matter and its consequences for the environment and human health, using the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) as a bioindicator. For this purpose we used genetic biomarkers - sperm shape abnormalities assay, micronucleus test, comet assay and determination and characterization of the genetic polymorphisms of CYP1A1 gene - in addition to registration of body and internal organs weights and evaluation of the levels of particulate matter in the respiratory tract of the animals captured at sites with different concentrations of particulate matter in the districts of Lisbon and Setubal. The results showed a significant increase in liver weight with the level of pollution, as well as an increase in the number of micronuclei and comet score. Relatively to the sperm shape abnormalities assay, there were no differences between the three groups. Through the analysis of semi-thin and electron microscopy lung cuts it was observed that some of the animals from Paio Pires had apparently macrophages with phagocytized particles, which was not observed in the animals from Lourinhã, but it is not possible to draw objective conclusions since the work was not completed. For CYP1A1 gene, it was only possible its amplification and therefore also can not draw conclusions. Then, this work can provide important information on how particles affect our health in a real environment. |
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