Skip to main content
Download PDF

Chronic exposure to PM2.5 aggravates SLE manifestations in lupus-prone mice

Particle and Fibre Toxicology volume 18, Article number: 15 (2021) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Air pollution causes negative impacts on health. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations and multifactorial etiology. Recent studies suggest that air pollution can trigger SLE and induce disease activity. However, this association has not been deeply investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exacerbates SLE manifestations, focusing on renal complications, in a lupus-prone animal model. Female NZBWF1 mice were exposed daily to 600 μg/m3 of inhaled concentrated ambient particles (CAP) or filtered air (FA). Survival rate, body weight, weight of organs (kidney, spleen, thymus, liver and heart), blood cell count, proteinuria, kidney stereology, renal histopathology, gene expression and oxidative stress were analyzed.

Results

Female NZBW mice exposed to CAP showed decreased survival, increased circulating neutrophils, early onset of proteinuria and increased kidney weight with renal cortex enlargement when compared to NZBW mice exposed to FA.

Conclusions

This work shows that air pollution aggravates some SLE manifestations in lupus-prone mice. These results reinforce the need of reducing air pollutant levels in order to promote a better quality of life for individuals diagnosed with SLE.

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Skin, joints, blood and kidneys are the most affected by chronic inflammatory processes [1, 2]. SLE etiology remains not fully elucidated. However, genetic and environmental factors contribute to their development [3, 4]. Variations in HLA-DR (recognition of self and non-self-antigens) and type-I interferon genes are commonly reported among SLE patients [5, 6]. However, these genetic variations do not explain the increase of SLE incidence worldwide over the last decades [7]. Among environmental factors, UV radiation, viral infections (Epistein-Barr), drugs (procainamide and hidralazine), alcohol, tobacco and silica are considered risk factors associated with SLE development [8, 9].

Recently, epidemiological evidence suggest that exposure to air pollution could be a potential contributor for SLE activation and aggravation through systemic inflammation and oxidative stress [10, 11]. Air pollution is the major environmental risk for health; last reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that annually more than 4 million deaths could be associated with exposure to ambient air pollution [12, 13]. Moreover, epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that exposures are associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, endocrine and reproductive disorders [14,15,16].

Air pollutants comprise a mixture of gases, organic compounds, metals and particles [17]. Within this mixture, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the pollutant with the strongest relationship with negative health outcomes and mortality [18, 19]. The process of fossil fuel combustion is the main source of PM2.5 generation and its small size facilitates penetration deeply into the respiratory system. Inhalation of these particles are associated with the promotion of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress [20, 21].

Immunopathology of SLE comprises the production of autoantibodies, mainly against nuclear antigens, that form immune complexes (IC). These IC deposit in tissues and vessels amplifying inflammatory responses, characterized by complement activation, recruitment of immune cells and tissue damage [22, 23]. Kidney complications are very common in SLE due to deposition of IC in glomeruli. Some patients can develop proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and kidney failure depending on the disease severity [22, 24]. Plausible mechanisms involved in the association of air pollution and lupus include: the systemic inflammatory response and oxidative stress triggered by particles in the lungs; alteration of Th1/Th2/Th17 cells ratio and activation of B cells and dendritic cells induced by the translocation of particles into the bloodstream; increased apoptosis and defective clearance of apoptotic debris stimulating autoimmunity; and epigenetic changes [10, 25,26,27].

Therefore, in this novel study we aimed to evaluate whether chronic exposure to PM2.5 exacerbates clinical manifestations of SLE (focusing on kidney and systemic involvement) on female mice spontaneously predisposed to SLE development (NZBWF1 strain). We investigated a murine model that mimics the human condition to study disease progression in predisposed individuals for a better understanding of air pollution negative impacts on SLE.

Methods

Animals and experimental design

Female NZBWF1 mice, 75-day-old, were purchased from Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, USA) and utilized as SLE model (n = 20). Female C57BL/6 mice of the same age were obtained from University of Campinas and utilized as controls (n = 16). After 15 days of acclimatization, each strain was randomly subdivided into two groups, one exposed to filtered air (FA) and one exposed to concentrated ambient particles (CAP). In total, animals were divided into four groups: control mice exposed to FA (C57-FA) (n = 8); control mice exposed to CAP (C57-CAP) (n = 8); lupus-prone mice exposed to FA (NZBW-FA) (n = 10); lupus-prone mice exposed to CAP (NZBW-CAP) (n = 10). Exposure to FA or CAP occurred for four months (starting from 90-day-old until 210-day-old). During the exposure period, animals were weighed, and urine samples were collected monthly. Also, the health status of the animals was checked daily, and survival was evaluated. Experimental design is shown in Fig. 1. Animals were allocated in cages (4–5 animals/cage) lined with pine wood shavings, and cardboard tubes and cotton balls for nesting were used as environmental enrichment strategies. Food and water were provided ad libitum. Except during CAP exposures, cages were put into closed ventilated racks supplied with HEPA filtered air, controlled temperature of 21–23 °C and under light/dark cycle of 12 h/12 h. Animal procedures were approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Research of the School of Medicine of University of São Paulo, under protocol number 095/17.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Experimental design. C57-FA: control mice exposed to filtered air; C57-CAP: control mice exposed to concentrated ambient particles (air pollution); NZBW-FA: lupus-prone mice exposed to filtered air; NZBW-CAP: lupus-prone mice exposed to concentrated ambient particles (air pollution)

Full size image

Daily exposure to PM2.5

Animal exposure to PM2.5 was performed in the Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrator (HAPC) [28] (Additional file 1). The HAPC is located on the campus of the School of Medicine of São Paulo University, close to a high-traffic road (23°33′18.1″S 46°40′15.0″W). The HAPC enriches the concentration of ambient particles by a factor of nearly 17 times the ambient levels of PM2.5, without modifying its physicochemical properties. A DataRam DR-4000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) was used to monitor the concentration of PM2.5 during the exposure. The dose of exposure is controlled by increasing or decreasing the daily exposure time period in order to give to the animals the same dose every day (600 μg/m3). This concentration represents the adjusted air concentration that São Paulo residents are exposed to [29]. This adjusted air concentration (Cair-adj) of 600 μg/m3 in 1 day/24hs was determined following current methodology of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [30], as follows:

$$ {\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{air}-\mathrm{adj}}={\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{air}}\ \mathrm{x}\ \mathrm{ET}\ \mathrm{x}\ \mathrm{EF}\ \mathrm{x}\ \mathrm{ED}/\mathrm{AT}\ \mathrm{x}\ 1\mathrm{day}/24\ \mathrm{hours} $$

Where:

  • Cair = Concentration of contaminant in air (mg/m3) = 25 μg/m3 (São Paulo)

  • ET = Exposure time (hours/day) = 24 h/day

  • EF = Exposure frequency (days/year) = 365 days/year

  • ED = Exposure duration (years) = 1 year

  • AT = Averaging time (days) = 365 days

Before the initiation of the exposures, animals were also acclimatized to the HAPC for 5 days to reduce the distress of handling. Exposures were performed in whole-body inhalation chambers (FA or CAP) as described in previous studies [29, 31, 32]. Briefly, both FA and CAP groups were exposed at the same time to the same conditions, except for the presence of concentrated particles in CAP chamber. The two exposure chambers are assembled side by side (see Additional file 1) and they work in same conditions of pressure (0.99 atm), air flow (10 L/min), temperature and noise; the difference is that FA chamber receives HEPA filtered air.

PM2.5 characterization

Samples of ambient PM2.5 were collected for characterization of PM2.5 elemental composition. For this, polycarbonate filter samples were placed into Harvard Virtual Impactor (a device that permits only the passage of particles with diameter less than 2,5 μm) for 24hs. A flux of 10 L/min was generated by a vacuum pump for retention of ambient PM2.5 in sample filters. Characterization of PM2.5 elemental composition was performed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) as previously described [33]. 20 filter samples were analyzed by EDX.

Proteinuria analysis

Isolated urine samples were collected monthly by stimulation of perineal area as previous described [34]. Protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) of urine samples were assessed. Quantification of total proteinuria was performed using Sensiprot kit (Labtest Diagnosis, Brazil). Procedures were conducted according to the manufacturer. Samples were diluted at 1:5 and incubated with color reagent at 37 °C/5 min. Absorbance was read at wavelength 600 nm. Quantification of proteinuria (mg/dL) was determined based on the absorbance of the sample (Asa) and standard (Ast) through the equation “[(Asa ÷ Ast) x 50] x 5”, where 50 corresponds to the protein standard concentration in mg/dL and 5 to the dilution factor. Quantification of creatininuria was performed following modified Jaffe method (Labtest Diagnosis, Brazil). Samples were diluted at 1:125 and incubated with a solution of 80% picric acid, 1% m/v + 20% sodium hydroxide, 10% m/v at 25 °C/20 min. Absorbance was read at wavelength 520 nm. Quantification of creatininuria (mg/dL) was determined based on the absorbance of the sample (Asa) and standard (Ast) through the equation “[(Asa) ÷ (Ast) x 5] x 25”, where 5 corresponds to the standard concentration in mg/dL and 25 to the dilution factor (1:125) corrected by the creatinine standard concentration (5 mg/dL). Albuminuria quantification was performed using electrophoresis gel. Firstly, urine samples were treated with laemmli buffer (5% β-mercaptoethanol) and heat (95 °C/5 min) for protein denaturation. Proteins were run on a 10% SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel and stained with Coomassie Blue R-259. After the staining, gels were immersed in a destain solution (7.5% acetic acid + 25% methanol + 67.5% distilled water) and gel images were obtained from an Amersham Imager 600 (GE Healthcare, USA). Quantification of albuminuria (μg/mL) was performed by ImageJ software (Media Cybernetics, USA). Briefly, stained albumin in the samples was observed in bands at 66.5 kDa and the pixels of each band were measured and compared to a standard band (corresponding to 125 μg/mL of BSA). Note that for each gel there was a standard band control. Then, albuminuria were normalized by their creatinine concentration previously measured in the respective urine samples.

Euthanasia procedures

Animals were euthanized right after the fourth month of exposure (at 210 day-old) through overdose inhalation of the anesthetic isoflurane (Cristalia, Brazil). Blood samples were collected for hemogram and serologic analyses. Kidneys, spleen, liver, heart and thymus were collected, weighed and stored for histological and molecular analyses.

Hemogram analysis

Complete blood count was performed for blood cells screening. Red blood cells, white blood cells (including total count and percentage of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) and platelets were counted. Analysis was conducted using the automated hematologic counter pocH 100iV (Sysmex, Brazil).

Anti-DNA quantification

Blood samples were centrifuged (3500 rpm/10 min) for plasma collection. Quantification of anti-DNA antibodies was performed by indirect immunofluorescence using NOVA Lite® dsDNA Crithidia luciliae kit (Inova Diagnostics, USA) following manufacturer protocol. Goat anti-Mouse IgG (H + L) Cross-Adsorbed Secondary Antibody, Alexa Fluor 488 (Invitrogen, A-11001) was utilized at 1:100 for conjugation.

Histological analyses of kidneys

After euthanasia, kidneys were stored in buffered formaldehyde (10%) for 24hs. Then, kidneys were processed and embedded in paraffin. For stereological analysis kidneys were sliced (5 μm thick) in serial sections spaced by 100 μm and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). In the interval between serial sections, sets of sections were collected for immunohistochemistry and histopathology. HE slides were scanned and digitalized using Pannoramic SCAN (3DHistech, Hungary). Volume estimation of kidney compartments was determined using Cavalieri method [35]. Using ImageJ software (Media Cybernetics, USA), a grid was superposed over the digitalized images (× 10 magnification) and the incident points were counted. Relative volumes of cortex and medulla were calculated by dividing the sum of incident points of each compartment by the sum of total points of the kidney. Absolute volumes of compartments were calculated by multiplying relative volumes by total kidney volume. Total kidney volume was estimated by dividing kidney weight by kidney density (d = 1,06 g/cm3).

For histopathologic analysis kidneys slices were randomly selected and stained using Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Slide sections were individually graded by a board-certified veterinary pathologist using a modified International Society of Nephrology-Renal Pathology Society Lupus Nephritis Classification [36] as follows: (0) no tubular proteinosis and normal glomeruli; (1) mild tubular proteinosis with multifocal segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis and occasional early glomerular sclerosis and crescent formation; (2) moderate tubular proteinosis with diffuse segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis, early glomerular sclerosis and crescent formation; and (3) marked tubular proteinosis with diffuse global proliferative and sclerosing glomerulonephritis. Glomerular volume was estimated by measuring average diameter of glomeruli (× 400 magnification) [37].

For analysis of collagen deposition another set of randomly selected were stained by picrosirius-hematoxylin method [38]. Slides were scanned and digitalized as previously described. Ten pictures per animal were taken. Threshold tool of ImageJ software (Media Cybernetics, USA) was utilized for estimation of the area stained with picrosirius (× 100 magnification).

Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemistry protocol followed the manufacturer instructions. Briefly, sections were hydrated, antigen retrieval was performed in sodium citrate buffer (pH = 6) at 96 °C/20 min, endogen peroxidase was blocked with methanol (95%) + peroxide hydrogen (5%) for 30 min and non-specific bindings were blocked with bovine serum albumin (2%) for 60 min. Then we incubated sections with primary antibodies anti-C3 (1:2000 - ab200999), anti-IgG (1:250 - ab190475) and macrophage marker (1:10 - sc-101447) at 4 °C/overnight. Next, slices were incubated with HRP-polymer anti-rabbit (ab214880) or HRP-polymer anti-rat (ab214882) for 90 min and the chromogen 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) was added. Counterstaining was performed with hematoxylin. Slides were scanned and digitalized as described previously. Ten pictures per animal were taken. Threshold tool of ImageJ software (Media Cybernetics, USA) was utilized for estimation of area stained with DAB (× 100 magnification).

Gene expression

Total RNA from kidneys was extracted with Trizol reagent (Invitrogen, USA). Kidneys were immersed in trizol and macerated in Precellys (Bertin Instruments, France). Chloroform was added, the homogenate was centrifuged, and the supernatant (RNA) was collected. RNA precipitation was performed with isopropanol. After centrifugation RNA pellet was washed with ethanol 70% twice and diluted in DEPC H2O. Quantification of total RNA (ng/μL) and quality of extraction (260/230) was performed using Nanodrop (Thermo Scientific, USA). Synthesis of cDNA was performed with 2000 ng of total RNA. First step was the degradation of contaminant DNA with RNAase-free DNase (Promega, USA). Second step was the addition of oligo-dT (Promega, USA). Last step was the reaction with dNTP and M-MLV Reverse Transcriptase (Promega, USA). All steps were performed in Mastercycler (Eppendorf, Germany). Relative gene expression of NFκB and TGF-β was determined by quantitative real-time PCR following 2-ΔΔCT method [39]. HPRT was utilized as endogenous gene (Additional file 2). For each gene, 4 μL cDNA sample + 0,5 μL forward primer + 0,5 μL reverse primer + 5 μL mastermix SYBR (Invitrogen, USA) were assembled. Samples were run in duplicates. qRT-PCR was performed at Quantstudio 12 K Flex (Applied Biosystems, USA).

Oxidative stress

Pro-oxidant (NADPH oxidase and hydrogen peroxide) and antioxidant (FRAP) assays were performed for oxidative stress analysis of kidneys following procedures described elsewhere [40]. Firstly, kidneys were homogenized in an Ultra80 Turrax Blender (UltraStirrer, Switzerland) with 120 mM KCl and 20 nM sodium phosphate buffer (1 g tissue/4 mL solution) and centrifuged at 600 rpm/10 min. Activity of NADPH oxidase enzyme was determined by ELISA based on superoxide anion production [41]. The assay was performed with 50 mM phosphate buffer containing 2 mM EDTA and 150 mM sucrose, 1.3 mM NADPH and 10 μL of homogenate samples. Superoxide production was determined using a spectrometer (SpectraMax2, Molecular Devices) at 340 nm wavelength. Hydrogen peroxide quantification was determined by oxidation of phenol red by radish peroxidase [42]. 70 μL of homogenate samples were added in 180 μL of radish peroxidase solution (dextrose buffer + phenol red + radish peroxidase type II). After 25 min of incubation, 5 μL of sodium hydroxide were added to stop the reaction and absorbance was determined in a spectrometer (SpectraMax2, Molecular Devices) at 630 nm wavelength. Non-enzymatic antioxidant activity was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) [43]. 10 μL of homogenate samples were added in 290 μL of FRAP reactive (sodium acetate and acetic acid buffer + 10 mM TPTZ + 20 mM hexahydrate ferric chloride). After 5 min of incubation, absorbance was determined in a spectrometer (SpectraMax2, Molecular Devices) at 593 nm wavelength.

Statistical analyses

SPSS software version 17.0 (IBM, USA) was utilized for statistical analyses. Firstly, descriptive data were obtained, and normality was verified by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Variables with normal distribution were analyzed through the parametric test ANOVA and post-hoc tests of Tukey HSD, Gabriel or Games Howell. Test-T was performed for comparison between 2 groups. Variables with non-normal distribution were ranked and analyzed through ANOVA. Kruskal-Wallis (4 groups) and Mann-Whitey test (2 groups) were also applied for non-normal parameters. Survival analysis was performed with Kepler-Maier test. Differences between groups were considered statistically significant when p value was less than 0.05 (p < 0.05).

Results

PM2.5 characterization

Elemental composition of ambient PM2.5 is presented in Table 1. Characterization of main pollutants and climatic conditions are shown in Additional file 3.

Table 1 Elemental composition of PM2.5
Full size table

Survival analysis

Four animals from NZBW-CAP died before the euthanasia procedure. Necropsy of the animals indicated that they died of renal insufficiency due to glomerulonephritis. No deaths occurred on C57-FA, C57-CAP and NZBW-FA groups (p = 0.007) (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Survival rate during the period of exposure to FA or CAP. n = 8–10 animals/group. p = 0.007 (Kepler-Meier test). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Body weight

Both NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups showed a higher body weight when compared to both C57-FA and C57-CAP groups during the whole period (p < 0.010). However, comparing animals of same strain, there were no differences between groups exposed to FA or CAP (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Body weight (g) during the period of exposure to FA or CAP. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 8–10 animals/group. *p < 0.01 when compared to both C57-FA and C57-CAP (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel or Games-Howell). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Weight of organs

In regarding to absolute weight of organs, NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups showed increased values when compared to C57-FA and C57-CAP groups for kidney (p < 0.001), liver (p < 0.001) and heart (p < 0.001). Kidney weight was higher in NZBW-CAP when compared to NZBW-FA (p = 0.025). Spleen weight was higher in NZBW-CAP when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.027) and NZBW-FA (p = 0.046). Thymus weight was higher in NZBW-CAP and C57-FA groups when compared to C57-CAP (p = 0.006; p = 0.011) and NZBW-FA (p = 0.006; p = 0.011) (Table 2). NZBW-FA group showed lower relative weight of all organs (kidney (p < 0.001), spleen (p = 0.006), liver (p < 0.001), heart (p = 0.042) and thymus (p < 0.001)) when compared to C57-FA group. Except for the liver (p = 0.052) and the heart (p = 0.099), NZBW-CAP group showed higher relative weights of organs when compared to NZBW-FA group (kidney (p < 0.001), spleen (p = 0.029) and thymus (p = 0.007)) (Table 2).

Table 2 Weight of organs (absolute and relative)
Full size table

Detection of anti-DNA antibodies

Semi-quantitative analysis of anti-DNA showed that only NZBW animals had a positive reaction. NZBW-FA showed 10% of positivity and NZBW-CAP showed 14.29%. However, there were no statistical differences between groups.

Hemogram

There were no differences in the number of erythrocytes between groups. NZBW-FA group showed a decreased number of total leukocytes (p = 0.018) and lymphocytes (p = 0.006) when compared to C57-FA group. NZBW-CAP group showed an increased number of neutrophils (p = 0.017) when compared to NZBW-FA group. Also, when compared to all other groups, NZBW-CAP showed a decreased percentage of lymphocytes (C57-FA (p < 0.001), C57-CAP (p = 0.002), NZBW-FA (p = 0.018)), and an increased percentage of neutrophils (C57-FA (p = 0.001), C57-CAP (p = 0.002), NZBW-FA (p = 0.016)). The number of platelets was lower in NZBW-FA group when compared to C57-CAP group (p = 0.037) (Table 3).

Table 3 Hemogram analysis of erythrocytes, platelets and leukocytes (total, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes)
Full size table

Proteinuria

PCR was followed during the whole period of exposure (from month 0 to month 4). At month 0, NZBW-FA (p < 0.001), NZBW-CAP (p < 0.001) and C57-CAP (p = 0.002) showed decreased PCR when compared to C57-FA. NZBW-FA maintained a lower PCR when compared to C57-FA at month 1 (p = 0.045) and month 2 (p = 0.003). NZBW-CAP showed increased PCR when compared to NZBW-FA at month 2 (p = 0.001), month 3 (p = 0.006) and month 4 (p = 0.034). NZBW-CAP also showed increased PCR when compared to C57-CAP at month 3 (p = 0.046) and month 4 (p < 0.001). At month 4, NZBW-FA showed higher PCR when compared to C57-CAP (p = 0.021), and NZBW-CAP showed increased PCR when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.001) (Fig. 4). ACR was performed with urine collected at the day of euthanasia. There were no differences between the groups.

Fig. 4
figure 4

Proteinuria/creatininuria ratio (PCR) during the period of exposure to FA or CAP. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5–10 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Stereology of kidneys

Fractional volume of kidney major compartments estimated by Cavalieri principle showed that C57-CAP (p = 0.035) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.032) groups showed an increase in the volume of cortex when compared to C57-FA group, and C57-CAP showed a decrease in the volume of medulla when compare to C57-FA (p = 0.021) (Fig. 5a). In absolute volume analysis, NZBW-FA group showed a larger volume of cortex when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.001) and NZBW-CAP group showed a larger volume of cortex when compared to all the other groups (C57-FA (p < 0.001); C57-CAP (p < 0.001); NZBW-FA (p = 0.034)) (Fig. 5b).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Stereological analysis of kidneys for estimation of fractional (a) and absolute (b) volumes of kidney compartments. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5–6 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel or Games-Howell). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Histopathology of kidneys

In histopathological analysis of the renal tubules, both NZBW-FA (p = 0.044) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.005) groups showed a higher score when compared to C57-FA (Fig. 6a). Glomerular evaluation indicated a higher score in NZBW-CAP when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.003) and C57-CAP (p = 0.025). Also, NZBW-FA showed a higher score when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.001) and C57-CAP (p = 0.010) (Fig. 6b). A summary description of the histopathological findings of kidneys together with stereological results for each group is described in Additional file 4. No differences between the groups were observed regarding the mean volume of glomeruli.

Fig. 6
figure 6

Kidney histopathology (arbitrary units) of tubules (a) and glomeruli (b). Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Tukey HSD). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Picrosirius analysis

There were no differences between the groups in the fractional area positively stained with picrosirius, indicating fibrosis.

Immunohistochemistry

Deposition of C3 complement positively marked with DAB showed no differences between the groups. We observed a tendency to increased deposition of IgG in NZBW mice, without differences between NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups (Fig. 7). Macrophage quantification was significantly higher in NZBW-FA (p = 0.023) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.007) groups in comparison to C57-FA group and, NZBW-CAP showed an increase when compared to C57-CAP group (p = 0.028). However, no differences were observed between NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups (Fig. 8).

Fig. 7
figure 7

Photomicrographs of kidneys from C57-FA (a), C57-CAP (b), NZBW-FA (c) and NZBW-CAP (d) groups for quantification of IgG deposition (e) by IHC. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5–7 animals/group. ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Games-Howell. C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image
Fig. 8
figure 8

Photomicrographs of kidneys from C57-FA (a), C57-CAP (b), NZBW-FA (c) and NZBW-CAP (d) groups for quantification of macrophages (e) by IHC. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5–8 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Gene expression

Gene expression of NF-κB was lower in C57-CAP group when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.010) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.032) groups (Fig. 9a). TGF-β expression was higher in C57-FA when compared to NZBW-FA (p = 0.002) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.005) groups (Fig. 9b). No significant differences were observed between NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups.

Fig. 9
figure 9

Analysis of gene expression of NF-κB (a) and TGF-β (b) by qRT-PCR. (2-ΔΔCT method). Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 5–10 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Oxidative stress

NADPH oxidase activity was higher in group NZBW-FA when compared to C57-CAP (p = 0.011) and a tendency of increase was observed when compared to C57-FA (p = 0.055) (Fig. 10a). Quantification of hydrogen peroxide showed no differences between groups (Fig. 10b). FRAP activity was higher in NZBW-FA (p = 0.048) and NZBW-CAP (p = 0.021) when compared to the control group (C57-FA) (Fig. 10c). No differences were observed between NZBW-FA and NZBW-CAP groups in oxidative stress analyses.

Fig. 10
figure 10

Quantification of NADPH oxidase (μM/mg protein) (a), hydrogen peroxide (μM) (b) and ferric reducing antioxidant activity (FRAP) (mM Fe (II)) (c) in kidneys. Bars represent mean ± standard error. n = 8–10 animals/group. *p < 0.05 (ANOVA followed by post-hoc test Gabriel or Games-Howell). C57-FA: control-filtered; C57-CAP: control-pollution; NZBW-FA: lupus-filtered; NZBW-CAP: lupus-pollution

Full size image

Discussion

Chronic exposure to PM 2.5 leads to the exacerbation of some clinical and renal histopathological manifestations of SLE in a murine model of lupus disease (NZBWF1 mice). Different outcomes were evaluated, however the most striking result is the decreased survival rate in lupus prone mice exposed to particulate air pollution and marked changes in renal structure (increases in kidney weight and renal cortex volume) and function (early proteinuria onset), as well as the elevated number of circulating neutrophils.

Autoimmune diseases are very complex diseases and can affect different organs due to loss of self-tolerance and inappropriate activation of the immune system that leads to the production of autoantibodies and generates tissue destruction. The most common autoimmune diseases are: SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes [10]. The etiology of these diseases is still under investigation, however, besides a genetic predisposition, environmental factors (e.g., urban air pollution) seems to contribute to the onset and worsening of these diseases manifestations [8].

Recent epidemiological studies clearly show an association between air pollution and disease activity in patients with SLE, but there is no agreement of which of the pollutants present in the air are most associated to the outcomes. Possibly, the differences between studies occur because the disease is strongly related to race, gender and age [44,45,46,47]. In vitro studies showed that PM can induce T lymphocyte activation, thus contributing to the aggravation of autoimmune diseases [48, 49]. Despite the methodological differences between epidemiological and in vitro studies, the results of these studies corroborate our findings.

As far as we know, this is the first study that investigated the effects of exposure to “real world” urban particulate air pollution (whole-body inhalation) on lupus-prone animals, a model that mimics some clinical manifestations of SLE in humans. NZBW mice were chosen as SLE animal model based on literature descriptions, since it is considered as the classic model of SLE [50, 51]. Furthermore, only females were utilized in order to mimic disease prevalence in humans (90% of adult patients are women) [2]. Female C57BL/6 was chosen as a control for the NZBW because this strain was already used as a control for NZBW in previous studies [52], and because is recommended for toxicological studies and has no predisposition to renal diseases [53].

The onset of SLE manifestations in female NZBW mice occurs around 28-week-old (7-month-old) and average lifespan is 245 days [54]. We planned our experimental design following this lifespan. Thus, exposures started 4 months before the expected onset of the clinical manifestations, in order to check if air pollution could anticipate the symptoms. Although not expected, lupus-prone mice presented a significant reduction in life expectancy (less 25%) due to exposure to air pollution and necropsy indicated kidney failure as the cause of death. Globally, different studies have already shown that air pollution leads to reductions in life expectancy [55,56,57]. However, to date there is no data on mortality risk for SLE patients.

Previous studies using a different mice model for SLE (New Zealand Mixed, NZM), have shown that instillation of silica particles increased mortality due to renal complications [58] and instillation of particulate matter (PM1648 and PM2.5, dose 500 μg) also increased mortality of NZM, but with absence of renal impairments [59]. In our model, NZBW mice exposed to CAP presented early development of proteinuria and the weight of the kidney was increased compared to NZBW exposed to FA, although histopathological scores, fibrosis and C3 complement deposition on kidneys were not different between these groups.

Detection of anti-DNA in serologic tests is important for confirmation of SLE diagnosis [60]. Usually, experimental studies perform anti-DNA quantification assays for evaluation of disease activity [61, 62]. As observed in previous studies with SLE-prone mice exposed to silica [52, 58, 63], we had expected an increase in detection of anti-DNA antibodies in NZBW group exposed to PM2.5. However, there were no differences between the groups. Two aspects can explain this difference: evaluation at the end of the experiment and not during the course and the low number of animals assessed. Anti-DNA antibodies participate in pathogenesis of renal lesions, but its relationship with disease activity and severity varies. Goulart and colleagues showed association between anti-DNA and renal impairments in children [47]. Other studies failed to show a clear correlation between circulating anti-DNA and the type or severity of renal disease in individual patients [64, 65].

In general, SLE patients are prone to the development of hematologic alterations such as anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, associated with symptoms such as fatigue and susceptibility to infections [66]. In the current study, we observed that NZBW-FA group presented leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, following conditions observed in human patients [60]. We did not observe differences between FA and CAP groups in erythrocytes and platelets counts; however, leukocytes were altered. Female NZBW mice exposed to CAP presented increased percentage and total number of neutrophils and decreased percentage of lymphocytes when compared to NZBW-FA group. Interestingly, a recent study demonstrated that an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in blood can be associated with increased SLE activity in human patients [67]. In our study we showed that exposure to PM2.5 alters the blood cell composition of female NZBW mice (leading to increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio). This result corroborates the general exacerbation of SLE manifestations in these mice.

Exposure to PM2.5 also affected the weight of organs on SLE-prone mice. Body weight did not vary, however NZBW mice exposed to PM2.5 presented higher weight of organs compared to NZBW-FA group. Increase in weight of lymphoid organs such as thymus and spleen can be associated with systemic condition of increased disease activity, characterized by hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles present in these organs [68, 69]. Increase in weight of liver is frequently associated with splenomegaly in SLE patients, however the mechanisms involved are not elucidated [70]. Increased renal weight is associated with a worse renal histopathology [71]. SLE inflammation processes caused by deposition of immune complexes, cell infiltration and formation of lymphoid structures in hepatic and renal parenchyma [72, 73] can be associated with these outcomes.

Morphometric evaluation of the kidney structure revealed that in NZBW mice exposed to CAP, the renal cortex volume was increased compared to FA group. These changes were accompanied by altered kidney function (augmented proteinuria). Increase of renal cortex can be related to hypertrophy of nephrons, characterized by large glomeruli and dilated tubules [74]. This condition is associated with increased glomerular filtration rate and, frequently, proteinuria [74, 75]. Nephron hypertrophy can occur by compensatory mechanisms when nephrons are lost due to disease progression; however, this condition impairs glomerular function over time [76, 77]. NZBW descriptions show the appearance of proteinuria around 5 to 7 months-age in females [54]. In this current study, NZBW animals exposed to CAP presented an earlier onset of proteinuria when compared to NZBW-FA group, with progression starting at month 2 (5-month-age) and intensified at month 3 (6-month-age) and month 4 (7-month-age). Although proteinuria appeared early on NZBW exposed to CAP, we did not observe a significant increase in the mean volume of glomeruli. Whether the increase of renal cortex can be influenced by interstitial enlargement remains to be determined.

Deposition of collagen and complement proteins, markers of fibrosis and immune complexes deposition on kidneys, respectively, did not differ between groups. Other lesions such as basal membrane thickening, mesangial cell expansion and inflammation, that are characteristic of kidney injury in lupus nephritis [22], were more pronounced in NZBW strain exposed to air pollution. Some epidemiological studies reported impairment of renal function on SLE patients exposed to PM2.5. Children diagnosed with SLE and inhabitants of São Paulo city presented increased proteinuria, leukocyturia and hematuria in association with an increase in PM2.5 concentrations [47]. In the same way, adult patients diagnosed with SLE presented renal complications associated with exposure to PM2.5 in the city of Montreal, Canada [78]. Furthermore, risk of nephropathies, including lupus nephritis, were associated with long term exposure to air pollutants in China [79].

Regarding animal models of SLE, no kidney alterations were observed in a study that treated NZM mice with instilled PM [59]. On the other hand, studies with silica particles demonstrated kidney impairments with development of proteinuria and renal histopathologic alterations in lupus-prone mice instilled with silica [52, 58].

Our results corroborate the epidemiological evidence that indicates that the levels of air pollutants can increase renal activity in SLE patience [47, 78]. Furthermore, the histopathological findings in C57-CAP group indicates that even for normal individuals chronic exposure can exert negative impacts on the kidney, giving strength to previous studies that have shown an association between kidney diseases and air pollution [80]. Despite bringing new evidence of the effects of air pollution on SLE disease, our study has some limitations: the absence of a cohort to study life span properly, the small number of animals in the NZBW groups and exposure were carried in a specific period of life (near the expected onset of the SLE manifestations in NZBW mice).

In brief, our data indicate that exposure to particulate air pollution aggravates and accelerates disease progression, renal function is compromised, however the mechanisms involved in this association are still not clear. Considering previously suggested mechanisms, we expected that oxidative stress together with an increase in the complement deposition and an increased inflammatory response would explain the association between air pollution and kidney impairments [81, 82]. However, our data did not show differences between groups in NF-κB and TGF-β expressions or in the balance of pro/antioxidant molecules in the kidney. This can be partially explained by the fact that we analyzed these parameters at the end of the study, when the disease was already in an advanced stage.

Conclusions

Despite the variability among the NZBW strain regarding to the development of disease manifestations, negative effects of air pollution in SLE-prone mice are evident, corroborating findings from epidemiological studies. Taking together, our results show that inhalation of CAP induces alterations on clinical manifestations of female NZBW. Complementary studies are important for a better elucidation of the association between air pollution and SLE and the physiopathological mechanisms involved. Reduction of air pollution levels is needed in order to provide a better quality of life for individuals diagnosed with SLE.

Availability of data and materials

All the data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Abbreviations

ACR:

Albumin/creatinine ratio

CAP:

Concentrated ambient particles

DAB:

3,3′-diaminobenzidine

EDX:

Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

FA:

Filtered air

FRAP:

Ferric reducing antioxidant power

HAPC:

Harvard Ambient Particle Concentrator

HE:

Hematoxylin-eosin

IC:

Immune complexes

PAS:

Periodic acid-Schiff

PM2.5:

Fine particulate matter

PCR:

Protein/creatinine ratio

SLE:

Systemic lupus erythematosus

WHO:

World Health Organization

References

  1. Tsokos GC. Systemic lupus Erythematosus. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(22):2110–21. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra1100359.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Carter EE, Barr SG, Clarke AE. The global burden of SLE: prevalence, health disparities and socioeconomic impact. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2016;12(10):605–20. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2016.137.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Lisnevskaia L, Murphy G, Isenberg D. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Lancet. 2014;384(9957):1878–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60128-8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Parks CG, Santos ASE, Barbhaiya M, Costenbader KH. Understanding the role of environmental factors in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2017;31(3):306–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2017.09.005.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Ghodke-Puranik Y, Niewold TB. Immunogenetics of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive review. J Autoimmun. 2015;64:125–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2015.08.004.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Mohan C, Putterman C. Genetics and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2015;11(6):329–41. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2015.33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ritz SA. Air pollution as a potential contributor to the 'epidemic' of autoimmune disease. Med Hypotheses. 2010;4(1):110–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2009.07.033.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Barbhaiya M, Costenbader KH. Environmental exposures and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2016;28(5):497–505. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000318.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Leffers HCB, Lange T, Collins C, Ulff-Møller CJ, Jacobsen S. The study of interactions between genome and exposome in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmun Rev. 2019;18(4):382–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2018.11.005.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Zhao CN, Xu Z, Wu GC, Mao YM, Liu LN, Dan YL, et al. Emerging role of air pollution in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev. 2019;18(6):607–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2018.12.010.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gilcrease GW, Padovan D, Heffler E, Peano C, Massaglia S, Roccatello D, et al. Is air pollution affecting the disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus? State of the art and a systematic literature review. Eur J Rheumatol. 2020;7(1):31–4. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurjrheum.2019.19141.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. WHO (World Health Organization). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  13. WHO (World Health Organization). Burden of disease from the joint effects of household and ambient Air pollution for 2016. 2018. https://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/AP_jointeffect_BoD_results_March2014.pdf?ua=1. Accessed 08 September 2020.

  14. Veras MM, Damaceno-Rodrigues NR, Silva RMG, Scoriza JN, Saldiva PHN, Caldini EG, Dolhnikoff M. Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter emitted by traffic affects reproductive and fetal outcomes in mice. Environ Res. 2009;109(5):536–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2009.03.006.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Kelly FJ, Fussell JC. Air pollution and public health: emerging hazards and improved understanding of risk. Environ Geochem Health. 2015;37(4):631–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-015-9720-1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Thurston GD, Kipen H, Annesi-Maesano I, Balmes J, Brook RD, Cromar K, de Matteis S, Forastiere F, Forsberg B, Frampton MW, Grigg J, Heederik D, Kelly FJ, Kuenzli N, Laumbach R, Peters A, Rajagopalan ST, Rich D, Ritz B, Samet JM, Sandstrom T, Sigsgaard T, Sunyer J, Brunekreef B. A joint ERS/ATS policy statement: what constitutes an adverse health effect of air pollution? An analytical framework. Eur Respir J. 2017;49(1):1600419. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00419-2016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Vallero DA. Fundamentals of air pollution: part I: foundations of air pollution. 5th ed. Cambridge: Academic Press; 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2012-0-01172-6.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  18. Pope CA III, Ezzati M, Dockery DW. Fine-particulate air pollution and life expectancy in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2009;360(4):376–86. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsa0805646.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Pope CA III, Coleman N, Pond ZA, Burnett RT. Fine particulate air pollution and human mortality: 25+ years of cohort studies. Environ Res. 2020;183:108924. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2019.108924.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Pope CA III, Dockery DW. Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: lines that connect. J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 2006;56(6):709–42. https://doi.org/10.1080/10473289.2006.10464485.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Losacco C, Perillo A. Particulate matter air pollution and respiratory impact on humans and animals. Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2018;25(34):33901–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-3344-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Anders HJ, Fogo AB. Immunopathology of lupus nephritis. Semin Immunopathol. 2014;36(4):443–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-013-0413-5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Tsokos GC, Lo MS, Reis PC, Sullivan KE. New insights into the immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2016;12(12):716–30. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2016.186.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Flores-Mendoza G, Sansón SP, Rodríguez-Castro S, Crispín JC, Rosetti F. Mechanisms of tissue injury in lupus nephritis. Trends Mol Med. 2018;24(4):364–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2018.02.003.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Cooper GS, Gilbert KM, Greidinger EL, James JA, Pfau JC, Reinlib L, Richardson BC, Rose NR. Recent advances and opportunities in research on lupus: environmental influences and mechanisms of disease. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116(6):695–702. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.11092.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Farhat SC, Silva CA, Orione MA, Campos LM, Sallum AM, Braga AL. Air pollution in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a review. Autoimmun Rev. 2011;11(1):14–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2011.06.008.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Lanata CM, Nititham J, Taylor K, Nayak R, Barcellos L, Chung SA, Galanter J, Criswell LA. Residential proximity to highways, DNA methylation and systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med. 2016;3(1):A1–A80. https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2016-000179.126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Sioutas C, Koutrakis P, Burton RM. A technique to expose animals to concentrated fine ambient aerosols. Environ Health Perspect. 1995;103(2):172–7. https://doi.org/10.2307/3432274.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Di Domenico M, Benevenuto SGM, Tomasini PP, Yariwake VY, Alves NO, Rahmeier FL, et al. Concentrated ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure induce brain damage in pre and postnatal exposed mice. Neurotoxicology. 2020;79:127–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2020.05.004.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Exposure Assessment Tools by Routes – Inhalation. 2020. https://www.epa.gov/expobox/exposure-assessment-tools-routes-inhalation. Accessed 24 September 2020.

  31. Brito JM, Macchione M, Yoshizaki K, Toledo-Arruda AC, Saraiva-Romanholo BM, Andrade MD, et al. Acute cardiopulmonary effects induced by the inhalation of concentrated ambient particles during seasonal variation in the city of Sao Paulo. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014;117(5):492–9. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00156.2014.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Yoshizaki K, Fuziwara CS, Brito JM, Santos TM, Kimura ET, Correia AT, et al. The effects of urban particulate matter on the nasal epithelium by gender: an experimental study in mice. Environ Pollut. 2016;213:359–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2016.02.044.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Miranda RM, Andrade MF, Fornaro A, Astolfo R, Andre PA, Saldiva P. Urban air pollution: a representative survey of PM (2.5) mass concentrations in six Brazilian cities. Air Qual Atmos Health. 2012;5(1):63–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-010-0124-1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Khosho FK, Kaufmann RC, Amankwah KS. A simple and efficient method for obtaining urine samples from rats. Lab Anim Sci. 1985;35(5):513–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Nyengaard JR. Stereologic methods and their application in kidney research. J Am Soc Nephrol. 1999;10(5):1100–23.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Weening JJ, D’Agati VD, Schwartz MM, Seshan SV, Alpers CE, Appel GB, et al. The classification of glomerulonephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus revisited. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2004;15(2):241–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1755.2004.00443.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Lane PH, Steffes MW, Mauer SM. Estimation of glomerular volume: a comparison of four methods. Kidney Int. 1992;41(4):1085–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.1992.165.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Montes GS, Junqueira LC. The use of the Picrosirius-polarization method for the study of the biopathology of collagen. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991;86(Suppl 3):1–11. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0074-02761991000700002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Livak KJ, Schmittgen TD. Analysis of relative gene expression data using real-time quantitative PCR and the 2− ΔΔCT method. Methods. 2001;25(4):402–8. https://doi.org/10.1006/meth.2001.1262.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Machi JF, Dias DS, Freitas SC, Moraes OA, Silva MB, Cruz PL, et al. Impact of aging on cardiac function in a female rat model of menopause: role of autonomic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Clin Interv Aging. 2016;11:341–50. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S88441.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  41. Tietze F. Enzymic method for quantitative determination of nanogram amounts of total and oxidized glutathione: applications to mammalian blood and other tissues. Anal Biochem. 1969;27(3):502–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-2697(69)90064-5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Pick E, Keisari Y. A simple colorimetric method for the measurement of hydrogen peroxide produced by cells in culture. J Immunol Methods. 1980;38(1–2):161–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1759(80)90340-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Benzie IF, Strain JJ. Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay: direct measure of total antioxidant activity of biological fluids and modified version for simultaneous measurement of total antioxidant power and ascorbic acid concentration. Methods Enzymol. 1999;299:15–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0076-6879(99)99005-5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Alves AGF, Giacomin MFA, Braga ALF, Sallum AME, Pereira LAA, Farhat LC, et al. Influence of air pollution on airway inflammation and disease activity in childhood-systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol. 2018;37(3):683–90. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-017-3893-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Jung C, Chung W, Chen W, Lee R, Hwang B. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and systemic lupus erythematosus in Taiwan: a cohort study. Sci Total Environ. 2019;668:342–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.018.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Zhao C, Mei Y, Wu G, Mao Y, Wu Q, Dan Y, Pan H. Effect of air pollution on hospital admissions for systemic lupus erythematosus in Bengbu, China: a time series study. Lupus. 2019;28(13):1541–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961203319882503.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Goulart MFG, Alves AGF, Farhat J, Braga ALF, Pereira LAA, Lichtenfels AJFC, et al. Influence of air pollution on renal activity in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Pediatr Nephrol. 2020;35(7):1247–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-020-04517-3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Pierdominici M, Maselli A, Cecchetti S, Tinari A, Mastrofrancesco A, Alfè M, Gargiulo V, Beatrice C, di Blasio G, Carpinelli G, Ortona E, Giovannetti A, Fiorito S. Diesel exhaust particle exposure in vitro impacts T lymphocyte phenotype and function. Part Fibre Toxicol. 2014;11(1):74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-014-0074-0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. O’Driscoll CA, Owens LA, Gallo ME, Hoffmann EJ, Afrazi A, Han M, Fechner JH, Schauer JJ, Bradfield CA, Mezrich JD. Differential effects of diesel exhaust particles on T cell differentiation and autoimmune disease. Part Fibre Toxicol. 2018;15(1):35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-018-0271-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  50. Richard ML, Gilkeson G. Mouse models of lupus: what they tell us and what they don’t. Lupus Sci Med. 2018;5(1):e000199. https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2016-000199.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Li W, Titov AA, Morel L. An update on lupus animal models. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2017;29(5):434–41. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000412.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  52. Bates MA, Brandenberger C, Langohr I, Kumagai K, Harkema JR, Holian A, Pestka JJ. Silica triggers inflammation and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in the lungs in parallel with accelerated onset of systemic autoimmunity and glomerulonephritis in the lupus-prone NZBWF1 mouse. PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0125481. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0125481.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Rabe M, Schaefer F. Non-transgenic mouse models of kidney disease. Nephron. 2016;133(1):53–61. https://doi.org/10.1159/000445171.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Hahn BH, Kono D. Dubois' lupus erythematosus and related syndromes: animal models of SLE. 8th ed (pp. 190–236). Philadelphia: Saunders; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2010-0-66018-4.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  55. Hill TD, Jorgenson AK, Ore P, Balistreri KS, Clark B. Air quality and life expectancy in the United States: an analysis of the moderating effect of income inequality. SSM Popul Health. 2018;7:100346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.100346.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Yin P, Brauer M, Cohen AJ, Wang H, Li J, Burnett RT, Stanaway JD, Causey K, Larson S, Godwin W, Frostad J, Marks A, Wang L, Zhou M, Murray CJL. The effect of air pollution on deaths, disease burden, and life expectancy across China and its provinces, 1990-2017: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2017. Lancet Planet Health. 2019;4(9):e386–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(20)30161-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Lelieveld J, Pozzer A, Pöschl U, Fnais M, Haines A, Münzel T. Loss of life expectancy from air pollution compared to other risk factors: a worldwide perspective. Cardiovasc Res. 2020;116(11):1910–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvaa025.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Brown JM, Archer AJ, Pfau JC, Holian A. Silica accelerated systemic autoimmune disease in lupus-prone New Zealand mixed mice. Clin Exp Immunol. 2003;131(3):415–21. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2249.2003.02094.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  59. Hassani M, Brown JM, Morandi MT, Holian A. Particulate matter immunomodulatory effects on autoantibody development in New Zealand mixed mice. J Immunotoxicol. 2004;1(2):95–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/15476910490505644.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Aringer M, Costenbader K, Daikh D, Brinks R, Mosca M, Ramsey-Goldman R, Smolen JS, Wofsy D, Boumpas DT, Kamen DL, Jayne D, Cervera R, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Diamond B, Gladman DD, Hahn B, Hiepe F, Jacobsen S, Khanna D, Lerstrøm K, Massarotti E, McCune J, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Sanchez-Guerrero J, Schneider M, Urowitz M, Bertsias G, Hoyer BF, Leuchten N, Tani C, Tedeschi SK, Touma Z, Schmajuk G, Anic B, Assan F, Chan TM, Clarke AE, Crow MK, Czirják L, Doria A, Graninger W, Halda-Kiss B, Hasni S, Izmirly PM, Jung M, Kumánovics G, Mariette X, Padjen I, Pego-Reigosa JM, Romero-Diaz J, Rúa-Figueroa Fernández Í, Seror R, Stummvoll GH, Tanaka Y, Tektonidou MG, Vasconcelos C, Vital EM, Wallace DJ, Yavuz S, Meroni PL, Fritzler MJ, Naden R, Dörner T, Johnson SR. 2019 European league against rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for systemic lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71(9):1400–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.40930.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Bardana EJ Jr, Harbeck RJ, Hoffman AA, Pirofsky B, Carr RI. The prognostic and therapeutic implications of DNA: anti-DNA immune complexes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Am J Med. 1975;59(4):515–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9343(75)90259-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Sohrabian A, Parodis I, Carlströmer-Berthén N, Frodlund M, Jönsen A, Zickert, et al. Increased levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies in immune complexes before treatment with belimumab associate with clinical response in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):259. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-2056-y.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  63. Bates MA, Akbari P, Gilley KN, Wagner JG, Li N, Kopec AK, Wierenga KA, Jackson-Humbles D, Brandenberger C, Holian A, Benninghoff AD, Harkema JR, Pestka JJ. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid prevents silica-induced development of pulmonary ectopic germinal centers and glomerulonephritis in the lupus-prone NZBWF1 mouse. Front Immunol. 2018;9:2002. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.02002.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  64. Okamura M, Kanayama Y, Amatsu K, Negoro N, Kohda S, Takeda T, Inoue T. Significance of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to double stranded and single stranded DNA in patients with lupus nephritis: correlation with severity of renal histology. Ann Rheum Dis. 1993;52(1):14–20. https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.52.1.14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Goilav B, Putterman C. The role of anti-DNA antibodies in the development of lupus nephritis: a complementary, or alternative, viewpoint? Semin Nephrol. 2015;35(5):439–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semnephrol.2015.08.005.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  66. Fayyaz A, Igoe A, Kurien BT, Danda D, James JA, Stafford HA, Scofield RH. Haematological manifestations of lupus. Lupus Sci Med. 2015;2(1):e000078. https://doi.org/10.1136/lupus-2014-000078.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  67. Ma L, Zeng A, Chen B, Chen Y, Zhou R. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their correlation with activity: a meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2019;76:105949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105949.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Nishino M, Ashiku SK, Kocher ON, Thurer RL, Boiselle PM, Hatabu H. The thymus: a comprehensive review. Radiographics. 2016;26(2):335–48. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.262045213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Zhang Q, Xiang L, Zaman MH, Dong W, He G, Deng GM. Predominant role of immunoglobulin G in the pathogenesis of splenomegaly in murine lupus. Front Immunol. 2020;10:3020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.03020.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  70. Guariento A, Silva MFC, Tassetano PSF, Rocha SMS, Campos LMA, Valente M, Silva CA. Liver and spleen biometrics in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Rev Bras Reumatol. 2015;55(4):341–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbr.2014.12.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Craig EA, Yan Z, Zhao QJ. The relationship between chemical-induced kidney weight increases and kidney histopathology in rats. J Appl Toxicol. 2015;35(7):729–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.3036.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Fang X, Zaman MH, Guo X, Ding H, Xie C, Zhang X, Deng GM. Role of hepatic deposited immunoglobulin G in the pathogenesis of liver damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol. 2018;9:1457. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01457.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  73. Sato Y, Boor P, Fukuma S, Klinkhammer BM, Haga H, Ogawa O, Floege J, Yanagita M. Developmental stages of tertiary lymphoid tissue reflect local injury and inflammation in mouse and human kidneys. Kidney Int. 2020;98(2):448–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2020.02.023.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Denic A, Alexander MP, Kaushik V, Lerman LO, Lieske JC, Stegall MD, Larson JJ, Kremers WK, Vrtiska TJ, Chakkera HA, Poggio ED, Rule AD. Detection and clinical patterns of nephron hypertrophy and nephrosclerosis among apparently healthy adults. Am J Kidney Dis. 2016;68(1):58–67. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.12.029.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  75. Elsherbiny HE, Alexander MP, Kremers WK, Park WD, Poggio ED, Prieto M, Lieske JC, Rule AD. Nephron hypertrophy and glomerulosclerosis and their association with kidney function and risk factors among living kidney donors. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;9(11):1892–902. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.02560314.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  76. Kriz W, Lehir M. Pathways to nephron loss starting from glomerular diseases—insights from animal models. Kidney Int. 2005;67(2):404–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1755.2005.67097.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Schnaper HW. The tubulointerstitial pathophysiology of progressive kidney disease. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2017;24(2):107–16. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ackd.2016.11.011.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  78. Bernatsky S, Fournier M, Pineau CA, Clarke AE, Vinet E, Smargiassi A. Associations between ambient fine particulate levels and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(1):45–9. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002123.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Xu X, Wang G, Chen N, Lu T, Nie S, Xu G, Zhang P, Luo Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Schwartz J, Geng J, Hou FF. Long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of membranous nephropathy in China. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2016;27(12):3739–46. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2016010093.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  80. Xu X, Nie S, Ding H, Hou FF. Environmental pollution and kidney diseases. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2018;14(5):313–24. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2018.11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Nemmar A, Karaca T, Beegam S, Yuvaraju P, Yasin J, Hamadi NK, Ali BH. Prolonged pulmonary exposure to diesel exhaust particles exacerbates renal oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage in mice with adenine-induced chronic renal failure. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2016;38(5):1703–13. https://doi.org/10.1159/000443109.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Busso IT, Mateos AC, Juncos LI, Canals N, Carreras HA. Kidney damage induced by sub-chronic fine particulate matter exposure. Environ Int. 2018;121(Pt1):635–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.007.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Ivone Oliveira, Marcos Cenedeze, Margarete Vendramini, Meire Hiyane, Nathalia Villa, Regiani Carvalho and the colleagues from Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution for technical support and Patricia Prada, Luiz Rizzo and Paulo Saldiva for support with animals and equipments.

Funding

This work was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) [grant numbers 2018/05187–5, 2017/05264–7]; the School of Medicine Foundation (FFM) [grant number CG 83.480]; and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) [Finance Code 001].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 - 1st floor (room 1220), São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil

    Victor Yuji Yariwake, Janaína Iannicelli Torres, Sylvia Costa Lima Farhat & Mariana Matera Veras

  2. Laboratory of Experimental Cellular Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Amandda Rakell Peixoto dos Santos & Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara

  3. Laboratory of Translational Physiology, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, Brazil

    Sarah Cristina Ferreira Freitas & Kátia De Angelis

  4. Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Children’s Institute of Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Sylvia Costa Lima Farhat

  5. Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara

Authors
  1. Victor Yuji Yariwake
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Janaína Iannicelli Torres
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Amandda Rakell Peixoto dos Santos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sarah Cristina Ferreira Freitas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Kátia De Angelis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Sylvia Costa Lima Farhat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Mariana Matera Veras
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

VYY: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing (original draft, review and editing), Visualization, Funding acquisition. JIT: Investigation. ARPS: Validation, Investigation, Writing (review and editing). SCFF: Investigation, Writing (review and editing). KA: Validation, Resources; SCLF: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Writing (review and editing), Supervision. NOSC: Methodology, Validation, Resources, Writing (review and editing), Supervision, Funding acquisition. MMV: Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation, Resources, Writing (original draft, review and editing), Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Victor Yuji Yariwake.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Animal procedures were approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Research of the School of Medicine of University of São Paulo, under protocol number 095/17.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

12989_2021_407_MOESM1_ESM.docx

Additional file 1.

12989_2021_407_MOESM2_ESM.docx

Additional file 2.

12989_2021_407_MOESM3_ESM.docx

Additional file 3.

12989_2021_407_MOESM4_ESM.docx

Additional file 4.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yariwake, V.Y., Torres, J.I., dos Santos, A.R.P. et al. Chronic exposure to PM2.5 aggravates SLE manifestations in lupus-prone mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 18, 15 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-021-00407-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12989-021-00407-0

Keywords

  • Air pollution
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Particulate matter
  • Lupus nephritis
  • Autoimmunity
  • Environmental exposure

Particle and Fibre Toxicology

ISSN: 1743-8977

Contact us