Impact of Skin Exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene in Rat Model: Insights into Epidermal Cell Function and Draining Lymph Node Cell Response
2024
Authors:
Malešević, AnastasijaTucović, Dina
Kulaš, Jelena
Mirkov, Ivana
Popović, Dušanka
Čakić Milošević, Maja
Popov Aleksandrov, Aleksandra
Document Type:
Article (Published version)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract:
The skin is a direct target of the air pollutant benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). While its carcinogenic
qualities are well-studied, the immunotoxicity of BaP after dermal exposure is less understood.
This study examines the immunomodulatory effects of a 10-day epicutaneous BaP application, in
environmentally/occupationally relevant doses, by analyzing ex vivo skin immune response (skin
explant, epidermal cells and draining lymph node/DLN cell activity), alongside the skin’s reaction
to sensitization with experimental hapten dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The results show that BaP
application disrupts the structure of the epidermal layer and promotes immune cell infiltration in
the dermis. BaP exposure led to oxidative stress in epidermal cells, characterized by decreased
reduced glutathione and increased AHR and Cyp1A1 expression. Production and gene expression
of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1β) by epidermal cells decreased, while IL-10 response
increased. Decreased spontaneous production of IFN-γ and IL-17, along with unchanged IL-10, was
observed in DLC cells, whereas ConA-stimulated production of these cytokines was elevated. Local
immunosuppression caused by BaP application seems to reduce the skin’s response to an additional
stimulus, evidenced by decreased effector activity of DLN cells three days after sensitization with
DNCB. These findings provide new insight into the immunomodulatory effects and health risks
associated with skin exposure to BaP.
Keywords:
epicutaenous benzo[a]pyrene application; skin explants; epidermal cell activity; draining lymph nodes cell activity; ratsSource:
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024, 25, 16, 8631-Funding / projects:
- Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, institutional funding - 200007 (University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković') (RS-MESTD-inst-2020-200007)