Atmospheric simulation chamber: a versatile tool to get a comprehensive understanding of Air Quality impacts on health in preclinical models

Introduction: Air pollution (AP) represents the largest environmental risk for health. Such considerations however rely on the static quantification of only a few individual components of AP, without considering their interactions, chemical reactivity and synergistic toxicity. We therefore developed an innovative approach to analyze the health effects of “real life” model atmospheres at the preclinical level. Here, we report the first results of the feasibility study. Methods: A realistic atmosphere, representative of a 2017 pollution event in Paris, was generated (CESAM atmospheric simulation chamber - cesam.cnrs.fr). The chamber was connected to stalling cabinets where mice were exposed during 6 or 48 hours. Lungs, spleen, adipose tissue, heart, mesenteric ganglions were then harvested to address the expression of detoxification and antioxidant genes, as well as total cell count (TCC) and inflammatory cytokines expression in BAL fluid Results: The atmosphere contained 57.3 µg/m3 particulate matter, 114±11 ppb NO2 and 242±101 ppb O3. No mortality and no weight loss was observed. Increased expression of Ahr, Cyp1a1, Hmox1 and NQO1 was detected in the lungs, and increased TCC and KC concentrations in the BAL. Interestingly, we found extra pulmonary modifications; increased expression of Ahr, Cyp1a1, Hmox1 and NQO1 in the spleen, Hmox1, Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in ganglions, and Hmox1 in the adipose tissue and heart. Limited modifications were detected after 6h. Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of our innovative experimental approach, which represents a versatile tool to get a better understanding of AP impacts on health.