Reference SummaryCury PM, Pathol Res Pract 2000;196(9):627-33

Title

Urban levels of air pollution modifies the progression of urethane-induced lung tumours in mice

Authors

Cury PM; Lichtenfels AJ; Reymao MS; Conceicao GM; Capelozzi VL; Saldiva PH

Journal

Pathol Res Pract

Volume

196

Issue

9

Year

2000

Pages

627-33

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of air pollution in urethane-induced lung tumours in mice by means of histological, morphometrical, and DNA ploidy. The experimental exposure was done in locations with different air pollution profiles: a polluted area (downtown Sao Paulo) and a 'clean' environment. Swiss mice were employed and urethane (3 g/kg) was used as a carcinogenic substance. All the animals, whether exposed or not to air pollution, were sacrificed after 6 months, and the lung lesions were analysed. The results showed a significant effect of air pollution on tumour progression, observed by changes in the phenotype of the tumour cells as demonstrated by morphometry and DNA ploidy. We observed more atypical adenomas in the air pollution-exposed group (p = 0.02). Coherently, morphometric differences were also detected between the two groups. Neoplasms of exposed mice exhibited an increase in the nuclear fraction (p = 0.002) and in the nucleus/cytoplasm ratio (p = 0.011), as a decrease in the stromal fraction (p < 0.001). There was a higher risk of aneuploidy in the 6-months-of-air-pollution-exposure group (relative risk: 1.58; 95% of confidence interval: 1.007 to 2.403). These results indicate that urban air pollution accelerates the process of progression towards malignancy.

Links

J:64598 – MGI References
10997738 – National Library of Medicine/PubMed

Models

Strain Model Name Treatment Agent(s) Organ Affected Frequency Model Details
Swiss Lung adenoma
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung adenoma
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
  • urban air pollution
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung adenoma - atypical
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung adenoma - atypical
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
  • urban air pollution
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung carcinoma
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
Lung

0

Swiss Lung carcinoma
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
  • urban air pollution
Lung

0

Swiss Lung hyperplasia
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung hyperplasia
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
  • urban air pollution
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung tumor
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
Lung

observed

Swiss Lung tumor
  • urethane (ethyl carbamate)
  • urban air pollution
Lung

observed