Impact of exposure to atmospheric particulate matter in human skin-derived fibroblast cells: A metabolomics approach for the class of amino acids based on GC×GC-Q-TOFMS/MS.

The particulate matter (PM) in the air comprises particles containing a complex mixture of pollutants associated with various environmental and public health disturbances. However, studies related to the effects of PM on the skin are still incipient. In this work, the toxicity of particulate material to fibroblast cells derived from the human dermis was investigated using metabolomic analysis for the class of amino acids. For the analysis of amino acids, a new method with high selectivity and resolution based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC-Q-TOFMS/MS) was developed and validated. The exposure impact of PM up to 2.5 µm (PM _2.5 ) on fibroblast cells was shown to be dose-dependent. Metabolomics results indicated that amino acid levels and metabolic pathways in fibroblasts were significantly affected by PM _2.5 . Given the results, it was possible to correlate these effects to a series of responses, including decreased cellular energy, dysregulation of cellular homeostasis, decreased collagen synthesis, interference with wound healing, and suppression of protein biosynthesis. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Although some progress has been made in air pollution control, the health risk related to PM _2.5 exposure remains important. The effects of air pollution on the skin have been extensively studied. However, few studies are related to the impact of PM _2.5 on the skin. This study determines the profile of amino acids from fibroblast cells exposed to PM _2.5, providing new insight into the damage to skin cells from atmospheric pollution.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Zenilda L Cardeal and Samantha C H Rodrigues reports financial support was provided by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. Zenilda L Cardeal reports financial support was provided by Fundação de Amparo á Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais - FAPEMIG.
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