The interdisciplinary team of researchers, including ISAC, examined exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) during high-traffic urban conditions at low PM₂.₅ concentrations, interpreted as a potentially highly oxidative atmosphere.

An innovative in vitro method was developed to expose human bronchial epithelial cells to these conditions, assessing pro-oxidative, inflammatory, and epigenetic responses.

The results show that fresh traffic-related aerosols (as indicated by vehicle-derived black carbon, BCff) at low PM₂.₅ levels trigger a biphasic gene expression response within just 5 minutes. Moreover, traffic-related miRNAs (BCff) follow an activation wave, peaking between 10 and 60 minutes.

Read the full article on ScienceDirect:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2025.104853