Low molecular weight‐Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW‐PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, which may contribute to respiratory diseases. However, studies of the relative mechanisms are limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of two LMW‐PAHs [phenanthrene (Phe) and fluorene (Flu)], separately and as binary PAH mixture on oxidative stress and inflammation in A549 cells. Cell viability was firstly detected at various concentrations (200‐800 μM) by Phe, Flu, and the mixture of Phe and Flu. ROS level, MDA content, SOD and CAT activities were then determined to evaluate oxidative damage. The protein and mRNA expressions of IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and the protein content of SP‐A were further determined to evaluate inflammation. Results showed that Phe, Flu, and their mixture triggered ROS generation and induced abnormal productions of MDA, SOD, and CAT. And the protein and mRNA expressions of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were increased by Phe, Flu, and their mixture, respectively. In addition, SP‐A was also increased by Phe and Flu, while it was decreased by their mixture at 600 μM. The results demonstrated that Phe, Flu, and their mixture could induce oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation in A549 cells, while combined inflammatory response was stronger than single actions.

中文翻译：

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菲、芴及其二元混合物对人肺上皮A549细胞的氧化应激和炎症作用

低分子量多环芳烃（LMW-PAH）是普遍存在的环境污染物，可能导致呼吸道疾病。然而，对其相关机制的研究还很有限。本研究旨在探讨两种 LMW-PAHs [菲 (Phe) 和芴 (Flu)]（分别和二元 PAH 混合物）对 A549 细胞氧化应激和炎症的影响。首先用 Phe、Flu 以及 Phe 和 Flu 的混合物检测不同浓度（200-800 μM）的细胞活力。然后测定ROS水平、MDA含量、SOD和CAT活性以评估氧化损伤。进一步测定IL-6、TNF-α、TGF-β的蛋白和mRNA表达以及SP-A的蛋白含量来评估炎症反应。结果表明，Phe、Flu 及其混合物触发 ROS 生成，并诱导 MDA、SOD 和 CAT 异常生成。Phe、Flu 及其混合物分别增加了 TNF-α 和 IL-6 的蛋白和 mRNA 表达。此外，Phe 和 Flu 也增加了 SP-A，而 600 μM 的混合物则减少了 SP-A。结果表明，Phe、Flu及其混合物可诱导A549细胞氧化应激和随后的炎症反应，且联合作用的炎症反应强于单一作用。