The effect of environmental diesel exhaust pollution on SARS-CoV-2 infection: The mechanism of pulmonary ground glass opacity
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol.86, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 86
- Publication Date: 2021
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103657
- Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Environment Index, Greenfile, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
- Keywords: Diesel exhaust particles, Severe acute espiratory syndrome corona virus-2, Ground-glass opacity, Transforming growth factory-B1, Angiotenain-converting enzyme, 2Alveolar macrophage
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are the major components of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and chronic exposure is recognized to enhance respiratory system complications. Although the spread of SARS-CoV-2 was found to be associated with the PMs, the mechanism by which exposure to DEP increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still under discussion. However, diesel fine PM (dPM) elevate the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it coincides with the increase in the number of ACE2 receptors. Expression of ACE2 and its colocalized activator, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) facilitate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the alveolar epithelial cells exposed to dPM. Thus, the coexistence of PM and SARS-CoV-2 in the environment augments inflammation and exacerbates lung damage. Increased TGF-β1 expression due to DEP accompanies the proliferation of the extracellular matrix. In this case, “multifocal ground-glass opacity” (GGO) in a CT scan is an indication of a cytokine storm and severe pneumonia in COVID-19.