Particulate matter air pollution from the city of Quito, Ecuador, activates inflammatory signaling pathways in vitro

Air pollution from Quito, Ecuador, triggers inflammatory responses linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Research reveals that particulate matter (PM) from urban and periurban sites activates TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways, with effects varying by particle size. Additionally, Quito's PM effectively stimulates the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key mediator of inflammation. The study analyzed PM 10 and PM 2.5 collected at seven locations using in vitro methods to assess toxicity and inflammatory activation.

Cevallos, V. M., Díaz, V., & Sirois, C. M. (2017). Particulate matter air pollution from the city of Quito, Ecuador, activates inflammatory signaling pathways in vitro. Innate Immunity, 23(4), 392–400. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753425917699864