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Dryad

Endothelial progenitor cell gene expression fold-changes in filtered air versus CAP-exposed animals

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Nov 26, 2025 version files 2.29 KB

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Abstract

While some prior studies have identified an association between exposure to fine air-borne particulate matter (PM2.5) and indices of aging, the extent of these associations and their underlying mechanisms are uncertain. In this study, we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to filtered air and concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) and assessed two common hallmarks of aging, telomere length and senescence. Of the cell types examined, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and bone marrow-derived c-kit+ cells all demonstrated shortened telomeres when isolated from CAP-exposed as compared with cells from filtered air controls. Telomere attrition in PBMNCs and EPCs resulted from the attenuated catalytic activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase (Tert). We found that telomere attrition in these cell types was mitigated in those CAP-exposed mice receiving water supplemented with the antioxidant, carnosine. However, telomere attrition was reversible in PBMNCs, but not EPCs, when CAP-exposed mice were allowed to recover in normal air conditions. PBMNCs and EPCs obtained from CAP-exposed mice**** also displayed increased β-galactosidase activity and expression of genes characteristic of the senescence-activated secretory phenotype. PBMNC senescence was greatest in CD8+ T-cells. Our results suggest that the pro-aging effects of PM2.5 impact multiple cell types, including bone marrow stem cells, and that telomere attrition resulted from attenuated Tert activity. The aging and senescence of multiple cell types, including bone marrow stem cells, may underlie the diverse pathological outcomes of PM2.5 exposure.