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2632069 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Particulate load from biomass smoke is associated with increased oxidative burst and reduced proteolysis in alveolar macrophages 
Fullerton, DG; Mzinza, D; Glennie, S; Jambo, K; Barrett, S; Russell, D; Gordon, SB 
2010 
Yes 
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
ISSN: 1073-449X
EISSN: 1535-4970 
181 
A2428 
English 
WOS:000208771001342 
is part of a larger document 3452678 Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference, May 14-19, 2010, New Orleans
Introduction: 3 billion people use biomass fuel as their main source of domestic energy. Indoor air pollution from biomass fuel is associated with respiratory pathology including tuberculosis and COPD. The effect that this exposure has on alveolar macrophage function has not been well described. This study describes the association of particulate matter load in alveolar macrophages (AM) with function in biomass fuel exposed individuals.

Methods: Healthy adult volunteers underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. Cytospin preparations were analysed using an image analysis software method developed for this purpose (Image SXM). The percentage area of the cytoplasm occupied by particulates in AM was calculated and termed particulate matter (PM) load. AM functions were assessed using a novel reporter bead assay. The assays involve fluorogenic probes that are linked to silica beads and are also coupled with an opsonizing molecule to facilitate their uptake by macrophages, as well as a calibration fluorochrome. Flow cytometry was used to assess oxidative burst, bulk protease and phagocytic activity. Results were expressed as a ratio of substrate fluorescence to calibration fluorescence.

Results: 56 adults were recruited (35 women). 53% cooked with charcoal, 38% with wood, 9% with electricity. PM load ranged from 0.1 to 17% (mean 1.8%, SD 2.99). Oxidative burst activity was lower and proteolytic function was higher in individuals with a high PM load. Phagocytosis of beads did not appear to be associated with PM load.

Discussion: These findings offer a potential mechanism and biological plausibility for observed clinical and epidemiological data. The work also demonstates 2 novel techniques that can be used to understand AM function in biomass exposed individuals. 
American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference 
New Orleans, LA 
May 14-19, 2010