Effect of urban particles on human middle ear epithelial cells

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the cytotoxic effect and inflammatory response of human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) induced by urban particles (UP). Materials and methods: Cell viability following UP exposure was assessed in HMEECs using the CCK 8 assay. The expression levels of the inflammation-related genes (COX-2 and MUC5AC) were analyzed using semi-quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and COX-2 production was analyzed using western blotting. Results: Treatment with UP decreased cell viability in HMEECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. UP exposure induced the significantly increased expression of COX-2 and MUC5AC. Western blotting showed dose dependently increased expression of COX-2 production. Conclusions: UP decreased cell viability, increased the inflammatory response, and increased mucin gene production in HMEECs. These findings indicate that exposure to UP can contribute to the development of otitis media. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.