Fine particulate matter PM2.5 generated by building demolition increases the malignancy of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of water-extracted PM2.5 on a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-231, by sampling suspended particulates around a building demolition site. Methods: PM2.5 particles were obtained using a high-flow TISCH sampler. Water-soluble PM2.5 were extracted by an ultrasonic oscillator and then freeze-dried. The heavy metal components of soluble PM2.5 was analyzed by ICP-MS. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay for cells that were exposed to PM2.5 (200, 400 and 600 ug/mL). Wound healing and transwell cell migration and invasion assays were used to measure cell motility and the invasiveness of cancer cells that had been exposed to PM2.5 into a chemo-attractant substance. Interrelated mechanisms of cancer malignancy were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results: Nearby PM2.5 concentrations increased significantly during the deconstruction of buildings, and the Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr contents of soluble PM2.5 also significantly increased. Following exposure to PM2.5 , the survival rate of breast cancer cells was significantly higher than that of the control group. Soluble PM2.5 -treated cells had a higher migration capacity. The signaling pathway of FAK/PI3K/AKT proteins was more activated in PM2.5 -treated cells than the control group. Increased levels of Aurora B and Bcl-2 were associated with cell proliferation. Elevated levels of cathepsins D, beta-catenin, N-cadherin, vimentin and MMP-9 were associated with breast cancer cell metastasis. Conclusion: Soluble PM2.5 from building demolition may promote/progress in surviving TNBC cells, increasing the malignancy of breast cancer. This study offered evidence of a link between demolition PM2.5 and cancer progression. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.