The project led by Dr. Manuel Andrés Leiva Guzmán, in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology, Dr. Toro, Dr. María Rosa Bono, and Dr. Francisco Chávez, addresses the global concern of air pollution. This study highlights the importance of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) as an essential indicator of air quality. With approximately 87% of the world’s population exposed to levels considered risky for human health from PM2.5, the research becomes particularly relevant in Chile, a country where national air quality standards are frequently exceeded, endangering the majority of its inhabitants.
The research focuses on how certain components of PM, when inhaled, would induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering an imbalance in the body’s antioxidant defenses and thus causing oxidative stress and consequent cellular damage. The study pays special attention to the “oxidative potential” (OP) of PM, defined as the PM’s capacity to oxidize specific molecules. This is considered a more comprehensive indicator of toxicity than simple mass concentration, as it integrates physical and chemical properties.
The project aims to determine the biological relevance of OP assays, transcending their chemical limitations through the use of in vivo models. These models will facilitate a deep understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of PM, assessing both oxidative damage and changes in antioxidant defenses at the cellular level.
Ultimately, the goal is to define the relationship between various metrics, such as mass concentration and chemical composition of PM, and biological response, especially in critical situations involving the surpassing of air quality standards. The main objective is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the influence of OP-PM on the biological effects it triggers, focusing on the generation of ROS.