Particulate matter (PM) constitutes a significant component of air pollution and is associated with the development of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and an increased risk of premature death. In this thesis, we investigated the effects of soluble components extracted from particulate matter collected in urban environments on gene expression in a lung epithelial cell line A549. Two PM10 samples collected in March and November 2023 enabled comparison of seasonally distinct particle compositions. Cells were treated with the extracts of soluble PM components and incubated for 4, 24, and 72 hours. We performed the expression analysis of selected genes using reverse transcription and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results showed that exposure to soluble PM components can alter the expression of genes linked to immune responses and oxidative stress, and that toxicity depends on the seasonal chemical composition of the particles and the duration of exposure. The most pronounced effects occurred after 24 hours: in the November sample, CXCL10 expression increased tenfold and TNF-α sixfold relative to the control, whereas in the March sample, CXCL10 increased 2.7-fold and TNF-α 2.5-fold. Cell viability and morphology remained unchanged. These findings highlight the potential harmful effects of PM on pulmonary epithelial cells.
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