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.