Simulated burn pit smoke condensates cause sustained impact on human airway epithelial cell

IInhalation of smoke from burn pits during military deployment is associated with several adverse pulmonary outcomes. We exposed human airway epithelial cells to smoke condensates from burn pit waste materials. Single and repeated exposure to condensates triggered unique and common responses in terms of gene expression that were sustained through the recovery phase. Source material and combustion condition influenced the outcome. Intensified response in female donor cells indicated a determining role of biological sex. The observations indicate a lasting impact of burn pit smoke exposure on epithelial gene expression, potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis.

Impact/Purpose

This study sought to examine gene regulation by single and repeated exposure to lower dose of burn pit smoke condensates and whether these changes persisted 48 hrs post-exposure and also determine whether burn pit smoke source material (cardboard and plastic), combustion condition (smoldering and flaming), and biological sex influence human airway epithelial cell gene expression changes. The findings suggest that exposure to burn pit smoke condensates may impart a lasting adverse impact on human respiratory health, and the sustained effects depend on the waste source material and combustion condition.

Citation

Ghosh, A., K. Rogers, S. Gallant, S. Brocke, A. Speen, Yong Ho Kim, Ian Gilmour, S. Randell, AND I. jaspers. Simulated burn pit smoke condensates cause sustained impact on human airway epithelial cell. Society of Toxicology, RESTON, VA, 204(1):2-8, (2025). [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae161]

DOI: Simulated burn pit smoke condensates cause sustained impact on human airway epithelial cell