PM10-Induced Cytotoxicity and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Human Skin Cells: Protective Effects of Wolffia Extract

Author : Juwainee Madardam

Abstract : Particulate matter with a diameter of ≤10 µm (PM10) is a major air pollutant known to induce skin inflammation and cellular damage. PM10 exposure can trigger cytotoxicity and stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in skin cells, contributing to pollution-related skin disorders. This study investigated the cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of PM10 on human skin cells and evaluated the protective effects of Wolffia extract. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) were used as in vitro skin models. Cells were exposed to various concentrations of PM10 to assess cytotoxicity, and 150 µg/mL PM10 was selected to induce inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2, were quantified. PM10 significantly increased cytotoxicity and elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 in both HaCaT cells and fibroblasts. Treatment with Wolffia extract markedly reduced PM10-induced inflammatory mediator production without causing cytotoxic effects. These f indings indicate that PM10 induces inflammatory responses in human skin cells, while Wolffia extract demonstrates protective and anti-inflammatory potential against pollution-induced skin damage.

Keywords : Particulate matter 10, Inflammation, Cytotoxicity, Human skin, Human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa), Wolffia extract.

Conference Name : International Conference on Marine Ecology of Polluted Coastal Environments (ICMEPCE-26)

Conference Place : Lisbon, Portugal

Conference Date : 13th Mar 2026