Fine particulate matter PM generated by building demolition increases the malignancy of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of water-extracted PM on a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-231, by sampling suspended particulates around a building demolition site.

Methods: PM particles were obtained using a high-flow TISCH sampler. Water-soluble PM were extracted by an ultrasonic oscillator and then freeze-dried. The heavy metal components of soluble PM was analyzed by ICP-MS. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay for cells that were exposed to PM (200, 400 and 600 μg/mL). Wound healing and transwell cell migration and invasion assays were used to measure cell motility and the invasiveness of cancer cells that had been exposed to PM into a chemo-attractant substance. Interrelated mechanisms of cancer malignancy were analyzed by Western blot analysis.

Results: Nearby PM concentrations increased significantly during the deconstruction of buildings, and the Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr contents of soluble PM also significantly increased. Following exposure to PM, the survival rate of breast cancer cells was significantly higher than that of the control group. Soluble PM-treated cells had a higher migration capacity. The signaling pathway of FAK/PI3K/AKT proteins was more activated in PM-treated cells than the control group. Increased levels of Aurora B and Bcl-2 were associated with cell proliferation. Elevated levels of cathepsins D, β-catenin, N-cadherin, vimentin and MMP-9 were associated with breast cancer cell metastasis.

Conclusion: Soluble PM from building demolition may promote/progress in surviving TNBC cells, increasing the malignancy of breast cancer. This study offered evidence of a link between demolition PM and cancer progression.