Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on damage of human immortalized keratinocytes(HaCaT cells) induced by PM2.5. Methods: The HaCaT cells were randomly divided into the NAC group, PM2.5 groups with different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 μg/mL) and blank control group. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT cells were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, and the mRNA expression and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-33 and TSLP were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA respectively. CCK-8 and Western blot were used to detect the cell survival rate and the expression of proteins related to NF-κB signaling pathway. Results: The ROS levels of HaCaT cells in PM2.5 groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-1β, TSLP and IL-33 in 200 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL PM2.5 groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with PM2.5 groups, the survival rate of HaCaT cells in the NAC group was higher, ROS, NF-κB p-p65 protein and IL-1β, TSLP and IL-33 level were lower, with significant differences (Ps<0.05). Conclusion: NAC can antagonize the HaCaT cell damage induced by PM2.5, which may be related to the reduction of intracellular oxidative stress.

Key words: PM2.5, HaCaT cells, ROS, N-acetylcysteine