Lung injury caused by occupational exposure to particles from the industrial combustion of cashew nut shells: a mice model

Abstract

Cashew nut shells (CNS) is already used in the energy matrix of some industries. However, it is necessary to know the harmful health effects generated by exposure to pollutants of its combustion, especially in the workers exposed to industrial pollutants. In addition, it is known that the incidence of asthma grows among workers in industries, and due to its previously reported biological effects of anethole, these will also be objects of the present study. We used 64 Balb/C mice, randomly divided into eight groups. Groups were sensitized and challenged with saline or ovalbumin, then subjected to intranasal instillation of 30 µg PM_4.0 (occupational exposure) from the combustion of CNS or saline, and then were subsequently treated with oral anethole 300 mg/kg or 0.1% Tween 80. Our results serve as a starting point for the development of public policies for the prevention of diseases in workers that are exposed to the pollutants coming from industries.

Keywords:

• Anethole
• cashew nut shells
• occupational exposure
• OVA-induced asthma
• respiratory system

Conflicts of interest

We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by The Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (MCT/CNPq), and the Cearense Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development Support (FUNCAP).