Effects of Crystalline Silica Inhalation in a High-Fat Western Diet

Introduction

Adipose tissue (AT), an endocrine organ, plays a central role in maintenance of whole-body energy homeostasis through its release of adipokines. Obesity, affecting over 40% of American adults, disrupts adipocyte metabolism leading to chronic systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction (MetDys). MetDys is associated with impaired lung function, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of silica inhalation in a pre-existing MetDys animal model to determine if an occupational exposure of silica dust has the potential to initiate or further the progression of MetDys associated conditions.

Data Collection Methods

• This laboratory-based investigation studied the effects of respirable crystalline silica on metabolic function in a high fat western diet (HFWD)-induced MetDys F344 rat model.
• Six wk old male rats were fed a HFWD or standard (STD; control) for 16 wk prior to inhalation exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust (6 h /d, 5 d / wk, 39 d) with end point measurements taken at 0, 4 and 8 wk post-exposure to silica.
• Animals were maintained on their assigned diet for the duration of the study.
• Repeated measures of fasting glucose and laser-Doppler flowmetry were made prior to exposure and at 0, 4, and 8 wk using the same cohort of animals.
  • Animals were fasted 12 h overnight for fasting glucose measurement; blood glucose was measured using a hand-held glucometer.
  • Rat tail arterial function and blood flow was measured for 15 minutes using the non-invasive laser-Doppler flowmetry.
• Endpoint measurements taken made following removal of tissues/organs from euthanized animals in in vitro studies. Endpoint measurements included:
  • Anthropometric measures of weight, length, abdominal girth, ependymal fat pad weight
  • Measurement of serum insulin, leptin and adiponectin hormones and blood clinical chemistry
  • Hematology measures

Detailed descriptions of the methods are provided here. Data_collection_methods [PDF – 110 KB]

Publications Based on Dataset

Thompson JA, Krajnak K, Johnston RA, Kashon ML, McKinney W, Fedan JS [2022]. High-fat western diet-consumption alters crystalline silica-induced serum adipokines, inflammatory cytokines and arterial blood flow in the F344 rat. Toxicol Rep 9:12-21, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.12.001

Acknowledgements

Support for this project was provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). When a publication makes use of this dataset, acknowledgement of the dataset should be attributed to NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division.

We would also like to recognize the work of Janet A. Thompson, Kristine Krajnak, Richard A. Johnston, Michael L. Kashon, Walter McKinney, and Jeffrey S. Fedan.

Contact

NIOSH/Health Effects Laboratory Research
Pathology and Physiology Research Branch
(304) 285-5831