Fig. 7.

PM2.5 exacerbated oxidative stress and NOX4/Nrf2 redox imbalance in CS-exposed mice. A COPD mouse model was induced after 4 weeks of exposure to CS. The COPD mice were intranasally instilled with or without PM2.5 (10 mg/kg) daily for 7 consecutive days beginning on the 21 ^st day. (A and B) Total ROS in BALF were measured respectively by DCFH-DA staining and flow cytometry. (C–F) The expression levels of antioxidants (SOD and GSH) and oxidants (MDA and MPO)were determined. (G) Western blot analysis showed the expression levels of NOX4, Nrf2, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax and BCL2. The values were showed as the mean ± SD. n = 3–5. (*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01).