Combined inhalation of cigarette smoke and coal dust particulate matter 10 increase bone iron level in rats

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate whether inhalation combination of cigarette smoking and particulate matter 10 (PM10) coal dust can change bone mineral elements of rats. Methods: A total of 30 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups including one non-exposure group and two groups of combined cigarette smoke and coal dust. Dose of cigarette smoking was one cigarette per day. Dose of coal dust exposure was 12.5 mg/m3 one hour/day as PM10. Cigarette smoke was exposed prior to coal dust exposure (14 and 28 days). Exposure was done by equipment available in Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brawijaya, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Bone mineral element was analyzed in femur using X-Ray Fluorescence in Central and Physics Laboratory, State University of Malang, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. ANOVA test was used to analyze the difference levels of bone mineral elements. Results: There are no significant differences for phosphorus, calcium, nickel, copper, zinc and calcium/phosphorus levels in all groups (P > 0.05). Significant increase of iron level in combination cigarette smoke and coal dust exposure was detected when compared with the non-exposure group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sub-chronic inhalation combination of cigarette smoke and coal dust PM10 increase bone iron levels in rats. [J Exp Integr Med 2013; 3(1): 69-72]