Honey Protects Against PM2.5-induced Damage Through Its Anti-inflammatory Effects in Human Lung Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5) can cause pulmonary injury and has emerged as a public health concern. Honey, a nutritional health product used in traditional medicine, has been shown to be effective for clinical applications ranging from wound healing to cancer treatment. Honey contains phenolics and flavonoids that have been extensively studied for their clinical activity in inflammation-mediated chronic diseases, as well as their ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes (airways within the lungs). This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of different honey samples against PM2.5-induced damage in the human lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. The results showed that honey pre-treatment markedly inhibited PM2.5-induced risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through anti-inflammatory activity and protection of the epithelial barrier. Honey pre-treatment restored the expression of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, and alpha-1 antitrypsin in BEAS-2B cells after PM 2.5 treatment and downregulated the expression of the inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-8 by more than 70%. These findings demonstrate the protective effects of honey against PM2.5-induced epithelial barrier damage and inflammation in BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells. Therefore, honey may be a promising compound for preventing PM2.5-triggered cell damage.