Fig. 5

CD-NPs induced pyroptosis or necrosis in higher proportions than CD-MPs in vitro. A and D The levels of caspase1, cleaved caspase1 and Bcl-2 were examined with western blot after treatment with 300 µg/mL CD-MPs or CD-NPs for 72 h. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD, n = 3. *P < 0.05 and ***P < 0.001. n.s., no significance. Remarks: Due to insufficient experimental funds, in the western blot assay, we cut the PVDF membrane into a membrane small enough to permit incubation of the antibody according its molecular weight and the protein molecular weight marker. B and C Cell necrosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/PI staining and AO/EB staining after treatment with 300 µg/mL mixed CD-MPs or CD-NPs for 72 h. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD, n = 3. *P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01. CD-MPs coal dust micron particles, CD-NPs coal dust nanoparticles