Hog Farm Barn Dust Exposure

The goal of this project is to examine the levels of a transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and common downstream antioxidants (catalase and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)) post-hog barn dust exposure using Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial (NHBE) primary cells. Specific aims are to 1. Establish nrf2’s role in hog barn dust respiratory exposures. 2. Identify antioxidants that are present post-hog barn dust exposure. The impact of observing catalase and HO-1 gene and protein products will add to the knowledge base for future potential biomarkers and can help categorize agricultural, occupational exposures more effectively.