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Background: We are surrounded with air pollution, a part of it is the combustion particles from diesel vehicles. These particles are studied with human blood and see if it leads to activation of the innate immune system. Particles was collected from different diesel motors, EuroI-, EuroIII-engine and different fuels, diesel EHR7 and HVO100. What impact do they have on our health? 

Aim: Investigation of the complement system, contact system and coagulation system was performed to evaluate the effect of combustion particles from diesel on our innate immune system. 

Methods: The methods that are used in this study are the whole blood model, ELISA and cell counter. The whole blood model principle is mixing human blood, diesel particles and then incubating the mixture in 37°C while rotating to simulate the venous blood flow. ELISA sandwich was used to analyze the markers C3a and TCC for complement activation, thrombin-antithrombin complexes for the coagulation system and kallikrein-C1inhibitor complexes for the contact system. Cell counter was used to analyze the thrombocytes.

Results: The ELISA of thrombin-antithrombin shows an activation of the diesel particles and the cell counter a reduction of thrombocytes, the koagulation is affected by the combustion particles from diesel.

Conclusion: As shown in earlier studies combustion particles have a negative effect on our health. This study showed that some of the particles made our coagulation system react, this could lead to thrombosis, inflamation or induce different states of disease. An extended study is needed for more certain data.