HONG KONG, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has discovered that phosphocholine, an important component in the body's metabolism, could counteract the adverse effects of PM2.5 toxicity on lung cells. This discovery highlights the therapeutic potential of phosphocholine in treating lung diseases associated with PM2.5 such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, and contributes to developing health measures against air pollution.
The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
PM2.5 increases health risks
The World Health Organisation has linked air pollution to an estimated seven million deaths annually, and recognising it as the leading environmental risk factor globally. PM2.5, a major air pollutant, increases the risk of health problems such as heart and lung diseases. Every type of PM2.5 component possesses distinct impacts on human health. However, the understanding of the toxicity effects of individual PM2.5 components remains limited, and the respective preventive solutions for PM2.5-associated health problems are lacking.
To understand the effects of different PM2.5 components on the underlying cell metabolism associated with lung diseases, a team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, and Dr Yang Zhu, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology at HKBU, analysed a total of 82 components in PM2.5 samples collected from Taiyuan in Shanxi Province and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2018.
It was found that the overall PM2.5 profiles were similar in both cities. Inorganic ions are the most abundant pollutants, followed by metals and organic compounds polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, a large difference was observed in the relative proportions of PAHs and their derivatives.
PM2.5 composition contributes to toxicity
The research team discovered that the proportion of PAHs was significantly higher in Taiyuan, especially during the heating season. Since the abundance of PAHs is closely associated with coal combustion, the result suggested that coal combustion was one of the major sources of PM2.5 in the city. Conversely, the seasonal variance of PAHs in Guangzhou was significantly lower. Traffic emissions were the predominant PM2.5 in Guangzhou.
Given the disparity in pollutant composition, the research team conducted toxicity and health risk analysis of PM2.5 samples from both cities. A cytotoxicity test revealed that the PM2.5 from winter Taiyuan exhibited much stronger toxicity than the samples from Guangzhou or from other seasons of Taiyuan with the same PM2.5 concentration, as indicated by cell viability which measures the proportion of healthy living cells. Assessment using the incremental lifetime cancer risk model, which estimates increased cancer risk from carcinogen exposure, highlighted that the regional difference in cancer risks linked to PAHs and its derivatives nitro-PAHs' concentration was much higher than the variation in overall PM2.5 concentration. These findings underscore that PM2.5 toxicity cannot be solely attributed to its concentration but also to its composition.
Phosphocholine counteracts PM2.5 toxicity
The research team further employed correlation analysis to examine the impact of specific PM2.5 components on metabolic alterations in lung cells, and identified 11 metabolites that showed a significant correlation with PM2.5 components. Among these metabolites, the researchers focused on the functions of eight ones whose amount reduced significantly after PM2.5 exposure. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that only supplementing phosphocholine to PM2.5-exposed cells was effective in both rescuing cell viability and stimulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is a critical molecule for energy storage, which provides the energy needed for a wide range of cellular processes within living cells.
Under normal circumstances, lung cells primarily rely on glucose for energy production. However, PM2.5 conditions might impair energy supply from glucose. Fatty acid oxidation is a process in cells that breaks down fatty acids to generate energy. Under normal conditions, the utilisation of fatty acid oxidation pathway contributes minimally to energy production in lung cells. It was found that phosphocholine can reprogramme cellular metabolism to increase fatty acid oxidation to meet the shortfall in energy supply during the PM2.5 challenge, which helps to alleviate cellular dysfunction induced by PM2.5.
Professor Cai said: "Our findings highlighted the potential of phosphocholine as a therapeutic agent for lung diseases associated with PM2.5. As air pollution caused by PM2.5 has been recognised as a significant global health risk factor, our discovery provides the prospect of developing novel treatments for related health issues, potentially helping to address this public health challenge."
In future, the research may also contribute to the development of diagnosis protocol for lung diseases caused by PM2.5 apart from its potential as a therapeutic agent.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HKBU research identifies potential of phosphocholine in counteracting PM2.5 toxicity in lung diseases
HONG KONG, Aug. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singapore Good Soil Foundation successfully concluded the third edition of its Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at The University of Hong Kong, marking the program's first international edition since its launch.
Centered on the theme "Art + AI for Social Good," the five-day immersive program brought together 58 in-person Student Fellows and 45 online participants from Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and Kenya. Through interdisciplinary learning in artificial intelligence, leadership, social innovation, and the arts, Student Fellows explored how technology and creativity can be harnessed to address real-world challenges and create lasting social impact.
Following two successful editions at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, the program continues to grow into an international platform connecting young people who aspire to lead with purpose and create positive change in their communities.
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes that education is not simply about transferring knowledge. It is about empowering young people to use knowledge, technology, and creativity in service of humanity. Philanthropy is not merely about giving. It is about expanding human possibility.
A Classroom Without Borders
This year's program welcomed three scholarship recipients from remote rural communities in China.
Coming from under-resourced communities, they received full scholarships covering travel, accommodation, and program expenses, enabling them to learn alongside outstanding students from around the world.
Beyond learning about artificial intelligence, leadership, and social innovation, the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program aims to equip Student Fellows to become future philanthropic leaders who will one day return to their communities and create opportunities for others.
For the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, philanthropy is about more than transforming individual lives. It is about empowering individuals to become catalysts for positive change within their communities and beyond.
Young People Inspiring Young People
Nine alumni from previous cohorts returned as Teaching Assistants, mentoring student teams throughout the program.
Outstanding university students from Nanyang Technological University, Yale University, and Xiamen University also returned to share their experiences of university life, leadership, and community engagement.
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes that some of the most meaningful learning happens when young people inspire one another.
Education Beyond the Classroom
The program featured speakers from the fields of philanthropy, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, design, and communication.
Participants also visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong Sikh community, M+ Museum, and The University of Hong Kong, gaining first-hand insight into Hong Kong's multicultural society, religious inclusivity, and the role of civic institutions in building a more compassionate and connected community.
One of the most highly praised sessions of the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program was the Improvisational Speaking Masterclass.
After the session, a first-year Yale University undergraduate shared, "I wish I had taken this class in high school."
For the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, that reflection was more meaningful than any accolade. It affirmed a belief at the heart of the program: education is not only about acquiring knowledge, but about cultivating independent thinking, authentic communication, meaningful collaboration, and the confidence to navigate an uncertain future.
Technology Should Always Serve Humanity
The Charity Pitch Challenge remained the centerpiece of the program.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, Student Fellows designed innovative solutions to real social challenges by integrating artificial intelligence, art, and human-centered design.
Throughout the program, students were reminded of one simple belief:
AI is not the goal. It is a tool.
The future will not be shaped by technology alone, but by the values of the people who choose how to use it.
Five Days. Leadership in Action.
The program also celebrated the continued impact of Silver Sayang, a student-led initiative launched during the Singapore Good Soil Foundation's inaugural Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program.
Today, its members continue organizing visits to nursing homes, bringing companionship and care to elderly residents.
Their journey is a reminder that meaningful education does not end when the program concludes. Sometimes, one conversation, one project, or one act of kindness can shape a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the world, the Singapore Good Soil Foundation believes one question has become more important than ever:
What does it truly mean to be human?
The answer is not found in technological progress alone, but in the choices we make, the compassion we show, and the responsibility we take for one another.
This belief is the foundation of the Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program: to equip young people not only with the skills to innovate, but also with the character to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
At the heart of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation's mission is a conviction often expressed by its Founder, Ms Faye Lo:
"Our goal is not simply to help young people succeed. It is to help them become people who expand human possibility."
The Singapore Good Soil Foundation aspires to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, and AI innovators who are equally defined by their compassion, integrity, global outlook, and commitment to the common good. Ultimately, the future will not be shaped by technology alone, but by those who choose to wield it with wisdom and purpose.
For more information about the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, you can follow them on :
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nextgenprogram/
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@nextgenphilanthropist
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569021872399
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@nextgen.program
RedNote : https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/674d2a34000000001c019a59?xsec_token=YBCWYK3cks6q5FeLj14Pu_xyMLoXdw6i35IA08JSiqrB0=&xsec_source=app_share&xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=674d2a34000000001c019a59&apptime=1736404897&share_id=58b6df5da60d43a4ae3c51356ebf1a19
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
Singapore Good Soil Foundation Hosts Third Next Generation Philanthropy Leadership Program at the University of Hong Kong, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
