Reactive oxygen species-dependent transient induction of genotoxicity by retene in human liver HepG2 cells

Author(s)

Scaramboni, Caroline ; Campos, Maria Lucia Arruda Moura ; Dorta, Daniel Junqueira ; Oliveira, Danielle Palma de ; Medeiros, Silvia Regina Batistuzzo de ; Galva, Marcos Felipe de Oliveira ; Dreij, Kristian

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TOXICOLOGY IN VITRO; v. 91, p. 9-pg., 2023-06-14.

Abstract

Retene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emitted mainly by biomass combustion, and despite its ubiquity in atmospheric particulate matter (PM), studies concerning its potential hazard to human health are still incipient. In this study, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of retene were investigated in human HepG2 liver cells. Our data showed that retene had minimal effect on cell viability, but induced DNA strand breaks, micronuclei formation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Stronger effects were observed at earlier time points than at longer, indicating transient genotoxicity. Retene activated phos-phorylation of Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1), an indicator of replication stress and chromosomal instability, which was in accordance with increased formation of micronuclei. A protective effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcys-teine (NAC) towards ROS generation and DNA damage signaling was observed, suggesting oxidative stress as a key mechanism of the observed genotoxic effects of retene in HepG2 cells. Altogether our results suggest that retene may contribute to the harmful effects caused by biomass burning PM and represent a potential hazard to human health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/16554-9 - Assessing the impact of atmospheric emissions related to the production and use of ethanol in the perspective of the current public policies of biofuels
• Grantee: Maria Lúcia Arruda de Moura Campos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/17931-0 - Atmospheric particulate matter from a region impacted by biomass burning: sources and toxicity
• Grantee: Caroline Scaramboni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants