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[Application of monocyte strains (THP-1 cells) in study on silicosis in vitro]
1Research Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310031, China.
Objective:
To explore the application of human blood monocyte strain (THP-1 cells) with properties of pulmonary alveolar macrophage in study on pathogenesis of silicosis in vitro.
Methods:
Effects of cell culture supernatant of THP-1 stimulated by silica or induced and differentiated by phorbol ester (PMA) on proliferation of fibroblast (CHL), formation of Ag-NORs granule, migration of pulmonary alveolar epithelium (CCL-64) and occurrence of silicosis-like pathological changes were observed in rats. Chemo-illuminescence stimulated by silica in PMA-primed THP-1 cells was studied, as compared with that by PMA.
Results:
Supernatant of silica-stimulated THP-1 cell culture could effectively enhance proliferation of CHL cells and increase the mean number of Ag-NORs granule and their dispersion, with a good dose-response relationship, which correlated highly with cytotoxicity index, pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM), caused by silica. And, they could also inhibit the migration of CCL-64 and the repair of epithelial damage. The supernatants from silica-stimulated PAM and THP-1 cell culture could cause early silicotic nodule-like lesions in rats. Chemo-illuminescence response in PMA-primed THP-1 cells and PAM was enhanced by stimulation with silica in a dose-dependent pattern.
Conclusion:
PMA-primed THP-1 cells may have a prospect of wide application in study on pathogenesis of silicosis and production of silicosis-related cytokine and oxygen free radicals in vitro.
Insights
Human blood monocyte THP-1 cells, when stimulated by silica, mimic pulmonary alveolar macrophages. These cells show promise for in vitro silicosis pathogenesis research, influencing fibroblast proliferation and epithelial cell migration.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Context:
- Silicosis is a severe lung disease caused by silica dust inhalation.
- Current in vitro models for silicosis research have limitations.
- THP-1 cells can be differentiated into macrophages, offering a potential model.
Purpose:
- To investigate the utility of human blood monocyte THP-1 cells, differentiated to mimic pulmonary alveolar macrophages, for in vitro silicosis pathogenesis studies.
- To assess the effects of silica-stimulated THP-1 cell supernatant on fibroblast proliferation, Ag-NORs formation, and pulmonary alveolar epithelial cell migration.
- To evaluate the in vivo induction of silicosis-like lesions by THP-1 cell supernatant in rats.
Summary:
- Supernatant from silica-stimulated THP-1 cells enhanced fibroblast proliferation and Ag-NORs formation, inhibited epithelial cell migration, and induced silicosis-like lesions in rats.
- THP-1 cells stimulated by silica exhibited increased chemo-luminescence, similar to pulmonary alveolar macrophages.
- These findings suggest THP-1 cells are a viable in vitro model for silicosis research.
Impact:
- Provides a valuable in vitro model for studying silicosis pathogenesis.
- Facilitates research into silica-related cytokine and oxygen free radical production.
- May lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for silicosis.