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ZnCl2 induces Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation
S Alexandre1, C Rast, M A Maire
1Faculté des Sciences, EBSE-Centre des Sciences de, l'Environnement, Université de Metz, Campus Bridoux, rue Delestraint, Metz 57070, France.
Toxicology Letters
|May 27, 2003
Summary
This study investigated zinc's role in cell transformation, finding it induces morphological transformation and enhances carcinogen effects. Zinc's antiapoptotic action may link to neoplastic transformation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) plays a role in preventing neoplastic transformation.
- Zinc is known to possess antiapoptotic effects.
- Understanding the link between apoptosis inhibition and cancer development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transforming potency of zinc chloride.
- To examine the relationship between apoptosis inhibition and neoplastic transformation.
- To assess the effects of zinc in combination with known carcinogens.
Main Methods:
- Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells were treated with zinc chloride (100 microM).
- Cells were co-exposed with benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) or fomesafen.
- Morphological transformation (MT) and cloning efficiency (CE) were assessed.
- Gene expression of myc and bax was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Zinc chloride induced morphological transformation in SHE cells.
- Co-exposure with zinc and carcinogens (BaP or fomesafen) increased cell transformation.
- Zinc and fomesafen increased cloning efficiency, suggesting antiapoptotic effects.
- No changes in myc and bax gene expression were observed in zinc-treated cells.
Conclusions:
- Inhibition of apoptosis by zinc chloride may contribute to neoplastic transformation.
- Zinc enhances the transforming effects of known carcinogens.
- The findings support a link between antiapoptotic activity and cancer induction.