Naphthalene exposure: effects on gene expression and proliferation in human cord blood cells

In this study, the effect of naphthalene on the induction of apoptosis and gene expression profiles in cord blood cells has been evaluated, as well as its activity on the BCL-2 related protein expression. After 6, 24, and 48 h of exposure to naphthalene (500 microM), a decrease in cell death was observed: the cells became more resistant to the toxicant and capable of surviving after the treatment. A Western blot analysis revealed an overexpression of BCL-2, c-JUN, c-FOS, and RAF-1 proteins, which are involved in the antiapoptotic response and in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and development. Furthermore, macroarray analysis showed that naphthalene modified cord blood gene expression, inducing IL-8 precursor and T-cell transcription factor and decreasing the level of RNA-binding protein FUS/TLS.