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Published on: January 9, 2018
Morphological cell transformation of Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells by the cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin
M-A Maire1, E Bazin, V Fessard
1Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologie, Biodiversité, Ecosystèmes (LIEBE), Université Paul Verlaine de METZ, UMR CNRS 7146, Rue du Général Delestraint, 57070 Metz, France. marie-aline.maire@univ-metz.fr
Abstract:
Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cyanotoxin which has been implicated in human intoxication and animal mortality. Genotoxic activity of this hepatotoxin is known but its carcinogenic activity remains to be elucidated. In this work, CYN was assessed for its cell-transforming activity using the Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay. This in vitro assay is used to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of chemical, physical and biological agents in SHE cells, which are primary, normal, diploid, genetically stable and capable of metabolic activation. We demonstrated that CYN induced a significant increase in morphological cell transformation in SHE cells following a 7-day continuous treatment in the range of non-cytotoxic concentrations 1 x 10(-7)-1 x 10(-2) ng/mL.
Insights
Cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a cyanotoxin, demonstrated cell-transforming activity in Syrian hamster embryo cells. This finding suggests CYN may possess carcinogenic potential, warranting further investigation into its health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Cell biology
- Carcinogenesis research
Background:
- Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a cyanotoxin linked to human and animal health issues.
- While CYN's genotoxicity is established, its carcinogenic potential requires further study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cell-transforming activity and carcinogenic potential of CYN.
- To utilize the Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay for assessing CYN's effects.
Main Methods:
- The study employed the in vitro Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cell transformation assay.
- SHE cells were continuously treated with CYN at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1 x 10(-7)-1 x 10(-2) ng/mL) for 7 days.
Main Results:
- CYN significantly increased morphological cell transformation in SHE cells.
- The observed effect occurred within a range of non-cytotoxic CYN concentrations.
Conclusions:
- CYN exhibits cell-transforming activity in the SHE cell assay.
- These findings indicate a potential carcinogenic role for CYN that warrants further investigation.

