Polychlorinated biphenyls induced toxicities upon cell lines and stem cells: a review

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants emitted during e-waste activities. Upon release into the environment, PCBs can pose harmful effects to the humans and environment. The present review focused on the effects of PCBs on cell proliferation, apoptosis, functional and developmental toxicity and potential possible molecular mechanisms upon cells and stem cells. The review also highlights the effects of low- and high-chlorinated, and dioxin and non-dioxin PCBs. The review suggested that high chlorinated and dioxin like PCBs at higher concentrations posed more toxic effects to cells and stem cells. PCBs at higher levels induced hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and lung cell toxicity. PCBs triggered reactive oxygen species which actives mitogen activated pathways, nuclear factor and cytochrome pathway for cell proliferation and apoptosis. Further, review highlights PCBs induced toxicity in stem cells with the focus on developmental and functional toxicity. The review could be useful to understand the PCBs toxicities and mechanisms and will guide to policy makers to design policies for e-waste pollutant.