Adding Zn2+ induces DNA fragmentation and cell condensation in cultured human Chang liver cells

Zinc (Zn) is a trace element in human cells and regarded as an essential nutrient with established deficiency states affecting multiple organs in the body. However, it has been reported that Zn uptake is associated with some serious harmful effects, such as inhibition of DNA synthesis and enhanced toxicity from reactive oxygen species. We have previously shown that in vivo administration of Zn2+ in C57/6J mice induces weight loss and massive hair loss where the normal course hair becomes replaced by fine vello hair, simulating the side effects from cancer chemotherapy where oxidative free radical damage is implicated in association with DNA fragmentation and programmed cell death (PCD). Here, in vitro flow cytometric studies on human Chang liver showed Zn2+ causing cell condensation with DNA fragmentation that occurred in a dose-dependent manner, an effect replicated by micrococcal nuclease digestion. Specific terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-(TdT) mediated labeling of 3'-OH ends of DNA nicks corroborated the flow cytometric profiles of propidium iodide-DNA binding where degradation of both 2 and 4 N genomic DNA resulted in a solitary 1N peak presentation. DNA degradation concomitant with cell condensation is seen as an established hallmark of PCD. We further showed that Zn2+ could enhance the generation of hydroxyl free radicals (OH.) by the transition metal vanadium. Glutathione, the cell's main reducing agent, underwent corresponding reduction. The results suggested that Zn supplementation could induce features resembling PCD.