Effects of gallium on immune stimulation and apoptosis induction in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
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Published on: September 9, 2011
Kee-Lung Chang1, Wei-Ting Liao, Chia-Li Yu
1Department and Institute of Biochemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan.
Insights
Gallium exhibits concentration-dependent effects on human immune cells. Low gallium concentrations promote cell growth and cytokine release, while high concentrations induce apoptosis, both linked to iron metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Gallium is utilized in semiconductors and medicine.
- Gallium interferes with iron metabolism.
- Gallium exposure impacts the human immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro biological effects of varying gallium concentrations on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- To assess gallium's impact on cell growth, cytokine release, and apoptosis.
- To analyze the in vivo effects of gallium using a Wistar rat model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies on cultured human PBMCs exposed to different gallium concentrations.
- In vivo studies using Wistar rats.
- Analysis of cell cycle, cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ), and apoptosis.
- Assessment of inhibition by iron-saturated transferrin (Tf-Fe).
Main Results:
- Low gallium concentrations (1-10 µg/ml) promoted cell cycle progression (S phase) and enhanced release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ.
- High gallium concentrations (50-100 µg/ml) induced apoptosis in PBMCs.
- Both low and high concentration effects were observed both in vitro and in vivo.
- Gallium-induced effects were mitigated by Tf-Fe.
Conclusions:
- Gallium exerts concentration-dependent biological effects on PBMCs.
- These effects are associated with alterations in iron metabolism.
- The findings highlight the immunomodulatory potential of gallium relevant to its medical and industrial applications.
Abstract:
Gallium is commonly used in the semiconductor industry and medical field. Biologically, gallium is able to interrupt iron metabolism. Exposure to gallium has been shown to affect the human immune system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro biological effects of different gallium concentrations on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in terms of cell growth, cytokine release, and apoptosis induction. In addition, the in vivo effects of gallium were analyzed by Wistar rat model. Our results revealed that low concentrations (1-10 microg/ml) of gallium promoted cells to enter the S phase of cell cycle and enhanced cellular release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interferon-gamma, both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, high concentrations of gallium (50-100 microg/ml) induced apoptosis. Furthermore, gallium-induced cytokine release and apoptosis could be inhibited by iron-saturated transferrin (Tf-Fe). These results suggest that the concentration-dependent effects of gallium on PBMCs are related to iron metabolism.
