Aspergillus fumigatus conidia inhibit early apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells

Abstract

Objective To observe the impact of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia on the early apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A549 cells was first stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or staurosporine (STS) to induce cell apoptosis, and then co-cultured with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia of three different concentrations (5×105, 5×106, 5×107) simultaneously. The changes of the apoptosis rate of A549 cells were detected by flow cytometry. Results The early apoptosis of A549 cells was increased markedly after stimulated with TNF-α ([14.94±0.82]% vs [3.26±0.74]%, χ2=9.18, P<0.05) and STS ([18.10±1.00]% vs [3.26±0.74]%, χ2=12.32, P<0.05). When Aspergillus fumigatus conidia of different concentrations were added, the apoptosis rate was decreased (χ2=31.23, P<0.05). The early apoptosis of A549 cells was negatively correlated with the concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia (rTNF=-0.92, rSTS=-0.94, both P<0.05). Conclusion Aspergillus fumigatus conidia inhibits the early apoptosis of A549 cells induced by TNF-α or STS and the inhibit effect increases with the concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Key words: Aspergillus fumigatus; Spores, fungal; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Staurosporine; Epithelial cells; Apoptosis