Cell Viability and Immune Response to Low Concentrations of Nickel and Cadmium: An In Vitro Model.

Ahra Kim,Joo Hyun Sung,Sangjin Park

doi:10.3390/ijerph17249218

Abstract

Environmental exposure to low concentrations of heavy metals is common in the general population, but the toxicity, immune response mechanisms, and the effects of single and mixed metal exposures have not been clearly identified. In this study, A549 cells and Raw264.7 cells were exposed to low concentrations of the heavy metals nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) for 24, 48, and 72 h, and then cell viability and cytokine levels were analyzed. We found that exposure to low concentrations of Ni (50 nM) or Cd (10 nM) alone did not affect cell viability. However, mixing them together decreased cell viability. In addition, the levels of IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α decreased with single (only Cd) and mixed (Ni and Cd) exposures. These results show that exposure to low concentrations of heavy metals could affect the normal immune response, even without obvious clinical manifestations. Therefore, chronic exposure to heavy metals might have adverse effects on overall health.

Highlights

The effects of heavy metals on the human body are well studied and have identified the target organs and clinical symptoms of heavy metals known to be harmful to humans [1,2]
In order to investigate the cytotoxicity and immune response caused by exposure to low concentrations of the heavy metals, Ni and Cd, which are known to have cytotoxicity and cause immune toxicity [8,9], were selected
In vitro experiments were conducted by selecting representative heavy metals known to cause cytotoxicity and affect the immune system

Summary

Introduction

The effects of heavy metals on the human body are well studied and have identified the target organs and clinical symptoms of heavy metals known to be harmful to humans [1,2]. Toxicokinetic studies of heavy metals have provided information on their absorption pathways, distribution, metabolism, and excretion [3], as well as reported the concentrations that adversely affect health [4]. These results are applied to limit human exposure and set environmental standards in the workplace. These studies provide guidance in limiting human exposure, setting environmental standards in the workplace, and preventing heavy metal poisoning in humans. Occupational diseases caused by common heavy metal poisoning have been reduced in Korea [5].

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Discussion

Conclusion