Abstract
Lead is a ubiquitous metal in the environment, but no studies have examined lead toxicity on the middle ear. Here, we investigated lead toxicity and its mechanism in human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). Moreover, we investigated the protective effects of amniotic membrane extract (AME) and chorionic membrane extract (CME) against lead toxicity in HMEECs. Cell viability was analyzed using the cell counting kit, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was measured using a cellular ROS detection kit. After lead(II) acetate trihydrate treatment, mRNA levels of various genes were assessed by semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Following treatment with AME or CME after lead exposure, the changes in cell viability, ROS activity, and gene expression were analyzed. Exposure to >100 μg/mL of lead(II) acetate trihydrate caused a significant decrease in cell viability and increased ROS production in HMEECs. Lead exposure significantly increased the mRNA expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and mucins. Administration of AME or CME restored cell viability, reduced ROS activity, and ameliorated mRNA levels. Our findings suggest that environmental lead exposure is related to the development of otitis media, and AME and CME may have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects against lead toxicity.
Highlights
Otitis media (OM) is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear
We showed that amniotic membrane extract (AME) and chorionic membrane extract (CME) have antiinflammatory effects on human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs); we evaluated the protective effect of AME and CME on lead toxicity [13]
HMEECs were treated with only phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) without lead(II) acetate trihydrate
Summary
Otitis media (OM) is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear. The presence of inflammatory cytokines in middle ear fluid samples obtained from children with OM has been reported [1, 2]. OM is a common inflammatory disease among children, and more than 50% of children experience one or more episodes of OM by the age of three years [3]. Fluid and mucus trapped in the middle ear by OM may lead to conductive hearing loss and delays in speech development and cognitive abilities [4]. Lead is a common and versatile metal that is widely distributed in the environment, leading to human exposure. In developing countries, lead is present in particulate form in the air and can be inhaled along with other heavy metals [6]
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