Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in alveolar epithelial cells induced by seawater

Abstract

Objective To investigate the damage to alveolar epithelial cells and changes in the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-lα in alveolar epithelial cells induced by seawater treatment at different time pointes.Methods In accordance with the derivation from alveolar epithelial cells,the A549 cells were divided into the control group (C group) and seawater treatment group (S group).After Wright-Giemsa staining,changes in cell morphology was observed under the light microscope,cell proliferation was detected by MTF (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl) and expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was detected bv Western blot.Results (1) Cell morphology showed that some cells shrank,with a spherical form,nuclear enrichment,hyperchromasia and nuclear fragmentation following seawater treatment.(2) When compared with the control group,changes in the growth curve of A549 cells could be noted in the seawater treatment group.Statistical differences could also be seen in cell growth inhibition rates for the 2 h,4 h,8 h groups,when compared with that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05).(3) When cells grew for 48 h [(14.25±3.90),(27.73 ±2.09)％] and 72 h [(14.25 ±3.90),(27.73 ±2.09)％],the growth inhibition rates of the 4h,8h groups increased with the extension of seawater treatment time.(4)Compared with the control group,the expression of HIF-1 α increased after seawater treatment for 1 h,and reached the peak at 4h (P ＜ 0.01),then decreased slightly,yet still significantly higher than that of the control group (P ＜0.01).Conclusions Prolonged seawater treatment could result in growth inhibition of alveolar epithelial cells,and in the meantime could induce the expression of HIF-1α in alveolar epithelial cells.HIF-1α seemed to play an important role in the damage to alveolar epithelial cells induced by seawater. Key words: Seawater; Alveolar epithelial cell ; Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α