Abstract |
Glyphosate, a common herbicide, is not toxic under normal exposure circumstances. However, this chemical, when combined with a surfactant, is cytotoxic. In this study, the mechanism of the additive effect of glyphosate and TN-20, a common surfactant in glyphosate herbicides, was investigated. After exposure of rat H9c2 cells to glyphosate and TN-20 mixtures, following assays were performed: flow cytometry to determine the proportion of cells that underwent apoptosis and necrosis; western blotting to determine expression of mitochondrial proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax); immunological methods to evaluate translocation of cytochrome C; luminometric measurements to determine activity of caspases 3/7 and 9; and tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester assay to measure mitochondrial membrane potentials. Bcl-1 intensity decreased while Bax intensity increased with exposure to increasing TN-20 and/or glyphosate concentrations. Caspase activity increased and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased only when the cells were exposed to a mixture of both TN-20 and glyphosate, but not after exposure to either one of these compounds. The results support the possibility that mixtures of glyphosate and TN-20 aggravate mitochondrial damage and induce apoptosis and necrosis. Throughout this process, TN-20 seems to disrupt the integrity of the cellular barrier to glyphosate uptake, promoting glyphosate-mediated toxicity.
|
Authors | Young-hee Kim, Jung-rak Hong, Hyo-wook Gil, Ho-yeon Song, Sae-yong Hong |
Journal | Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA
(Toxicol In Vitro)
Vol. 27
Issue 1
Pg. 191-7
(Feb 2013)
ISSN: 1879-3177 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 23099315
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Copyright | Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Bax protein, rat
- Fats
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
- Surface-Active Agents
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein
- Polyethylene Glycols
- glyphosate
- Cytochromes c
- Caspases
- Glycine
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Caspases
(metabolism)
- Cell Line
- Cytochromes c
(metabolism)
- Fats
(administration & dosage, toxicity)
- Glycine
(administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, toxicity)
- Mitochondria
(drug effects)
- Necrosis
(chemically induced, metabolism)
- Polyethylene Glycols
(administration & dosage, toxicity)
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
(metabolism)
- Rats
- Surface-Active Agents
(administration & dosage, toxicity)
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein
(metabolism)
|