Cytoprotective effect of glutaraldehyde erythropoietin on HEK293 kidney cells after silver nanoparticle exposure

Abstract

The toxic effects from exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are broadly present in many consumer products, have long raised concerns. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms of nanosilver, which cause toxicity in human cells, but little is known about prevention of this type of injury. This study investigated the in vitro effects of glutaraldehyde erythropoietin (GEPO), a cytoprotective compound derived from erythropoietin, in terms of cell protection against AgNP-induced injury. HEK293 cells were pretreated with or without GEPO before administration of AgNPs. The protective effects of GEPO in this cell line were assessed by the percentage of viable cells, alterations of cell morphology, and the proliferative capability of the cells. In addition, we assessed the role of GEPO in lowering cellular oxidative stress and regulating expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. The results showed rescue effects on the percentage of viable and proliferative cells among GEPO pretreated cells. Pretreatment with GEPO maintained the normal cell shape and ultrastructural morphology. Moreover, GEPO reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species in cells and activated expression of Bcl2, which are the major mechanisms in protection against cellular toxicity induced by AgNPs. In conclusion, our study showed that the cytotoxic effects from exposure to AgNPs can be prevented by GEPO.

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Keywords:

• glutaraldehyde erythropoietin
• silver nanoparticles
• cytoprotection
• nanotoxicity

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge Professor Suwabun Chirachanchai from The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Chulalongkorn University for critical comments on this paper. This research has been supported by the Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund of Chulalongkorn University (CU-56-431-HR) for all biological experiments in this study, and partially supported by the Integrated Innovation Academic Center: IIAC Fund from the Chulalongkorn University Centenary Academic Development Project for the glutaraldehyde erythropoietin synthesis and characterization aspect of this study.

Disclosure

AS was supported by the Research Chair Grant, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand and supported in part by “Integrated Innovation Academic Center: IIAC” Chulalongkorn University Centenary Academic Development Project. KS was supported by the 90th Anniversary of Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund). SC was supported by postdoctoral scholarship from Chulalongkorn University. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.