Protective effects of the thiol compounds GSH and NAC against sulfur mustard toxicity in a human keratinocyte cell line. (26th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balszuweit, Frank; Menacher, Georg; Schmidt, Annette; Kehe, Kai; Popp, Tanja; Worek, Franz; Thiermann, Horst; Steinritz, Dirk
• Is Part Of: Toxicology letters. Volume 244(2016)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2016-02-26
• Subjects: Sulfur mustard -- Keratinocytes -- NAC -- GSH -- Thiol compounds -- Cytotoxicity -- Pro-inflammatory cytokines; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 363.179
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-4274

Abstract

Highlights: GSH and NAC treatment can reduce SM-induced toxic effects in vitro. Protective effects were more pronounced when GSH or NAC can directly interact with SM. GSH or NAC reduce IL-6 or IL-8 release in moderately poisoned cells. Rescue of severely poisoned cells increases pro-inflammatory cytokine release. GSH and NAC are highly promising compounds for the treatment of SM injuries. Abstract: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent causing blistering, inflammation and ulceration of the skin. Thiol compounds such as glutathione (GSH) and N -acetylcysteine (NAC) have been suggested as potential antidotes. We investigated SM toxicity in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and used GSH and NAC to counteract its cytotoxic effects. Cells were treated with 1, 5 or 10 mM GSH or NAC and exposed to 30, 100 or 300 μM SM. Different treatment regimens were applied to model extra- and intra-cellular GSH/NAC effects on SM toxicity. Necrosis, apoptosis and interleukin-6 and -8 levels were determined 24 h post-exposure. Necrosis and apoptosis increased with SM dose. Interleukin-6 and -8 production peaked at 100 μM and decreased at 300 μM probably due to reduced ability for interleukin biosynthesis. Intracellular GSH/NAC diminished necrosis induced by 100 μM SM. Extracellular GSH/NAC protected against necrosis and apoptosis induced by 100 and 300 μM SM. Interleukin-6 and -8 production, induced by 100 μM SM was reduced by GSH/NAC. However, low-dose GSH/NAC treatment of cells exposed to 300 μM SM led to increased interleukin production. Thus, moderately poisoned cells are mostly responsible for SM-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. GSH and NAC treatment can reduce SM-induced toxic effects. Protective effects were more pronounced by extracellular GSH or NAC administration. Rescue of severely poisoned cells may result in a strong secretion of pro- inflammatory cytokines. In summary, thiol compounds such as GSH or NAC constitute a promising approach to improve the therapy for SM injury. Additional intervention to prevent adverse effects of interleukin production might be beneficial.