In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Afghanistan Sand Extract.

摘要

U.S. troops deployed to the Middle East are often exposed to dust storms with particulate matter levels above the military exposure guideline which can result in an increased incidence of pulmonary diseases. The present study evaluated the effects of the soluble components of Afghanistan sand on rat dopaminergic neuronal cells. Sterilized sand samples were extracted overnight in serum free media and exposed at various concentrations (0-500 mg/ml) to the neuronal cells. Following 24 hr cytotoxicity was assessed estimating cellular release of LDH and MTT. Sand extract exposed cells showed increased LDH release dose-dependently with significant increase at higher concentrations, and decreased MTT metabolism. In addition, extract exposure resulted in significant reduction in antioxidant capacity with an elevation of reactive oxygen species. However, N-acetyl cysteine pretreated cells showed decreased ROS and cytotoxicity. This indicated that Afghanistan sand extracts produced cytotoxicity through an oxidative stress mechanism. Moreover, the toxicity was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction followed by release of cytochrome C and increased caspase-3 activity. All these activated apoptotic components were significantly reduced in the presence of cyclosporine A, NAC or z-VAD. Taken together, results indicate that soluble components of Afghanistan sands can be toxic to neuronal cells in culture by enhancing ROS and impairing mitochondrial function.