1
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Štern A, Novak M, Kološa K, Trontelj J, Žabkar S, Šentjurc T, Filipič M, Žegura B. Exploring the safety of cannabidiol (CBD): A comprehensive in vitro evaluation of the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of a CBD isolate and extract from Cannabis sativa L. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116969. [PMID: 38908200 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring cyclic terpenoid found in Cannabis sativa L., is renowned for its diverse pharmacological benefits. Marketed as a remedy for various health issues, CBD products are utilized by patients as a supplementary therapy or post-treatment failure, as well as by healthy individuals seeking promised advantages. Despite its widespread use, information regarding potential adverse effects, especially genotoxic properties, is limited. The present study is focused on the mutagenic and genotoxic activity of a CBD isolate (99.4 % CBD content) and CBD-rich Cannabis sativa L extract (63.6 % CBD content) in vitro. Both CBD samples were non-mutagenic, as determined by the AMES test (OECD 471) but exhibited cytotoxicity for HepG2 cells (∼IC50(4 h) 26 µg/ml, ∼IC50(24 h) 6-8 µg/ml, MTT assay). Noncytotoxic concentrations induced upregulation of genes encoding metabolic enzymes involved in CBD metabolism, and CBD oxidative as well as glucuronide metabolites were found in cell culture media, demonstrating the ability of HepG2 cells to metabolize CBD. In this study, the CBD samples were found non-genotoxic. No DNA damage was observed with the comet assay, and no influence on genomic instability was observed with the cytokinesis block micronucleus and the γH2AX and p-H3 assays. Furthermore, no changes in the expression of genes involved in genotoxic stress response were detected in the toxicogenomic analysis, after 4 and 24 h of exposure. Our comprehensive study contributes valuable insights into CBD's safety profile, paving the way for further exploration of CBD's therapeutic applications and potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alja Štern
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Matjaž Novak
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Kološa
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Trontelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Žabkar
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Šentjurc
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Metka Filipič
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Žegura
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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2
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Wu L, Vllasaliu D, Cui Q, Raimi-Abraham BT. In Situ Self-Assembling Liver Spheroids with Synthetic Nanoscaffolds for Preclinical Drug Screening Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:25610-25621. [PMID: 38741479 PMCID: PMC11129140 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the most common reasons for acute liver failure and a major reason for the withdrawal of medications from the market. There is a growing need for advanced in vitro liver models that can effectively recapitulate hepatic function, offering a robust platform for preclinical drug screening applications. Here, we explore the potential of self-assembling liver spheroids in the presence of electrospun and cryomilled poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanoscaffolds for use as a new preclinical drug screening tool. This study investigated the extent to which nanoscaffold concentration may have on spheroid size and viability and liver-specific biofunctionality. The efficacy of our model was further validated using a comprehensive dose-dependent acetaminophen toxicity protocol. Our findings show the strong potential of PCL-based nanoscaffolds to facilitate in situ self-assembly of liver spheroids with sizes under 350 μm. The presence of the PCL-based nanoscaffolds (0.005 and 0.01% w/v) improved spheroid viability and the secretion of critical liver-specific biomarkers, namely, albumin and urea. Liver spheroids with nanoscaffolds showed improved drug-metabolizing enzyme activity and greater sensitivity to acetaminophen compared to two-dimensional monolayer cultures and scaffold-free liver spheroids. These promising findings highlight the potential of our nanoscaffold-based liver spheroids as an in vitro liver model for drug-induced hepatotoxicity and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wu
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Qi Cui
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Bahijja Tolulope Raimi-Abraham
- King’s College London,
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford
Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
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3
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Kim W, Kim G. Engineered 3D liver-tissue model with minispheroids formed by a bioprinting process supported with in situ electrical stimulation. Bioact Mater 2024; 35:382-400. [PMID: 38379698 PMCID: PMC10876469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, an effective technique for building cell-laden structures providing native extracellular matrix environments, presents challenges, including inadequate cellular interactions. To address these issues, cell spheroids offer a promising solution for improving their biological functions. Particularly, minispheroids with 50-100 μm diameters exhibit enhanced cellular maturation. We propose a one-step minispheroid-forming bioprinting process incorporating electrical stimulation (E-MS-printing). By stimulating the cells, minispheroids with controlled diameters were generated by manipulating the bioink viscosity and stimulation intensity. To validate its feasibility, E-MS-printing process was applied to fabricate an engineered liver model designed to mimic the hepatic lobule unit. E-MS-printing was employed to print the hepatocyte region, followed by bioprinting the central vein using a core-shell nozzle. The resulting constructs displayed native liver-mimetic structures containing minispheroids, which facilitated improved hepatic cell maturation, functional attributes, and vessel formation. Our results demonstrate a new potential 3D liver model that can replicate native liver tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- WonJin Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (SKKU-SOM), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - GeunHyung Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (SKKU-SOM), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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4
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Caipa Garcia AL, Kucab JE, Al-Serori H, Beck RSS, Bellamri M, Turesky RJ, Groopman JD, Francies HE, Garnett MJ, Huch M, Drost J, Zilbauer M, Arlt VM, Phillips DH. Tissue Organoid Cultures Metabolize Dietary Carcinogens Proficiently and Are Effective Models for DNA Adduct Formation. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:234-247. [PMID: 38232180 PMCID: PMC10880098 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Human tissue three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures have the potential to reproduce in vitro the physiological properties and cellular architecture of the organs from which they are derived. The ability of organoid cultures derived from human stomach, liver, kidney, and colon to metabolically activate three dietary carcinogens, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aristolochic acid I (AAI), and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), was investigated. In each case, the response of a target tissue (liver for AFB1; kidney for AAI; colon for PhIP) was compared with that of a nontarget tissue (gastric). After treatment cell viabilities were measured, DNA damage response (DDR) was determined by Western blotting for p-p53, p21, p-CHK2, and γ-H2AX, and DNA adduct formation was quantified by mass spectrometry. Induction of the key xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and NQO1 was assessed by qRT-PCR. We found that organoids from different tissues can activate AAI, AFB1, and PhIP. In some cases, this metabolic potential varied between tissues and between different cultures of the same tissue. Similarly, variations in the levels of expression of XMEs were observed. At comparable levels of cytotoxicity, organoids derived from tissues that are considered targets for these carcinogens had higher levels of adduct formation than a nontarget tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Caipa Garcia
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Jill E. Kucab
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Halh Al-Serori
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Rebekah S. S. Beck
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Madjda Bellamri
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Robert J. Turesky
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - John D. Groopman
- Department
of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | | | | | - Meritxell Huch
- Max
Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jarno Drost
- Princess
Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Oncode Institute, 3584
CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Zilbauer
- Department
of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, U.K.
| | - Volker M. Arlt
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - David H. Phillips
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer
& Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s
College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
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5
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Sendra M, Cavia-Saiz M, Múñiz P. Are the BPA analogues an alternative to classical BPA? Comparison between 2D and alternative 3D in vitro neuron model to assess cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Toxicology 2024; 502:153715. [PMID: 38211720 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BPA is used in a wide range of consumer products with very concern toxicological properties. The European Union has restricted its use to protect human health. Industry has substituted BPA by BPA analogues. However, there is a lack of knowledge about their impacts. In this work, BPA and 5 BPA analogues (BPS, BPAP, BPAF, BPFL and BPC) have been studied in classical SH-SY5Y and the alternative 3D in vitro models after 24 and 96 h of exposure. Cell viability, percentage of ROS, cell cycle phases as well as the morphology of the spheroids were measured. The 2D model was more sensitive than the 3D models with differences in cell viability higher than 60% after 24 h of exposure, and different mechanisms of ROS production. After chronic exposure, both models were more affected in comparison to the 24 h exposure. After a recovery time (96 h), the spheroids exposed to 2.5-40 µM were able to recover cell viability and the morphology. Among the BPs tested, BPFL>BPAF>BPAP and >BPC revealed higher toxicological effects, while BPS was the only one with lower effects than BPA. To conclude, the SH-SY5Y 3D model is a suitable candidate to perform more reliable in vitro neurotoxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sendra
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials for Advanced Industrial Technologies (ICCRAM), R&D Center, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza de Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
| | - Mónica Cavia-Saiz
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | - Pilar Múñiz
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
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6
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Wang P, Yao Q, Zhu D, Yang X, Chen Q, Lu Q, Liu A. Resveratrol protects against deoxynivalenol-induced ferroptosis in HepG2 cells. Toxicology 2023:153589. [PMID: 37419272 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most serious mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, causing hepatocyte death. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the new cell death modalities that explain DON-induced hepatocyte toxicity. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent type of cell death. The aim of this study was to explore the role of ferroptosis in DON-exposed HepG2 cytotoxicity and the antagonistic effect of resveratrol (Res) on its toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. HepG2 cells were treated with Res (8μM) or/and DON (0.4μM) for 12hours. We examined cell viability, cell proliferation, expression of ferroptosis-related genes, levels of lipid peroxidation and Fe(II). The results revealed that DON reduced the expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, GCLC, NQO1, and Nrf2 while promoting the expression of TFR1, GSH depletion, accumulation of MDA and total ROS. DON enhanced production of 4-HNE, lipid ROS and Fe(II) overload, resulting in ferroptosis. However, pretreatment with Res reversed these changes, attenuating DON-induced ferroptosis, improving cell viability and cell proliferation. Importantly, Res prevented Erastin and RSL3-induced ferroptosis, suggesting that Res exerted an anti-ferroptosis effect by activating SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 signaling pathways. In summary, Res ameliorated DON-induced ferroptosis in HepG2 cells. This study provides a new perspective on the mechanism of DON-induced hepatotoxicity formation, and Res may be an effective drug to alleviate DON-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Wang
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yao
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosong Yang
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China
| | - Qingjie Chen
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China
| | - Qirong Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimei Liu
- Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, P.R. China.
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7
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Zingales V, Esposito MR, Torriero N, Taroncher M, Cimetta E, Ruiz MJ. The Growing Importance of Three-Dimensional Models and Microphysiological Systems in the Assessment of Mycotoxin Toxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:422. [PMID: 37505691 PMCID: PMC10467068 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current investigations in the field of toxicology mostly rely on 2D cell cultures and animal models. Although well-accepted, the traditional 2D cell-culture approach has evident drawbacks and is distant from the in vivo microenvironment. To overcome these limitations, increasing efforts have been made in the development of alternative models that can better recapitulate the in vivo architecture of tissues and organs. Even though the use of 3D cultures is gaining popularity, there are still open questions on their robustness and standardization. In this review, we discuss the current spheroid culture and organ-on-a-chip techniques as well as the main conceptual and technical considerations for the correct establishment of such models. For each system, the toxicological functional assays are then discussed, highlighting their major advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Finally, a focus on the applications of 3D cell culture for mycotoxin toxicity assessments is provided. Given the known difficulties in defining the safety ranges of exposure for regulatory agency policies, we are confident that the application of alternative methods may greatly improve the overall risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Zingales
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Esposito
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Noemi Torriero
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Mercedes Taroncher
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elisa Cimetta
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.R.E.); (N.T.); (E.C.)
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Cittá Della Speranza (IRP)—Lab BIAMET, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - María-José Ruiz
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
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8
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Ahmadian M, Hosseini S, Alipour A, Jahanfar M, Farrokhi N, Homaeigohar S, Shahsavarani H. In vitro modeling of hepatocellular carcinoma niche on decellularized tomato thorny leaves: a novel natural three-dimensional (3D) scaffold for liver cancer therapeutics. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1189726. [PMID: 37251569 PMCID: PMC10212619 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1189726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is now one of the main causes leading to death worldwide. To achieve reliable therapeutic effects, it is crucial to develop efficient approaches to test novel anticancer drugs. Considering the significant contribution of tumor microenvironment to cell's response to medications, in vitro 3D bioinspiration of cancer cell niches can be regarded as an advanced strategy to improve the accuracy and reliability of the drug-based treatment. In this regard, decellularized plant tissues can perform as suitable 3D scaffolds for mammalian cell culture to create a near-to-real condition to test drug efficacy. Here, we developed a novel 3D natural scaffold made from decellularized tomato hairy leaves (hereafter called as DTL) to mimic the microenvironment of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for pharmaceutical purposes. The surface hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and topography measurement and molecular analyses revealed that the 3D DTL scaffold is an ideal candidate for liver cancer modeling. The cells exhibited a higher growth and proliferation rate within the DTL scaffold, as verified by quantifying the expression of related genes, DAPI staining, and SEM imaging of the cells. Moreover, prilocaine, an anticancer drug, showed a higher effectiveness against the cancer cells cultured on the 3D DTL scaffold, compared to a 2D platform. Taken together, this new cellulosic 3D scaffold can be confidently proposed for chemotherapeutic testing of drugs on hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariye Ahmadian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, National Cell Bank, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saadi Hosseini
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, National Cell Bank, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Alipour
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jahanfar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Farrokhi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Homaeigohar
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Hosein Shahsavarani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, National Cell Bank, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Štampar M, Ravnjak T, Domijan AM, Žegura B. Combined Toxic Effects of BPA and Its Two Analogues BPAP and BPC in a 3D HepG2 Cell Model. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073085. [PMID: 37049848 PMCID: PMC10095618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most commonly used substances in the manufacture of various everyday products. Growing concerns about its hazardous properties, including endocrine disruption and genotoxicity, have led to its gradual replacement by presumably safer analogues in manufacturing plastics. The widespread use of BPA and, more recently, its analogues has increased their residues in the environment. However, our knowledge of their toxicological profiles is limited and their combined effects are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects caused by single bisphenols and by the combined exposure of BPA and its two analogues, BPAP and BPC, after short (24-h) and prolonged (96-h) exposure in HepG2 spheroids. The results showed that BPA did not reduce cell viability in HepG2 spheroids after 24-h exposure. In contrast, BPAP and BPC affected cell viability in HepG2 spheroids. Both binary mixtures (BPA/BPAP and BPA/BPC) decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, but the significant difference was only observed for the combination of BPA/BPC (both at 40 µM). After 96-h exposure, none of the BPs studied affected cell viability in HepG2 spheroids. Only the combination of BPA/BPAP decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner that was significant for the combination of 4 µM BPA and 4 µM BPAP. None of the BPs and their binary mixtures studied affected the surface area and growth of spheroids as measured by planimetry. In addition, all BPs and their binary mixtures studied triggered oxidative stress, as measured by the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, at both exposure times. Overall, the results suggest that it is important to study the effects of BPs as single compounds. It is even more important to study the effects of combined exposures, as the combined effects may differ from those induced by single compounds.
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10
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Measuring DNA modifications with the comet assay: a compendium of protocols. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:929-989. [PMID: 36707722 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00754-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The comet assay is a versatile method to detect nuclear DNA damage in individual eukaryotic cells, from yeast to human. The types of damage detected encompass DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites (e.g., apurinic/apyrimidinic sites), alkylated and oxidized nucleobases, DNA-DNA crosslinks, UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and some chemically induced DNA adducts. Depending on the specimen type, there are important modifications to the comet assay protocol to avoid the formation of additional DNA damage during the processing of samples and to ensure sufficient sensitivity to detect differences in damage levels between sample groups. Various applications of the comet assay have been validated by research groups in academia, industry and regulatory agencies, and its strengths are highlighted by the adoption of the comet assay as an in vivo test for genotoxicity in animal organs by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The present document includes a series of consensus protocols that describe the application of the comet assay to a wide variety of cell types, species and types of DNA damage, thereby demonstrating its versatility.
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11
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Chipangura JK, Ntamo Y, Mohr B, Chellan N. A review of challenges and prospects of 3D cell-based culture models used for studying drug induced liver injury during early phases of drug development. Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271221147884. [PMID: 36879529 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221147884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the leading cause of compound attrition during drug development. Over the years, a battery of in-vitro cell culture toxicity tests is being conducted to evaluate the toxicity of compounds prior to testing in laboratory animals. Two-dimensional (2D) in-vitro cell culture models are commonly used and have provided a great deal of knowledge; however, these models often fall short in mimicking natural structures of tissues in-vivo. Testing in humans is the most logical method, but unfortunately there are ethical limitations associated with human tests. To overcome these limitations better human-relevant, predictive models are required. The past decade has witnessed significant efforts towards the development of three-dimensional (3D) in-vitro cell culture models better mimicking in-vivo physiology. 3D cell culture has advantages in being representative of the interactions of cells in-vivo and when validated can act as an interphase between 2D cell culture models and in-vivo animal models. The current review seeks to provide an overview of the challenges that make biomarkers used for detection of DILI not to be sensitive enough during drug development and explore how 3D cell culture models can be used to address the gap with the current models.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Chipangura
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town Research Animal Facility, South Africa
| | - Yonela Ntamo
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Bert Mohr
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town Research Animal Facility, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Chellan
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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Sendra M, Štampar M, Fras K, Novoa B, Figueras A, Žegura B. Adverse (geno)toxic effects of bisphenol A and its analogues in hepatic 3D cell model. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107721. [PMID: 36580735 PMCID: PMC9875311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and versatile chemical compounds in polymer additives and epoxy resins for manufacturing a range of products for human applications. It is known as endocrine disruptor, however, there is growing evidence that it is genotoxic. Because of its adverse effects, the European Union has restricted its use to protect human health and the environment. As a result, the industry has begun developing BPA analogues, but there are not yet sufficient toxicity data to claim that they are safe. We investigated the adverse toxic effects of BPA and its analogues (BPS, BPAP, BPAF, BPFL, and BPC) with emphasis on their cytotoxic and genotoxic activities after short (24-h) and prolonged (96-h) exposure in in vitro hepatic three-dimensional cell model developed from HepG2 cells. The results showed that BPFL and BPC (formed by an additional ring system) were the most cytotoxic analogues that affected cell viability, spheroid surface area and morphology, cell proliferation, and apoptotic cell death. BPA, BPAP, and BPAF induced DNA double-strand break formation (γH2AX assay), whereas BPAF and BPC increased the percentage of p-H3-positive cells, indicating their aneugenic activity. All BPs induced DNA single-strand break formation (comet assay), with BPAP (≥0.1 μM) being the most effective and BPA and BPC the least effective (≥1 μM) under conditions applied. The results indicate that not all of the analogues studied are safer alternatives to BPA and thus more in-depth research is urgently needed to adequately evaluate the risks of BPA analogues and assess their safety for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sendra
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos, 09001 Burgos, Spain; International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials-ICCRAM, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
| | - Martina Štampar
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Katarina Fras
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Immunology and Genomics Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Vigo, Spain.
| | - Antonio Figueras
- Immunology and Genomics Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Vigo, Spain.
| | - Bojana Žegura
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Caipa Garcia AL, Kucab JE, Al-Serori H, Beck RSS, Fischer F, Hufnagel M, Hartwig A, Floeder A, Balbo S, Francies H, Garnett M, Huch M, Drost J, Zilbauer M, Arlt VM, Phillips DH. Metabolic Activation of Benzo[ a]pyrene by Human Tissue Organoid Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010606. [PMID: 36614051 PMCID: PMC9820386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids are 3D cultures that to some extent reproduce the structure, composition and function of the mammalian tissues from which they derive, thereby creating in vitro systems with more in vivo-like characteristics than 2D monocultures. Here, the ability of human organoids derived from normal gastric, pancreas, liver, colon and kidney tissues to metabolise the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was investigated. While organoids from the different tissues showed varied cytotoxic responses to BaP, with gastric and colon organoids being the most susceptible, the xenobiotic-metabolising enzyme (XME) genes, CYP1A1 and NQO1, were highly upregulated in all organoid types, with kidney organoids having the highest levels. Furthermore, the presence of two key metabolites, BaP-t-7,8-dihydrodiol and BaP-tetrol-l-1, was detected in all organoid types, confirming their ability to metabolise BaP. BaP bioactivation was confirmed both by the activation of the DNA damage response pathway (induction of p-p53, pCHK2, p21 and γ-H2AX) and by DNA adduct formation. Overall, pancreatic and undifferentiated liver organoids formed the highest levels of DNA adducts. Colon organoids had the lowest responses in DNA adduct and metabolite formation, as well as XME expression. Additionally, high-throughput RT-qPCR explored differences in gene expression between organoid types after BaP treatment. The results demonstrate the potential usefulness of organoids for studying environmental carcinogenesis and genetic toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L. Caipa Garcia
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Jill E. Kucab
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Halh Al-Serori
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Rebekah S. S. Beck
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Franziska Fischer
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Applied Biosciences, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Matthias Hufnagel
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Applied Biosciences, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartwig
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Applied Biosciences, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrew Floeder
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Silvia Balbo
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | | - Meritxell Huch
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Oncode Institute, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Zilbauer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Volker M. Arlt
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - David H. Phillips
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
- Correspondence:
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Li J, Diamante G, Ahn IS, Wijaya D, Wang X, Chang CH, Ha SM, Immadisetty K, Meng H, Nel A, Yang X, Xia T. Determination of the nanoparticle- and cell-specific toxicological mechanisms in 3D liver spheroids using scRNAseq analysis. NANO TODAY 2022; 47:101652. [PMID: 36911538 PMCID: PMC10004129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are commonly used in consumer products, allowing exposure to target organs such as the lung, liver, and skin that could lead to adverse health effects in humans. To better reflect on toxicological effects in liver cells, it is important to consider the contribution of hepatocyte morphology, function, and intercellular interactions in a dynamic 3D microenvironment. Herein, we used a 3D liver spheroid model containing hepatocyte and Kupffer cells (KCs) to study the effects of three different material compositions, namely vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), titanium dioxide (TiO2), or graphene oxide (GO). Additionally, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to determine the nanoparticle (NP) and cell-specific toxicological responses. A general finding was that hepatocytes exhibit more variation in gene expression and adaptation of signaling pathways than KCs. TNF-α production tied to the NF-κB pathway was a commonly affected pathway by all NPs while impacts on the metabolic function of hepatocytes were unique to V2O5. V2O5 NPs also showed the largest number of differentially expressed genes in both cell types, many of which are related to pro-inflammatory and apoptotic response pathways. There was also evidence of mitochondrial ROS generation and caspase-1 activation after GO and V2O5 treatment, in association with cytokine production. All considered, this study provides insight into the impact of nanoparticles on gene responses in key liver cell types, providing us with a scRNAseq platform that can be used for high-content screening of nanomaterial impact on the liver, for use in biosafety and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiulong Li
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Graciel Diamante
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - In Sook Ahn
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Darren Wijaya
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chong Hyun Chang
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sung-min Ha
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kavya Immadisetty
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Huan Meng
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - André Nel
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xia Yang
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tian Xia
- Center of Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN), California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of NanoMedicine, Department of Medicine, California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Duan S, Jia Y, Zhu Z, Wang L, Xu P, Wang Y, Di B, Hu C. Induction of CYP450 by illicit drugs: Studies using an in vitro 3D spheroidal model in comparison to animals. Toxicol Lett 2022; 367:88-95. [PMID: 35914676 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.07.815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Information regarding the metabolism of illicit drugs is under urgent need for toxicological assessment. Its development, however, is limited by the currently available animal models. To this end, we proposed three-dimensional (3D) HepaRG spheroids as an in vitro model to study the effects of illicit drugs on hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes and potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). By comparing the results from animal and cell experiments, we confirmed the significant impact of heroin, morphine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and fentanyl on CYP450 enzymes, and the 3D spheroids results were in good agreement with the animal results for 2B6, 2C19, 2D6. Using 3D HepaRG spheroids, we demonstrated DDIs between heroin as a 2B6 perpetrator and clinical medicine for cancer, depression, and illicit drug withdrawal. Specifically, the clearance rate of 5.4μM bupropion was increased by 214% under DDI with 5µM heroin, highlighting the importance of DDI pre-screening and individualized medication guidance for illicit drug users. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding the metabolic toxicity of illicit drugs and suggests 3D HepaRG spheroids as a high-throughput and cost-efficient platform for DDI analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Duan
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Jia
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhihang Zhu
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lancheng Wang
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Youmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Di
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chi Hu
- China National Narcotics Control Commission - China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, No. 24 Tongjiaxiang Road, Nanjing 210009, China.
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The Protective Effect of Trichosanthes kirilowii Peel Polysaccharide on the Oxidative Damaged HepG2 and HUASMC Cells. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:1792977. [PMID: 35919037 PMCID: PMC9314172 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1792977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress is an important cause of liver disease and atherosclerosis. Natural substances with antioxidant activity are good drugs for treating liver disease and atherosclerosis. Trichosanthes kirilowii Peel Polysaccharide (TKPP) can remove DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals and hydroxyl free radicals in vitro, which shows antioxidant activity. Therefore, it is speculated that it can protect human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and umbilical artery smooth muscle cell (HUASMC) against oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Methods Oxidative damage cell models of HepG2 and HUASMC were induced by H2O2. HepG2 and HUASMC were divided into blank group, H2O2 injury group, TKPP treatment group, and glutathione (GSH) positive control group. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell viability. The level of total GSH and the amount of Nitric oxide (NO) secreted by cells were detected by specific kits. The gene and protein expressions of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot. Results In these two kinds of cells, compared with the control group, the survival rate, total GSH level, and NO secretion, CAT and SOD gene and protein expressions were significantly decreased in the H2O2 damaged group. In the TKPP treatment group, the cell survival rate was significantly elevated with the increase of the polysaccharide concentration, and the total GSH level, NO secretion, CAT and SOD gene expression, and protein expression levels were also significantly increased. Conclusion TKPP can improve the activities of HepG2 and HUASMC cells damaged by H2O2 and protect the cellular antioxidant system.
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HepG2-Based Designer Cells with Heat-Inducible Enhanced Liver Functions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071194. [PMID: 35406758 PMCID: PMC8997820 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional human hepatocytes have been a pivotal tool in pharmacological studies such as those investigating drug metabolism and hepatotoxicity. However, primary human hepatocytes are difficult to obtain in large quantities and may cause ethical problems, necessitating the development of a new cell source to replace human primary hepatocytes. We previously developed genetically modified murine hepatoma cell lines with inducible enhanced liver functions, in which eight liver-enriched transcription factor (LETF) genes were introduced into hepatoma cells as inducible transgene expression cassettes. Here, we establish a human hepatoma cell line with heat-inducible liver functions using HepG2 cells. The genetically modified hepatoma cells, designated HepG2/8F_HS, actively proliferated under normal culture conditions and, therefore, can be easily prepared in large quantities. When the expression of LETFs was induced by heat treatment at 43 °C for 30 min, cells ceased proliferation and demonstrated enhanced liver functions. Furthermore, three-dimensional spheroid cultures of HepG2/8F_HS cells showed a further increase in liver functions upon heat treatment. Comprehensive transcriptome analysis using DNA microarrays revealed that HepG2/8F_HS cells had enhanced overall expression of many liver function-related genes following heat treatment. HepG2/8F_HS cells could be useful as a new cell source for pharmacological studies and for constructing bioartificial liver systems.
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Štampar M, Žabkar S, Filipič M, Žegura B. HepG2 spheroids as a biosensor-like cell-based system for (geno)toxicity assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132805. [PMID: 34767844 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
3D spheroids developed from HepG2 cells were used as a biosensor-like system for the detection of (geno)toxic effects induced by chemicals. Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) with well-known mechanisms of action were used for system validation. HepG2 spheroids grown for 3 days were exposed to BaP and PhIP for 24 and 72 h. The growth and viability of spheroids were monitored by planimetry and Live/Dead staining of cells. Multi-parametric flow cytometric analysis was applied for simultaneous detection of specific end-effects including cell cycle analysis (Hoechst staining), cell proliferation (KI67 marker), and DNA double-strand breaks (ℽH2AX) induced by genotoxic compounds. Depending on the exposure concentration/time, BaP reduced spheroid growth, affected cell proliferation by arresting cells in S and G2 phase and induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Simultaneous staining of ℽH2AX formation and cell cycle analysis revealed that after BaP (10 μM; 24 h) exposure 60% of cells in G0/G1 phase had DNA DSB, while after 72 h only 20% of cells contained DSB indicating efficient repair of DNA lesions. PhIP did not influence the spheroid size whereas accumulation of cells in the G2 phase occurred after both treatment times. The evaluation of DNA damage revealed that at 200 μM PhIP 50% of cells in G0/G1 phase had DNA DSB, which after 72-h exposure dropped to 40%, showing lower repair capacity of PhIP-induced DSB compared to BaP-induced. The developed approach using simultaneous detection of several parameters provides mechanistic data and thus contributes to more reliable genotoxicity assessment of chemicals as a high-content screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Štampar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Sonja Žabkar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Metka Filipič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bojana Žegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Romualdo GR, Leroy K, Costa CJS, Prata GB, Vanderborght B, da Silva TC, Barbisan LF, Andraus W, Devisscher L, Câmara NOS, Vinken M, Cogliati B. In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Strategies for Translational Modeling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5583. [PMID: 34771745 PMCID: PMC8582701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is a complex multistep disease and usually emerges in the setting of chronic liver diseases. The molecular pathogenesis of HCC varies according to the etiology, mainly caused by chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, chronic alcohol consumption, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. The establishment of HCC models has become essential for both basic and translational research to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology and unravel new molecular drivers of this disease. The ideal model should recapitulate key events observed during hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC progression in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to be translated into clinical practice. Despite considerable efforts currently devoted to liver cancer research, only a few anti-HCC drugs are available, and patient prognosis and survival are still poor. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used for translational modeling of HCC with a specific focus on their key molecular hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Gabriel Bacil Prata
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil; (G.B.P.); (L.F.B.)
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Hepatology Research Unit, Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Câmara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences IV, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (G.R.R.); (C.J.S.C.); (T.C.d.S.)
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3D Cell Culture Technology – A New Insight Into in Vitro Research – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Most in vitro cell-based research is based on two-dimensional (2D) systems where growth and development take place on a flat surface, which does not reflect the natural environment of the cells. The imperfection and limitations of culture in 2D systems eventually led to the creation of three-dimensional (3D) culture models that more closely reproduce the actual conditions of physiological cell growth. Since the inception of 3D culture technology, many culture models have been developed, such as technologies of multicellular spheroids, organoids, and organs on chips in the technology of scaffolding, hydrogels, bio-printing and liquid media. In this review we will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the 2D vs. 3D cell cultures technologies. We will also try to sum up available 3D culture systems and materials for building 3D scaffolds.
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Zingales V, Torriero N, Zanella L, Fernández-Franzón M, Ruiz MJ, Esposito MR, Cimetta E. Development of an in vitro neuroblastoma 3D model and its application for sterigmatocystin-induced cytotoxicity testing. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 157:112605. [PMID: 34634377 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Given the increasing importance of establishing better risk assessments for mycotoxins, novel in vitro tools for the evaluation of their toxicity are mandatory. In this study, an in vitro 3D spheroid model from SH-SY5Y cells, a human neuroblastoma cell line, was developed, optimized and characterized to test the cytotoxic effects caused by the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (STE). STE induced a concentration- and time-dependent cell viability decrease in spheroids. Spheroids displayed cell disaggregation after STE exposure, increasing in a dose-dependent manner and over time. STE also induced apoptosis as confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Following the decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, STE cytostasis effects were observed by migration assays both in 2D and 3D cell culture. Increased ROS generation, as well as DNA damage were also observed. Taken together, these data highlight the cytotoxic properties of STE and suggest that cell culture models play a pivotal role in the toxicological risk assessment of mycotoxins. The evaluation of cytotoxicity in spheroids (3D) rather than monolayer cultures (2D) is expected to more accurately reflect in vivo-like cell behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Zingales
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Noemi Torriero
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città Della Speranza (IRP) - Lab NBTECH, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Zanella
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Mónica Fernández-Franzón
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria-José Ruiz
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Rosaria Esposito
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città Della Speranza (IRP) - Lab NBTECH, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Cimetta
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy; Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Città Della Speranza (IRP) - Lab NBTECH, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padova, Italy; Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale per le Biotecnologie Innovative (CRIBI) - Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Three-Dimensional Liver Culture Systems to Maintain Primary Hepatic Properties for Toxicological Analysis In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910214. [PMID: 34638555 PMCID: PMC8508724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the major reason for failures in drug development and withdrawal of approved drugs from the market. Two-dimensional cultures of hepatocytes often fail to reliably predict DILI: hepatoma cell lines such as HepG2 do not reflect important primary-like hepatic properties and primary human hepatocytes (pHHs) dedifferentiate quickly in vitro and are, therefore, not suitable for long-term toxicity studies. More predictive liver in vitro models are urgently required in drug development and compound safety evaluation. This review discusses available human hepatic cell types for in vitro toxicology analysis and their usage in established and emerging three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. Generally, 3D cultures maintain or improve primary hepatic functions (including expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes) of different liver cells for several weeks of culture, thus allowing long-term and repeated-dose toxicity studies. Spheroid cultures of pHHs have been comprehensively tested, but also other cell types such as HepaRG benefit from 3D culture systems. Emerging 3D culture techniques include usage of induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived hepatocytes and primary-like upcyte cells, as well as advanced culture techniques such as microfluidic liver-on-a-chip models. In-depth characterization of existing and emerging 3D hepatocyte technologies is indispensable for successful implementation of such systems in toxicological analysis.
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Blidisel A, Marcovici I, Coricovac D, Hut F, Dehelean CA, Cretu OM. Experimental Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-A Preclinical Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3651. [PMID: 34359553 PMCID: PMC8344976 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent form of primary liver carcinoma, is a heterogenous and complex tumor type with increased incidence, poor prognosis, and high mortality. The actual therapeutic arsenal is narrow and poorly effective, rendering this disease a global health concern. Although considerable progress has been made in terms of understanding the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, genetics, and therapeutical approaches, several facets of human HCC remain undiscovered. A valuable and prompt approach to acquire further knowledge about the unrevealed aspects of HCC and novel therapeutic candidates is represented by the application of experimental models. Experimental models (in vivo and in vitro 2D and 3D models) are considered reliable tools to gather data for clinical usability. This review offers an overview of the currently available preclinical models frequently applied for the study of hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of initiation, development, and progression, as well as for the discovery of efficient treatments, highlighting the advantages and the limitations of each model. Furthermore, we also focus on the role played by computational studies (in silico models and artificial intelligence-based prediction models) as promising novel tools in liver cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Blidisel
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
| | - Iasmina Marcovici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Dorina Coricovac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Florin Hut
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
| | - Cristina Adriana Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Marius Cretu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, RO-300041 Timișoara, Romania; (A.B.); (F.H.); (O.M.C.)
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Conway GE, Shah UK, Llewellyn S, Cervena T, Evans SJ, Al Ali AS, Jenkins GJ, Clift MJD, Doak SH. Adaptation of the in vitro micronucleus assay for genotoxicity testing using 3D liver models supporting longer-term exposure durations. Mutagenesis 2021; 35:319-330. [PMID: 32780103 PMCID: PMC7486679 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following advancements in the field of genotoxicology, it has become widely accepted that 3D models are not only more physiologically relevant but also have the capacity to elucidate more complex biological processes that standard 2D monocultures are unable to. Whilst 3D liver models have been developed to evaluate the short-term genotoxicity of chemicals, the aim of this study was to develop a 3D model that could be used with the regulatory accepted in vitro micronucleus (MN) following low-dose, longer-term (5 days) exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). A comparison study was carried out between advanced models generated from two commonly used liver cell lines, namely HepaRG and HepG2, in spheroid format. While both spheroid systems displayed good liver functionality and viability over 14 days, the HepaRG spheroids lacked the capacity to actively proliferate and, therefore, were considered unsuitable for use with the MN assay. This study further demonstrated the efficacy of the in vitro 3D HepG2 model to be used for short-term (24 h) exposures to genotoxic chemicals, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and methyl-methanesulfonate (MMS). The 3D HepG2 liver spheroids were shown to be more sensitive to DNA damage induced by AFB1 and MMS when compared to the HepG2 2D monoculture. This 3D model was further developed to allow for longer-term (5 day) ENM exposure. Four days after seeding, HepG2 spheroids were exposed to Zinc Oxide ENM (0–2 µg/ml) for 5 days and assessed using both the cytokinesis-block MN (CBMN) version of the MN assay and the mononuclear MN assay. Following a 5-day exposure, differences in MN frequency were observed between the CBMN and mononuclear MN assay, demonstrating that DNA damage induced within the first few cell cycles is distributed across the mononucleated cell population. Together, this study demonstrates the necessity to adapt the MN assay accordingly, to allow for the accurate assessment of genotoxicity following longer-term, low-dose ENM exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E Conway
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Ume-Kulsoom Shah
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Samantha Llewellyn
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Tereza Cervena
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK.,Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stephen J Evans
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Abdullah S Al Ali
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Gareth J Jenkins
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Martin J D Clift
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Shareen H Doak
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, UK
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25
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Caipa Garcia AL, Arlt VM, Phillips DH. Organoids for toxicology and genetic toxicology: applications with drugs and prospects for environmental carcinogenesis. Mutagenesis 2021; 37:143-154. [PMID: 34147034 PMCID: PMC9071088 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technology have led to the development of more biologically and physiologically relevant models to study organ development, disease, toxicology and drug screening. Organoids have been derived from many mammalian tissues, both normal and tumour, from adult stem cells and from pluripotent stem cells. Tissue organoids can retain many of the cell types and much of the structure and function of the organ of origin. Organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells display increased complexity compared with organoids derived from adult stem cells. It has been shown that organoids express many functional xenobiotic-metabolising enzymes including cytochrome P450s (CYPs). This has benefitted the drug development field in facilitating pre-clinical testing of more personalised treatments and in developing large toxicity and efficacy screens for a range of compounds. In the field of environmental and genetic toxicology, treatment of organoids with various compounds has generated responses that are close to those obtained in primary tissues and in vivo models, demonstrating the biological relevance of these in vitro multicellular 3D systems. Toxicological investigations of compounds in different tissue organoids have produced promising results indicating that organoids will refine future studies on the effects of environmental exposures and carcinogenic risk to humans. With further development and standardised procedures, advancing our understanding on the metabolic capabilities of organoids will help to validate their use to investigate the modes of action of environmental carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Caipa Garcia
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Volker M Arlt
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK.,Toxicology Department, GAB Consulting GmbH, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David H Phillips
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
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26
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Sharin T, Gyasi H, Jones SP, Crump D, O'Brien JM. Concentration- and time-dependent induction of Cyp1a and DNA damage response by benzo(a)pyrene in LMH three-dimensional spheroids. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2021; 62:319-327. [PMID: 33956355 DOI: 10.1002/em.22433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In vitro liver toxicity tests performed using cell lines cultured as two-dimensional (2D) monolayer have limited CYP450 activity and may be inadequate for screening chemicals that require activation to exert toxicity. Metabolic competence is greatly improved using three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. In this study, Cyp1a induction, and subsequent DNA damage response induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) were compared in 2D monolayer cells and 3D spheroids of the chicken hepatic cell line, LMH. Cells were exposed to BaP (0.1-100 μM) for different durations: 8, 24, 35, or 48 hr. Cyp1a activity, mRNA expression of Cyp1a and DNA damage response (DDR) genes, and phosphorylation of H2AX (γH2AX) were determined using the EROD assay, a customized PCR array, and flow cytometry, respectively. EROD activity was induced at 8 hr and achieved maximal induction at 24 hr in spheroids; earlier time points than for monolayer cells. In spheroids, BaP exposure resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in Cyp1a4 mRNA expression at 8 hr followed by upregulation of DDR genes at 24 hr, whereas Cyp1a4 mRNA induction was only observed at 48 hr in monolayer cells. Cyp1a5 mRNA was induced at 8 hr in monolayer cells but maximum induction was greater in spheroids. An increase in γH2AX was observed at 24 hr in spheroids; this endpoint was not evaluated in monolayer cells. These results suggest that BaP metabolism precedes the DNA damage response and occurs earlier in 3D spheroids. This study demonstrates that LMH 3D spheroids could be a suitable metabolically-competent in vitro model to measure genotoxicity of chemicals that require metabolic activation by Cyp1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnia Sharin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helina Gyasi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie P Jones
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason M O'Brien
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Vigil TN, Zhang-Hulsey D, Santos JL, Patrick Hussmann G. Expediting in vitro characterization of mRNA-based gene therapies via high-content fluorescent imaging. Anal Biochem 2021; 627:114259. [PMID: 34033800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
mRNA-based therapeutics have progressed significantly over the past decade and hold great potential to treat several diseases, including but not limited to cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. Many mRNA therapeutics are encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which stabilize the mRNA and, following patient administration, transfect target cells to deliver the therapeutic mRNA. Developing reliable and robust in vitro bioassays is critical for expediting early screening of LNP-mRNA formulations, as well as identifying and developing lead candidate drug products. In this study, high-content fluorescent imaging was used to monitor LNP-mRNA transfections in both two- and three-dimensional HepG2 cell cultures. This technique allowed for continuous and simultaneous measurement of multiple LNP-mRNA transfection parameters, including cellular cytotoxicity, mRNA delivery, and mRNA translation/protein expression. Moreover, high-content imaging demonstrated acceptable accuracy and precision when quantifying the potency of mRNA delivery and subsequent translation and protein expression, thereby establishing the method as fit-for-purpose. Furthermore, concurrent evaluation of two different LNP formulations showed high-content imaging is sensitive at detecting pharmacological differences among varying LNP formulations. This study details the efficiency and reliability of LNP-mRNA characterizations that can be accomplished with high-content imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toriana N Vigil
- Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA; Johns Hopkins University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Diana Zhang-Hulsey
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Professional Scientific Services, LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Jose Luis Santos
- Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA.
| | - G Patrick Hussmann
- Biopharmaceutical Development, Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA.
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28
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Coltman NJ, Coke BA, Chatzi K, Shepherd EL, Lalor PF, Schulz-Utermoehl T, Hodges NJ. Application of HepG2/C3A liver spheroids as a model system for genotoxicity studies. Toxicol Lett 2021; 345:34-45. [PMID: 33865918 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
HepG2 cells continue to be a valuable tool in early drug discovery and pharmaceutical development. In the current study we develop a 3D in vitro liver model, using HepG2/C3A cells that is predictive of human genotoxic exposure. HepG2/C3A cells cultured for 7-days in agarose-coated microplates formed spheroids which were uniform in shape and had well defined outer perimeters and no evidence of a hypoxic core. Quantitative real-time-PCR analysis showed statistically significant transcriptional upregulation of xenobiotic metabolising genes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, UG1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A6, EPHX, NAT2) and genes linked to liver function (ALB, CAR) in 3D cultures. In response to three model pro-genotoxicants: benzo[a]pyrene, amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), we observed further transcriptional upregulation of xenobiotic metabolising genes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, NAT1/2, SULT1A2, UGT1A1, UGT1A3) compared to untreated spheroids. Consistent with this, spheroids were more sensitive than 2D monolayers to compound induced single- and double- stranded DNA-damage as assessed by the comet assay and γH2AX phosphorylation respectively. In contrast, levels of DNA-damage induced by the direct acting mutagen 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO) was the same in spheroids and monolayers. In support of the enhanced genotoxic response in spheroids we also observed transcriptional upregulation of genes relating to DNA-damage and cellular stress response (e.g. GADD45A and CDKN1A) in spheroids. In conclusion, HepG2/C3A 3D spheroids are a sensitive model for in vitro genotoxicity assessment with potential applications in early stage drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Coltman
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Brandon A Coke
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kyriaki Chatzi
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L Shepherd
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia F Lalor
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Schulz-Utermoehl
- Sygnature Discovery, The Discovery Building, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolas J Hodges
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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29
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Taymour R, Kilian D, Ahlfeld T, Gelinsky M, Lode A. 3D bioprinting of hepatocytes: core-shell structured co-cultures with fibroblasts for enhanced functionality. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5130. [PMID: 33664366 PMCID: PMC7933206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84384-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With the aim of understanding and recapitulating cellular interactions of hepatocytes in their physiological microenvironment and to generate an artificial 3D in vitro model, a co-culture system using 3D extrusion bioprinting was developed. A bioink based on alginate and methylcellulose (algMC) was first shown to be suitable for bioprinting of hepatocytes; the addition of Matrigel to algMC enhanced proliferation and morphology of them in monophasic scaffolds. Towards a more complex system that allows studying cellular interactions, we applied core-shell bioprinting to establish tailored 3D co-culture models for hepatocytes. The bioinks were specifically functionalized with natural matrix components (based on human plasma, fibrin or Matrigel) and used to co-print fibroblasts and hepatocytes in a spatially defined, coaxial manner. Fibroblasts acted as supportive cells for co-cultured hepatocytes, stimulating the expression of certain biomarkers of hepatocytes like albumin. Furthermore, matrix functionalization positively influenced both cell types in their respective compartments by enhancing their adhesion, viability, proliferation and function. In conclusion, we established a functional co-culture model with independently tunable compartments for different cell types via core-shell bioprinting. This provides the basis for more complex in vitro models allowing co-cultivation of hepatocytes with other liver-specific cell types to closely resemble the liver microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Taymour
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - David Kilian
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tilman Ahlfeld
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Gelinsky
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Lode
- Centre for Translational Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Method to Disassemble Spheroids into Core and Rim for Downstream Applications Such as Flow Cytometry, Comet Assay, Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Lipidomics. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33604853 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cells cultured in a monolayer have been a central tool in molecular and cell biology, toxicology, biochemistry, and so on. Therefore, most methods for adherent cells in cell biology are tailored to this format of cell culturing. Limitations and disadvantages of monolayer cultures, however, have resulted in the ongoing development of advanced cell culturing techniques. One such technique is culturing cells as multicellular spheroids, that had been shown to mimic the physiological conditions found in vivo more accurately. This chapter presents a novel method for separation of the spheroid rim and core in mature spheroids (>21 days) for further analysis using advanced molecular biology techniques such as flow cytometry, viability estimations, comet assay, transcriptomics, proteomics and lipidomic. This fast and gentle disassembly of intact spheroids into rim and core fractions, and further into viable single-cell suspension provides an opportunity to bridge the gap from 3D cell culture to current state-of-the-art analysis methods.
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31
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Štampar M, Sedighi Frandsen H, Rogowska-Wrzesinska A, Wrzesinski K, Filipič M, Žegura B. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2/C3A) cell-based 3D model for genotoxicity testing of chemicals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:143255. [PMID: 33187710 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The major weakness of the current in vitro genotoxicity test systems is the inability of the indicator cells to express metabolic enzymes needed for the activation and detoxification of genotoxic compounds, which consequently can lead to misleading results. Thus, there is a significant emphasis on developing hepatic cell models, including advanced in vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell-based systems, which better imitate in vivo cell behaviour and offer more accurate and predictive data for human exposures. In this study, we developed an approach for genotoxicity testing with 21-day old spheroids formed from human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2/C3A) using the dynamic clinostat bioreactor system (CelVivo BAM/bioreactor) under controlled conditions. The spheroids were exposed to indirect-acting genotoxic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH; benzo(a) pyrene B(a)P], and heterocyclic aromatic amine [PhIP]) at non-cytotoxic concentrations for 24 and 96 h. The results showed that both environmental pollutants B(a)P and PhIP significantly increased the level of DNA strand breaks assessed by the comet assay. Further, the mRNA level of selected genes encoding metabolic enzymes from phase I and II, and DNA damage responsive genes was determined (qPCR). The 21-day old spheroids showed higher basal expression of genes encoding metabolic enzymes compared to monolayer culture. In spheroids, B(a)P or PhIP induced compound-specific up-regulation of genes implicated in their metabolism, and deregulation of genes implicated in DNA damage and immediate-early response. The study demonstrated that this model utilizing HepG2/C3A spheroids grown under dynamic clinostat conditions represents a very sensitive and promising in vitro model for genotoxicity and environmental studies and can thus significantly contribute to a more reliable assessment of genotoxic activities of pure chemicals, and complex environmental samples even at very low for environmental exposure relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Štampar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Helle Sedighi Frandsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Metka Filipič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bojana Žegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Štampar M, Breznik B, Filipič M, Žegura B. Characterization of In Vitro 3D Cell Model Developed from Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cell Line. Cells 2020; 9:E2557. [PMID: 33260628 PMCID: PMC7759933 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In genetic toxicology, there is a trend against the increased use of in vivo models as highlighted by the 3R strategy, thus encouraging the development and implementation of alternative models. Two-dimensional (2D) hepatic cell models, which are generally used for studying the adverse effects of chemicals and consumer products, are prone to giving misleading results. On the other hand, newly developed hepatic three-dimensional (3D) cell models provide an attractive alternative, which, due to improved cell interactions and a higher level of liver-specific functions, including metabolic enzymes, reflect in vivo conditions more accurately. We developed an in vitro 3D cell model from the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. The spheroids were cultured under static conditions and characterised by monitoring their growth, morphology, and cell viability during the time of cultivation. A time-dependent suppression of cell division was observed. Cell cycle analysis showed time-dependent accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Moreover, time-dependent downregulation of proliferation markers was shown at the mRNA level. Genes encoding hepatic markers, metabolic phase I/II enzymes, were time-dependently deregulated compared to monolayers. New knowledge on the characteristics of the 3D cell model is of great importance for its further development and application in the safety assessment of chemicals, food products, and complex mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Štampar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Š.); (B.B.); (M.F.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Š.); (B.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Metka Filipič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Š.); (B.B.); (M.F.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Žegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Š.); (B.B.); (M.F.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hercog K, Štampar M, Štern A, Filipič M, Žegura B. Application of advanced HepG2 3D cell model for studying genotoxic activity of cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114965. [PMID: 32559695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is an emerging cyanotoxin increasingly being found in freshwater cyanobacterial blooms worldwide. Humans and animals are exposed to CYN through the consumption of contaminated water and food as well as occupational and recreational water activities; therefore, it represents a potential health threat. It exhibits genotoxic effects in metabolically active test systems, thus it is considered as pro-genotoxic. In the present study, the advanced 3D cell model developed from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells was used for the evaluation of CYN cyto-/genotoxic activity. Spheroids were formed by forced floating method and were cultured for three days under static conditions prior to exposure to CYN (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 μg/mL) for 72 h. CYN influence on spheroid growth was measured daily and cell survival was determined by MTS assay and live/dead staining. The influence on cell proliferation, cell cycle alterations and induction of DNA damage (γH2AX) was determined using flow cytometry. Further, the expression of selected genes (qPCR) involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, proliferation, DNA damage response, apoptosis and oxidative stress was studied. Results revealed that CYN dose-dependently reduced the size of spheroids and affected cell division by arresting HepG2 cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle. No induction of DNA double strand breaks compared to control was determined at applied conditions. The analysis of gene expression revealed that CYN significantly deregulated genes encoding phase I (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, ALDH3A) and II (NAT1, NAT2, SULT1B1, SULT1C2, UGT1A1, UGT2B7) enzymes as well as genes involved in cell proliferation (PCNA, TOP2α), apoptosis (BBC3) and DNA damage response (GADD45a, CDKN1A, ERCC4). The advanced 3D HepG2 cell model due to its more complex structure and improved cellular interactions provides more physiologically relevant information and more predictive data for human exposure, and can thus contribute to more reliable genotoxicity assessment of chemicals including cyanotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Hercog
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Martina Štampar
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Alja Štern
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Metka Filipič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Bojana Žegura
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Kohl Y, Rundén-Pran E, Mariussen E, Hesler M, El Yamani N, Longhin EM, Dusinska M. Genotoxicity of Nanomaterials: Advanced In Vitro Models and High Throughput Methods for Human Hazard Assessment-A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1911. [PMID: 32992722 PMCID: PMC7601632 DOI: 10.3390/nano10101911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the genetic material can lead to serious human health defects, as mutations in somatic cells may cause cancer and can contribute to other chronic diseases. Genotoxic events can appear at both the DNA, chromosomal or (during mitosis) whole genome level. The study of mechanisms leading to genotoxicity is crucially important, as well as the detection of potentially genotoxic compounds. We consider the current state of the art and describe here the main endpoints applied in standard human in vitro models as well as new advanced 3D models that are closer to the in vivo situation. We performed a literature review of in vitro studies published from 2000-2020 (August) dedicated to the genotoxicity of nanomaterials (NMs) in new models. Methods suitable for detection of genotoxicity of NMs will be presented with a focus on advances in miniaturization, organ-on-a-chip and high throughput methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Kohl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany;
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (E.R.-P.); (E.M.); (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Espen Mariussen
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (E.R.-P.); (E.M.); (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Michelle Hesler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany;
| | - Naouale El Yamani
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (E.R.-P.); (E.M.); (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Eleonora Marta Longhin
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (E.R.-P.); (E.M.); (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2007 Kjeller, Norway; (E.R.-P.); (E.M.); (N.E.Y.); (E.M.L.); (M.D.)
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Basu A, Dydowiczová A, Trosko JE, Bláha L, Babica P. Ready to go 3D? A semi-automated protocol for microwell spheroid arrays to increase scalability and throughput of 3D cell culture testing. Toxicol Mech Methods 2020; 30:590-604. [PMID: 32713235 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2020.1800881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
3-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are being increasingly recognized as physiologically more relevant in vitro models than traditional monolayer cultures, because they better mimic in vivo-like microenvironment, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Nevertheless, the broader use of 3D models might be limited by requirements for special consumables, equipment, or skills for 3D cell cultures, and by their limited throughput and scalability. In this study, we optimized and adapted a commercially available agarose-micromolding technique to produce scaffold-free spheroid cultures. Brightfield microscopy was used for routine nondestructive and noninvasive evaluation of spheroid formation and growth. The workflow is compatible with manual, as well as high speed automated microscopic image acquisition, and it is supplemented with an in-house developed macro 'Spheroid_Finder' for open source software Fiji to facilitate rapid automated image analysis. This protocol was used to characterize and quantify spheroid formation and growth of two different hepatic cell lines, hTERT immortalized, but non-cancerous, adult human liver stem cell line HL1-hT1, and human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, as well as their responses to a model antiproliferative and cytotoxic agent, 5-fluorouracil. The complete protocol provides a simple and ready-to-use solution to initiate scaffold-free spheroid cultures in any laboratory with standard equipment for mammalian in vitro cell culture work. Thus, it allows to increase throughput and scale of spheroid culture experiments, which can be greatly utilized in different areas of biomedical, pharmaceutical and toxicological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Basu
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Dydowiczová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, and Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Luděk Bláha
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Ren Y, Geng R, Lu Q, Tan X, Rao R, Zhou H, Yang X, Liu W. Involvement of TGF-β and ROS in G1 Cell Cycle Arrest Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Under UVA Irradiation in a 3D Spheroid Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:1997-2010. [PMID: 32273698 PMCID: PMC7102912 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s238145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As one of the most widely produced engineered nanomaterials, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) are used in biomedicine and healthcare products, and as implant scaffolds; therefore, the toxic mechanism of nano-TiO2 has been extensively investigated with a view to guiding application. Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models can simplify the complex physiological environment and mimic the in vivo architecture of tissues, which is optimal for the assessment of nano-TiO2 toxicity under ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. Methods and Results In the present study, the toxicity of nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation was investigated in 3D H22 spheroids cultured in fibrin gels. A significant reduction of approximately 25% in spheroid diameter was observed following treatment with 100 μg/mL nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation after seven days of culture. Nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation triggered the initiation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, increasing the expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, Cdkn1a, and Cdkn2b at both the mRNA and protein level, which resulted in cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. In addition, nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation also triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were shown to be involved in cell cycle regulation and the induction of TGF-β1 expression. Conclusion Nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and the formation of smaller spheroids, which were associated with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway activation and ROS generation. These results reveal the toxic mechanism of nano-TiO2 under UVA irradiation, providing the possibility for 3D spheroid models to be used in nanotoxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ren
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Runqing Geng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Qunwei Lu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Tan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Rao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China
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