Cadmium-induced apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts via disrupted intracellular homeostasis

• Hui Wang ^[1] ; Zheng Liu ^[1] ; Wenxiu Zhang ^[2] ; Ziao Yuan ^[2] ; Hongyi Yuan ^[2] ; Xueting Liu ^[2] ; Chunwen Yang ^[3] ; Weijun Guan ^[2]
  1. [1] Jinzhou Medical University
  2. [2] Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Animal Science
  3. [3] Mudanjiang Normal University College of Life Science and Technology

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• Localización: Biological Research, ISSN-e 0717-6287, ISSN 0716-9760, Nº. 49, 2016, 14 págs.
• Idioma: inglés
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  • Heavy metals can cause great harm to Siberian tigers in the natural environment. Cadmium (Cd2+) is an environmental contaminant that affects multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been shown to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types and tissues. Results: We investigated the apoptotic effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tiger fibroblasts in vitro. Our research revealed the typical signs of apoptosis after Cd²+ exposure. Apoptosis was dose- (0-4.8 μΜ) and duration-dependent (12-48 h), and proliferation was strongly inhibited. Cd²+ increased the activity of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and disrupted calcium homeostasis by causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also increased K+ efflux and altered the mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-8, Fas, and p53. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Cd2+ triggers the apoptosis of Siberian tiger fibroblasts by disturbing intracellular homeostasis. These results will aid in our understanding of the effects of Cd2+ on Siberian tigers and in developing interventions to treat and prevent cadmium poisoning.