[Effects of microcystins on cell cycle and expressions of c-fos and c-jun]

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effects of microcystins on cell cycle and expressions of c-fos and c-jun, and explore the potential carcinogenic mechanisms of Microcystins.

Methods: Microcystic cyanobacteria extraction (MCE) purified by Sep-Pak C(18) cartridge was added into the media and co-incubated with SHE cell for various periods. Immunohistochemistry assay was applied to detect the expressions of c-fos and c-jun at 1, 3, 6 hr time point, and cell cycle at 6, 12, 24 hr point were analyzed by flow cytometry respectively.

Results: Sustained up-regulated expression of c-fos and c-jun were induced by MCE during the experimental period, and 5 - 6 folds increased expression were observed at 6 hour point after treatment. As much as 44.8 per cent of cells were induced to entry S-phase from resting G(0)/G(1).

Conclusion: Up-regulating the expression of transcript factor such as c-fos and c-jun thus to induce cell abnormal proliferation may be the potential carcinogenic mechanisms of microcystins.