Tl(I) and Tl(III) induce alterations in lipid metabolism in differentiated MDCK cells

VERSTRAETEN, SANDRA; FERNANDEZ , MARIA DEL CARMEN; MOREL GOMEZ, EMANUEL

Córdoba

Congreso; LII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; 2016

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (SAIB)

Thallium (Tl)is a toxic heavy metal that contaminates the environment and affects humanhealth. Tl intoxication affects several organs and tissues, being the kidney amain target of Tl toxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms are still poorlyunderstood. Tl has two oxidation states, the monovalent (Tl(I)) and trivalent(Tl(III)) cations. Since most heavy metals disturb cell lipid homeostasis, inthe present work we studied if Tl may affect lipid metabolism in differentiatedrenal epithelial (MDCK) cells. Confluent MDCK cells were differentiated inhypertonic medium for 72 h and further incubated for 48 h in the absence orpresence of Tl(I) or Tl(III) (10 or 100 µM). After incubation, cells werecollected, counted and lipids were extracted. Chloroformic extracts wereresolved by TLC; phospholipids (PLs), cholesterol (Cho) and triacylglycerides(TG) contents were analyzed. Both Tl(I) and Tl(III) significantly increased PLsand Cho. Accordingly, microscopy images showed morphological alterations incells. Together, results could suggest an expansion of membranes. Also, Tl(I)and Tl(III) significantly increased TG content along with an increased LD´s size and number. Also, Tl(I) and Tl(III) increased endogenous lipids biosynthesis. Obtained results indicate that Tl-mediated damage would involvesevere alterations in lipid metabolism. *Both have to be considered as last authors.