Transformation of human kidney cells to tumorigenic phenotype by depleted uranium and suppression by phenyl acetate and sodium selenite

    LI Rong, AI Guoª²Ping, XU Hui, LOU Shuª²Fen, CHENG Tianª²Min, SU Yongª²Ping, ZHENG Huaiª²En, JIANG Jianª²Xin, HUANG Yueª²Sheng

    State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn & Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China

    ¡¾Abstract¡¿ AIM: To investigate whether depleted uranium (DU) could transform human kidney cells (HKC) to tumorigenic phenotype and whether antiª²tumor inhibitor could be used as an effective measure to prevent carcinogenesis. METHODS: After 24 h exposure to soluble DU (0.063-0.500 g/L), HKCs were incubated for 1 day to 3 months with or without 1.0-2.5 ¦Ìmol/L phenyl acetate or sodium selenite. The colony form efficient (CFE), growth curve and ConA agglomeration test in cells were observed. Some experiments such as anchorageª²independent growth, tumor formation in nude mice, production of fragile histidine triad (FHIT)tumorª²suppressor protein in cells were conducted. RESULTS: From 20 to 30 passages, HKC induced by DU formed colonies in soft agar and produced tumor in athymic mice. Expression of FHIT protein in some cells decreased. Both phenyl acetate and sodium selenite reduced the frequency of colony formation in soft agar to (0.6¡À0.1)¡ë. No tumor was found in athymic mice (0/3) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HKCs treated with DU solution are transformed into tumorigenic phenotype. The transformation in vitro can be suppressed effectively by phenyl acetate and sodium selenite. ......