Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of fumonisin B sub(1) on rabbit kidney RK13 cell line

• Published in: Archives of toxicology 2002-02, Vol.76 (1), p.55-61
• Main Authors: Rumora, L, KovaCi, S, Rozgaj, R, Cepelak, I, Pepeljnjak, S, ani Grubisi, T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fusarium moniliforme
• ISSN: 0340-5761
• DOI: 10.1007/s00204-001-0304-8

Fumonisins, mycotoxins produced by certain strains of Fusarium moniliforme, could induce various diseases in animals and are suspected human carcinogens. Fumonisin B sub(1) (FB sub(1)), the most commonly found fumonisin, has been characterised as a tumour initiator and a tumour promoter, a mitogen and an anti-proliferative agent. In this study we examined the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of FB sub(1) in rabbit kidney RK13 cells. To evaluate the effects of FB sub(1) on survival of this cell line we analysed cell viability, membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation and overall morphology of the cells. The genotoxic potential of FB sub(1) was estimated by monitoring the ability of this mycotoxin to induce micronuclei in RK13 cells. Exposure to FB sub(1) caused a significant increase in micronucleus frequency in a concentration- and in a time-dependent manner. Nanomolar concentrations of FB sub(1) decreased cell viability after 24 h and even more so after 48 h of exposure. The morphological changes observed suggested that an increased number of RK13 cells were dying by the process of apoptosis. However, FB sub(1) also induced impairments of cell and mitochondrial membrane integrity, as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase leakage. These results could imply that nanomolar concentrations of FB sub(1) induced apoptosis, which subsequently may proceed to secondary necrosis. In summary, our observations suggest that FB sub(1) is genotoxic and cytotoxic to RK13 cells.