[Effects of zearalenone on the proliferation of SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate effects of zearalenone (ZEA) on the proliferation of SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells in vitro and its possible mechanism.


METHODS
SK-N-SH cells were cultured in estrogen-free improved minimum essential medium and divided into 5 groups based on different treatments: group 1, without treatment; group 2, treated with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)); group 3, treated with ZEA; group 4, treated with both E(2) and ICI 182780; group 5, treated with both ZEA and ICI 182780. Absorbance value (AV) was determined at the time point of 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours, and DNA proliferation index (PI) at 72 hours. Flow cytometer, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) were employed to monitor cell apoptosis.


RESULTS
At 24, 48 and 72 hours, the AV of group 3 were 1.39, 1.32, and 1.22 times to those of group 1, respectively. PI in group 3 was 1.43 times of that in group 1 at 72 hours. The results of group 2 were similar to those in group 3. At the same time, the growth of cells was inhibited by ICI 182780 despite the presence of E(2) and ZEA. Apoptosis cells were abundant in group 1 and ICI 182780 groups, but little in E(2) and ZEA groups.


CONCLUSIONS
ZEA might promote the proliferation of SK-N-SH cells to a level similar to that of E(2), which might probably be brought about via estrogen receptor pathways and depressing apoptosis.
Zheng
Ji-cui
JC
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Xiao
Xian-min
XM
Zheng
Shan
S
Dong
Kui-ran
KR
D017209:Apoptosis; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D009447:Neuroblastoma; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015025:Zearalenone / Q000633:toxicity*
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D015025:Zearalenone