The Influence of Selected Transition Elements on Cell Metabolism

The elements are present in the environment. Moreover, they are used in pharmacy and the production of new materials used in medical applications. They are often as environmental pollutants. They can accumulate in organisms and induce toxic effects on the cellular level. HepG2, L₉₂₉ and Caco-2 cell lines were exposed to known concentrations of chromium chloride, iron chloride, nickel chloride, molybdenum trioxide and cobalt chloride (200 or 1000 μ M used alone and in combinations). Concentrations of chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum and cobalt in the cell lysate and the culture medium were determined by ICP-MS. Moreover, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations were also measured. What is more, cells were observed under light and scanning electron microscope. The dose-dependent increase in the concentration of chromium, iron, nickel, molybdenum and cobalt in all cell lines after incubation with elements was observed. Potassium concentration decreases while sodium calcium and magnesium increase after incubation of cells with of mentioned elements. The incubation of cells with microelements induces cell morphology changes. The presented study shows the crucial role of tested microelements in the induction of cell death as a result of an imbalance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentration inside the cell.