Toxicogenomic analysis of gene expression changes in human liver cells after exposure to environmentally friendly lubricants

Abstract

A lubricant based on synthetic esters and a mixture of this lubricant with additives and metals simulating the intake caused by usage were investigated with various ecotoxicological and genotoxicological tests. Tests with algae, daphnids and bacteria demonstrated an influence of the mixture on ecotoxicity. The genotoxicity tests, however, showed no effects for both samples. In addition, genetic effects were examined in detail by using gene expression profiles of HepG2 cells. Comparison of the set of regulated genes for early and late time points indicated a certain concordance between the genes up-regulated after 6 and 24 hours of exposure. The correlation for the corresponding down-regulated gene groups is slightly lower. Generally, the number of regulated genes is low (3-6%) demonstrating a marginal influence. The results indicate that the assessment of gene expression profiles, in addition to the quantification of toxic effects, may give important information on ways of toxic action of a substance. These data can be used in the development of new chemicals or products in order to minimize toxic effects.