Effect of Lead and Arsenic on HEK 293 Kidney Cell Line

Abstract

Different molecules like drugs, urea, uric acid, other degraded compounds, metal ions, water and salts present in the blood are encountered by the cells of kidney. Molecules that could accumulate in the kidney such as heavy metals might lead towards renal toxicity. The effect produced by the heavy metal toxicity on the protein profile of kidney cell line has been reported earlier. Here, the alterations in the proteins due to treatment of the cell line with lead (Pb) were presented utilizing two dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. Different concentrations of Pb(NO₃)₂ were utilized for this treatment. The pattern of cell density observed to be not affected by the 50 µL concentration of lead and the cells were surviving even after 48 hours. On the other hand, protein spots on 2D gel were noted to be differentially expressed at different time intervals and treatments. Significant morphological changes were observed together with cell death in all treatments of arsenic as compared with control.