Lead induces mouse skin fibroblast apoptosis by disrupting intracellular homeostasis

Lead (Pb) is a critical industrial and environmental contaminant that can cause pathophysiological changes in several cellular and organ systems and their processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and survival. The skin is readily exposed to and damaged by Pb, but the mechanisms through which Pb damages cells are not fully understood. We examined the apoptotic properties of Pb in mouse skin fibroblast (MSF) in vitro. Treatment of fibroblasts with 40, 80, and 160 μM Pb for 24 h revealed morphological alterations, DNA damage, enhanced caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities, and apoptotic cell population. Furthermore, apoptosis was dosage (0–160 μM) and time (12–48 h) dependent. Concentrations of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) and reactive oxygen species were increased, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in exposed cells. Cell cycle arrest was evident at the G0/G1 phase. The Bax, Fas, caspase-3 and -8, and p53 transcript levels were increased, whereas Bcl-2 gene expression was decreased. Based on our analysis, Pb triggers MSF apoptosis bydisrupting intracellular homeostasis. Our findings enrich the knowledge about the mechanistic function of Pb-induced cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblasts and could potentially guide future Pb health risk assessments.