Programmed cell death of cultured A549 lung epithelial cells induced by sodium arsenite exposure

The purpose of this experiment is to test if there is a potential for human toxicity to sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) by examining cell death in A549 cells acutely exposed NaAsO₂. In this experiment, A549 cells were plated according to experimental requirements and grown to 70 - 80% confluence before treatment with NaAsO₂ of different concentrations. Methylthiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) Assay and Acridine Orange (AO) staining were used to visualize and assess the cytotoxic effects on cell viability. Autophagy of cells was determined by formation of autophagosomes and ratio of induction of light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and light chain 3-I (LC3-I). Western Blot was used to determine apoptosis and Real-time PCR was conducted to quantify the changes in the levels of Caspase-3 and PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase) levels. This study demonstrated that exposure to NaAsO₂ in vitro can lead to cell death. At low concentration NaAsO₂ can induce autophagy and at high concentration it can induce apoptosis. The work presented in this poster shows the initial cellular response of human lung epithelial A549 cells to acute exposure to NaAsO₂ in vitro.