Background
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with a dismal prognosis. Currently, multimodality treatment including chemotherapy with cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with pemetrexed offers the best options. Detoxification of heavy metals in the cell by metallothioneins (MT) is associated with early failure to platin-based chemotherapy. The induction of MTs gene expression or its enzyme
Conclusions
MT expression is induced by zinc in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits a successful cisplatin therapy. Therefore, heavy metal exposure during cisplatin therapy, e.g., via cigarette smoke, might be an important factor. This should be considered in further therapeutic approaches.
Methods
In our study, we investigated three MPM cell lines and one fibroblast cell line in the course of cisplatin treatment and supplementation of zinc. Cell state analyses via an enzyme-activity based assay were performed. With this, we were able to analyze apoptosis, necrosis and viability of cells. Additionally, we tested treated cells for changes in metallothionein IIA (MT2A) expression by using quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction.
Results
Zinc supplementation induces gene expression of MT2A. Overall, a zinc dose-dependent induction of apoptosis under platin-based treatment could be observed. This effect could be verified in all analyzed cell lines in varying intensity. Conclusions: MT expression is induced by zinc in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits a successful cisplatin therapy. Therefore, heavy metal exposure during cisplatin therapy, e.g., via cigarette smoke, might be an important factor. This should be considered in further therapeutic approaches.