Exposure to oxidant stress can effect cells in a variety of ways. These effects include adaptation by scavenging oxidizing molecules, increasing expression of antioxidant molecules and enzymes, or changing proliferation rates. This is most important in the liver and kidney, where cells are continuously exposed to oxidants. The ultimate outcome of responding to oxidant stress may lead to tumorgenecity, carcinogenesis, and/or death by necrosis or apoptosis. The effects of oxidant injury can be blocked by extracellular antioxidants or free radical scavengers and by the expression of bcl-2. Bc1-2 is an intracellular membrane-associated protein which protects cells from oxidant stress. The role of bcl-2 in protecting renal epithelial cells from oxidant induced injury will be studied to determine changes in free radical production, cell viability, DNA integrity, and the expression and actions of other antioxidants such as catalase and superoxide dismutase.
| Miller, C; Kennington, L; Cooney, R et al. (2000) Oxalate toxicity in renal epithelial cells: characteristics of apoptosis and necrosis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 162:132-41 |
