Midkine secretion protects Hep3B cells from cadmium induced cellular damage

Figure 1 Cell death (%) was determined at 2^nd, 24^th and 48^th h by the MTT assay. Cd exposure induced prominent cell death in Hep3B hepatocytes with dose and time dependent manner. Data are from 6 independent experiments for each condition. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.

Figure 2 Cell number (%) was determined by MTT assay following 2^nd, 24^th and 48^th h exposure to 250-5000 pg/mL and/or 5 &mgr;g/mL Cd. Midkine treatment increased cell proliferation in Hep3B hepatocytes with dose and time dependent manner. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.

Figure 3 Caspase-3 levels were measured following a 48 h exposure to 0. 5-10 &mgr;g/mL Cd. Data were given as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.

Figure 4 Caspase-3 levels were measured following a 48 h of exposure to 250-5000 pg/mL Midkine and/or 5 &mgr;g/mL Cd. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.

Figure 5 Cd induced cytotoxicity at the 48^th h of experiment determined by % LDH released to medium. Starting from the 1 &mgr;g/mL dosage Cd treatment caused prominent LDH release from hepatocytes at the end of 48^th h (P < 0.001). Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.

Figure 6 Effects of 48 h midkine (250-5000 pg/mL) and/or 5 &mgr;g/mL Cd treatment on the LDH leakage in the Hep3B cells. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.

Figure 7 Effects of 0. 5-10 &mgr;g/mL Cd treatment on midkine secretion in the Hep3B cells. With 0.5 and 1 &mgr;g/mL Cd exposure we obtained similar midkine secretion as untreated cells. Midkine secretion was highest as a response to 5 &mgr;g/mL Cd treatment dosage. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. ^bP < 0.001 vs control group.