Induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA damage by koumine in Tetrahymena thermophila

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212231
• Publication Date: 2019-02-12T14:15:30Z
• Authors: Qiao Ye; Chaonan Zhang; Zhenlu Wang; Yongyong Feng; Aiguo Zhou; Shaolin Xie; Qiong Xiang; Enfeng Song; Jixing Zou
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Science; Q; R; Protozoan Proteins; Apoptosis; Indole Alkaloids; Tetrahymena thermophila; 3. Good health; Oxidative Stress; 03 medical and health sciences; Gene Expression Regulation; Medicine; Research Article; DNA Damage

Koumine is a component of the Chinese medicinal herb Gelsemium elegans and toxic to vertebrates. We used ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila as model evaluate effects this indole alkaloid in eukaryotic microorganisms. inhibited T. growth viability dose-dependent manner. Moreover, drug produced oxidative stress cells expressions antioxidant enzymes were significantly elevated at high koumine levels (p < 0.05). also caused significant apoptosis 0.05) induced DNA damage Mitophagic vacuoles present indicating induction autophagy by drug. Expression ATG7, MTT2/4, CYP1 HSP70 well MAP kinase pathway gene MPK1 MPK3 altered after exposed koumine. This study represents preliminary toxicological evaluation single celled eukaryote thermophila.