Emerging risk from “environmentally-friendly” solvents: Interaction of methylimidazolium ionic liquids with the mitochondrial electron transport chain is a key initiation event in their mammalian toxicity

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111593
• Publication Date: 2020-08-08T00:55:16Z
• Authors: Tarek M. Abdelghany; Alistair C. Leitch; Irena Nevjestić; Ibrahim Ibrahim; Satomi Miwa; Colin Wilson; Sandrine Heutz; Matthew C. Wright
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; Molecular Structure; Imidazoles; Dithionite; Ionic Liquids; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Smegmamorpha; Cell Line; Mitochondria; Rats; Electron Transport; 03 medical and health sciences; Glucose; Hepatocytes; Animals; Humans; Cattle; Lactic Acid; Oxidation-Reduction

Recent studies have identified the 8C alkyl chain methylimidazolium ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium in environment and its potential to trigger auto-immune liver disease primary biliary cholangitis. The toxicity of a range liquids were therefore examined. Oxygen consumption was rapidly inhibited, with potency increasing length. This preceded caspase 3/7 induction DNA fragmentation. Time- dose-dependent loss dye reduction capacities reflected these effects, >700 fold difference between 2C 10C liquids. None directly inhibited mitochondrial complexes I-IV or complex V (F0F1-ATPase). However, dithionite ESR spectroscopy indicate one electron oxygen presence liquid, suggesting function as acceptors. only longer form non-aqueous phase micelle under aqueous physiological conditions lead increases reactive species intact cells. These data suggest that are toxic sensitive progenitor cells because they both readily integrate within inner membrane accept electrons from chain, leading oxidative stress.