Toxicity of salinomycin in mini organ cultures of the parotid gland

Introduction:

The polyether antibiotic salinomycin has been identified as a promising agent against cancer stem cells. Since then, numerous studies about its effects on different cancer cells and cancer stem cells have been published. Due to the side effects of salinomycin toxicological analysis in non-malignant human cells are warranted.

Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the geno- and cytotoxic effects of salinomycin in human salivary gland cells.

Material and methods:

Mini organ cultures of human parotid glands were exposed to salinomycin (0,1 to 175µM) for 24h. The comet assay was performed to detect DNA damage. Cytotoxic effects were investigated by MTT assay. In addition, immunofluorescence staining of α-tubulin was performed to evaluate the structural integrity of the cells.

Results:

No significant increase of DNA damage in the treated cells compared to the negative control was detected. The MTT assay revealed a significant reduction of cell vitality starting from 20µM. In the immunofluorescence staining, no cytoskeletal changes could be observed in subtoxic doses.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates no genotoxic but cytotoxic effects of salinomycin in human salivary gland cells at concentrations of 20µM and above. However, growth inhibition of cancer stem cells has been described in 40 times lower salinomycin-concentrations. Further investigation on a possible cumulative damage of salinomycin after repetitive exposure is needed.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)