Toxicity of stainless and mild steel particles generated from gas-metal arc welding in primary human small airway epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Welding fumes induce lung toxicity and are carcinogenic to humans but the molecular mechanisms have yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of stainless and mild steel particles generated via gas-metal arc welding using primary human small airway epithelial cells (hSAEC) and ToxTracker reporter murine stem cells, which track activation of six cancer-related pathways. Metal content (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr) of the particles was relatively homogenous across particle size. The particles were not cytotoxic in reporter stem cells but stainless steel particles activated the Nrf2-dependent oxidative stress pathway. In hSAEC, both particle types induced time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity, and stainless steel particles also increased generation of reactive oxygen species.

SUBMITTER: Cediel-Ulloa A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8575907 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature