Expression of Stress-Dependent Genes in Hepatocytes Spheroids after Cisplatin Treatment

Effects of cisplatin on the hepatic HepaRG cells cultured in spheroids were estimated using biochemical, cytofl uorometric, and molecular methods. Hepatocyte viability and expression of mRNA of stress-dependent genes involved in the cell response to toxic agent cisplatin underwent time- and dose-dependent changes. Activation of oxidative stress was observed at the early stages of incubation (3 h) followed by induction of apoptosis after prolonging the incubation to 24 h. The prospects of using HepaRG cells cultured in spheroids for estimation of drug toxicity by variations in the expression of stress-dependent genes were demonstrated. An increase in expression of genes of GSR and HSPA1A proteins at the early stages of incubation with cisplatin can serve as a marker of the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin and other agents with similar mechanisms of action.