Cellular effects of epsilon toxin on the cell viability and oxidative stress of normal and lung cancer cells

Introduction: Clostridium perfringens is a type of gram-positive anaerobic bacilli. C.perfringens produces many toxins, of which epsilon (e) is one of the major ones. The mechanism of epsilon's toxicity is located in the lipid of cell membrane tissues. Epsilon toxin is known as a bioterrorism agent. Inhalation of these aerosols can destroy pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and cause lung injury, which increases vascular permeability and pulmo-nary edema. Methods: In this study, we investigated the toxicity of epsilon toxin by using the MTT assay, evaluated oxidative stress effects such as ROS and LPO using the DCFH and TBA reagents, and measured the GSH of the normal and lung cancer cells by using the DTNB reagent. Results: The result showed that 1 mu g/ml of epsilon toxin caused mitochondrial disorder and reduced the growth of the normal cell line. This toxin also induced ROS and damage to lipid membranes. Furthermore, the same effect occurred in the lung cancer cell, and the epsilon toxin inhibited cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion: This toxin causes toxicity by binding to lipid membranes. As the present study results have confirmed, epsilon toxin inhibits mitochondrial function and induces ROS and lipid membrane damage.