Silvia Martina Ferrari
University of Pisa, Italy
Title: CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines secretion by vanadium pentoxide in primary thyroid cells
Biography
Biography: Silvia Martina Ferrari
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Vanadium is a grey metal, with different states of oxidation (-1, 0, +2, +3, +4, and +5), and its most common form in commercial products is vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). All vanadium compounds have been considered toxic. The exposure to a 35 mg/m3 dose of vanadium is considered life-threatening and it could provoke serious health issues, and even death, as it has been shown by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Recently it has been hypothesized a carcinogenic role of vanadium on the thyroid. However, no in vivo or in vitro studies have evaluated thyroid disruption in humans and/or animals after exposure to vanadium.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Here, we evaluate the effect of V2O5 on proliferation, and chemokine secretion in normal thyrocytes.
Findings: The results of this study demonstrate that V2O5 can promote interferon-gamma dependent chemokines secretion by thyroid follicular cells, synergistically increasing the effect of Th1 important cytokines, as interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, without altering their viability and proliferation. In this way, V2O5 could lead to the induction and perpetuation of an inflammatory reaction into the thyroid.
Conclusion & Significance: Further studies will be required to evaluate thyroid function, and nodules, in subjects occupationally exposed, or living in polluted areas.