In vitro exposure to carbon dioxide induces oxidative stress in human peritoneal mesothelial cells

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to verify whether in vitro exposure of human peritoneal mesothelial cells to carbon dioxide (CO(2)) influences the levels of 8-isoprostaglandin F(2alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2alpha)), a marker of oxidative stress. METHODS: Mesothelial cells were exposed to either: (i). 100% CO(2) for 4 h; (ii). 100% helium (an alternative gas with which to create hypoxic conditions) for 4 h; (iii). 100% CO(2) for 24 h; or (iv). standard conditions (control). After gas exposure, mesothelial cells were returned to standard conditions and harvested immediately (T(0)), and at 1-(T(1)) and 3 (T(3)) h afterwards. Cell viability and culture medium pH were monitored throughout the experiments. 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Exposure to CO(2) decreased the culture medium pH whereas helium increased the pH. 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) levels in all treated groups were significantly higher than in the control group: in the 4 h CO(2) group at T(1); in the 24 h CO(2) group at T(0) and T(1); and in the 4 h helium group at T(0), T(1) and T(3). 8-iso-PGF(2alpha) levels following 4 h CO(2) exposure were significantly lower than after 24 h CO(2) exposure at T(1), and lower than following 4 h helium exposure at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to both CO(2) and helium induces oxidative stress in mesothelial cells. Hypoxia-reoxygenation may play a role in this process.