Gene Expression Patterns of Environmental Chemicals in Human Cell Lines using HazChem Human Array

The human HazChem array includes 16 control genes and 300 environmental toxicity-related genes. In past experiments, the expression levels of these genes were altered in whole genome microarray experiments using VOCs and PAH-treated human cells. In this study, we employed the human HazChem array to determine the gene expression pattern of chemical groups. The chemical groups used in this study were PAHs, POPs, and VOCs. PAHs are one of the most widespread organic pollutants. We used chrysene and phenanthrene as examples of PAHs. POPs are chemical substances that remain in the environment, and bioaccumulate through the food chain. We utilized chlordane and toxaphene as our sample POPs. VOCs are important outdoor air pollutants. They have been shown to cause nervous system disorders through respiration and skin contact, and generally are associated with foul odors. We utilized dichloromethane, ethylbenzene, and trichloroethylene as our sample VOCs. Thus, a total of 7 chemicals were assessed. In this study, HepG2 cells were treated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). HL-60 cells were treated with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Following comparative analysis, we detected some specific expression patterns in each of the chemical groups. We determined that the 7 chemicals utilized herein were divided into 3 chemical groups on the basis of the following 16 genes: HHEX, HLA-G, C1QBP, RHEBL1, PMAIP1, PHIP, HK2, NOTCH1, PRF1, SGK, PLK3, BGLAP, LOC389844, GDF15, NRF1 and ABCC2. Subsequently, the HazChem Human array was used to group the chemicals.