Microcystins activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in human liver cells in vitro - Implications for an oxidative stress induction by microcystins

Microcystins, a potential threat to drinking water quality, are hepatotoxic but it has remained unclear if microcystins induce oxidative stress. We investigated if four microcystins could activate the Nrf2 pathway, a regulator of oxidative stress response. Nrf2 activity was significantly increased by microcystin-LR and-RR at 10 mu M, by microcystin-LY at 3 mu M, by [D-Asp3]-LR and by microcystin-LR at 1 mu M. Our results lend support to the suggestion that microcystins may induce oxidative stress response. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.