Cobalt ions induce chemokine secretion in a variety of systemic cell lines

Abstract

Background and purposeMetal ion toxicity both locally and systemically following MoM hip replacements remains a concern. Cobalt ions have been shown to induce secretion of proinflammatory chemokines locally; however, little is known about their effect systemically. We investigated the in vitro effect of cobalt ions on a variety of cell lines by measuring production of the proinflammatory chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1.MethodRenal, gastrointestinal, and respiratory epithelium and also neutrophils and monocytes were exposed to cobalt ions at 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours.ResultsWe found that cobalt ions enhanced the secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 in renal epithelial cells, gastric and colon epithelium, monocytes and neutrophils, and small airway epithelial cells but not in alveolar cells. Secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 was markedly elevated in renal epithelium, where a 16-fold and 7-fold increase occurred compared to controls. There was a 6-fold and 4-fold increase in IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion in colon epithelium and a 4-fold and 3-fold increase in gastric epithelium. Small airway epithelial cells showed a maximum increase in secretion of 8-fold (IL-8) and of 4-fold (MCP-1). The increase in chemokine secretion observed in alveolar cells was moderate and did not reach statistical significance. Monocytes and neutrophils showed a 2.5-fold and 2-fold increase in IL-8 secretion and a 6-fold and 4-fold increase in MCP-1 secretion at 48 and 24 hours, respectively.InterpretationThese data demonstrate the potent bioactivity of cobalt ions in a variety of cell types and the potential to induce a proinflammatory response.

Effects of thirty elements on bone metabolism

“…Cobalt ions also promote secretion of cytokines (TGF-␤1, TNF-␣, IL-␤ 1, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) from osteoblasts, which leads to inflammation and osteoclast differentiation, maturation, and stimulation [85,[88][89][90]93]. In contrast, some studies on cobaltchromium wear particles indicate antagonistic actions, such as induction of apoptosis in osteoclasts and decreased secretion of some inflammatory factors such as prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-6 [94,95].…”

Cytocompatibility of nitrogen plasma ion immersed medical cobalt–chromium alloys

“…In a number of previous investigations the influence of CoCr and cobalt ions on the function of immune cells and their release of cytokines has been controversially discussed , , , , . IL‐2 and IFN‐γ have been found to be reduced in lymphocyte cultures treated with CoCl 2 .…”

Cobalt toxicity — an emerging clinical problem in patients with metal‐on‐metal hip prostheses?

“…This may have implications for bone ingrowth onto implants and osteolysis around the hip replacement. Other reported effects of elevated cobalt levels on cells include abnormal lymphocyte function, 9 , 10 chemokine secretion 11 and ischaemic changes in rat brains 12 . A relationship between symptoms and peak cobalt levels, or the length of exposure to cobalt, has not been established.…”