Low-dose tributyltin exposure induces an oxidative stress-triggered JNK-related pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and a reversible hypoinsulinemic hyperglycemia in mice

Tributyltin (TBT), an endocrine disrupting chemical, can be found in food (particular in fish and seafood) and drinking water by contamination. Here, we elucidated the effects and possible mechanisms of low-dose TBT on the growth and function of pancreatic beta-cells and glucose metabolism in mice. Submicromolar-concentration of TBT significantly induced beta-cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis, which were accompanied by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and mitogen-activated protein kinases-JNK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. TBT could also suppress the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta-cells and isolated mouse islets. TBT increased reactive oxygen species production. TBT-induced beta-cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis were significantly prevented by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and JNK inhibitor SP600125, but not ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 and p38 inhibitor SB203580. Both NAC and SP600125 inhibited JNK phosphorylation and reduced cell viability in TBT-treated beta-cells. Four-week exposure of TBT (0.25 mg/kg) to mice revealed the decreased plasma insulin, increased blood glucose and plasma malondialdehyde, suppressed islet insulin secretion, and increased islet caspase-3 activity, which could be reversed by NAC treatment. After removing the TBT exposure for 2 weeks, the TBT-induced glucose metabolism alteration was significantly reversed. These results suggest that low-dose TBT can induce beta-cell apoptosis and interfere with glucose homeostasis via an oxidative stress-related pathway.