Induction of replicative senescence biomarkers by sublethal oxidative stresses in normal human fibroblast

We tested the long-term effects of sublethal oxidative stresses on replicative senescence. WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs) at early cumulative population doublings (CPDs) were exposed to five stresses with 30 μM tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP). After at least 2 d of recovery, the cells developed biomarkers of replicative senescence: loss of replicative potential, increase in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, overexpression of p21Waf-1/SDI-1/Cip1, and inability to hyperphosphorylate pRb. The level of mRNAs overexpressed in senescent WI-38 or IMR-90 HDFs increased after five stresses with 30 μM t-BHP or a single stress under 450 μM H2O2. These corresponding genes include fibronectin, osteonectin, α1(I)-procollagen, apolipoprotein J, SM22, SS9, and GTP-α binding protein. The common 4977 bp mitochondrial DNA deletion was detected in WI-38 HDFs at late CPDs and at early CPDs after t-BHP stresses. In conclusion, sublethal oxidative stresses lead HDFs to a state close to replicative senescence.