[Study on the replicative and premature senescence induced by hydrogen peroxide of human embryonic lung fibroblasts].

Objective: To study both cellular replicative and prematuce senescence induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) of human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEFs).
Methods: HEFs were cultured conventionally and treated with H2O2. Biomarkers of senescence were assessed, including cell morphology, growth curve, life span, distribution of cell cycle and senescence associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal), and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
Results: HEFs entered replicative senescence status at 52 population doubling levels (PDL) and 400 micromol/L H2O2 induced premature senescence of HEFs in a short period. Senescent cells were characterized as enlarged, flattened and reduced saturation density, retarded in the G1 phase with increased expression of SA-beta-gal. The mRNA and protein level of PCNA decreased gradually during cellular senescence.
Conclusion: Cellular premature senescence could be induced by 400 micromol/L H2O2. Premature senescence induced by H2O2 could share the morphology characteristics and proliferative capacity similar to those of replicative one.