Apoptotic Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Benzo(a)pyrene in Liver Epithelial Cells

Abstract
Abstract: How pHi changes, more specifically alkalinization, affect the apoptotic cascade has yet to be determined. The aim of the present work was to test the involvement of mitochondria in the apoptotic cascade triggered by benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] and to determine the role of pHi changes and p53 relative to mitochondria. Our results indicate that B(a)P‐induced apoptosis might rely upon a p53‐dependent and a pH‐sensitive mitochondrial dysfunction.