{
  "id": 2934558,
  "title": "DNCB shows hormetic effects in THP 1 cells: low-dose enhancement of metabolic activity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/dncb-shows-hormetic-effects-in-thp-1-cells-low-dose-enhancement-of",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-23T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "bioRxiv",
    "slug": "biorxiv",
    "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.19.745690v1?rss=1"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study has revealed intriguing hormetic effects of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on THP-1 cells, particularly at low concentrations. Historically used in immunological and toxicological research, DNCB is a well-known skin sensitizer. This study aimed to explore its dose response behavior at low-level concentrations, focusing on potential hormetic effects due to its Nrf2-inducing activity.\n\nTo achieve this, THP-1 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of DNCB, with metabolic activity and immune activation evaluated as endpoints. The results showed a significant hormetic effect on metabolic activity at lower cell densities, with DNCB increasing activity to approximately 125% of control levels at 0.05 micromolar DNCB. For immune activation, a slight decrease in CD86 and CD54 surface marker expression was observed, up to -16% and -12% respectively, at 0.5 micromolar DNCB.\n\nThese findings emphasize the significance of considering low dose concentrations when examining chemical dose-response relationships and assessing toxicological risk. This is the first study to investigate DNCB's hormetic effects at such low concentrations, providing valuable insights into its complex biological interactions.",
  "summary": "2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is a well-characterized skin sensitizer that has been widely used in immunological and toxicological research and, historically, in clinical immunotherapy. Although it is a well-investigated chemical, this is the first study focusing on the dose response behavior at low-level concentrations. The aim was to reveal potential hormetic effects due to its known Nrf2…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}