Changes in the expression of epigenetic factors during copper-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

Despite extensive research on copper toxicity the mechanisms involved are not fully characterized. There have been many recent reports concerning the relationship between epigenetic factors and cell metabolism, but the effects of copper exposure on epigenetic factors have not been investigated. In this study, an in vitro culture system was employed to study the influence of copper on apoptosis and epigenetic factors in PC12 cells. When PC12 cells were exposed to copper, DNA damage was observed as DNA fragmentation. In addition, cytosolic cytochrome c levels were increased by copper treatment. These results suggested that copper induced apoptosis via an oxidative stress pathway. This was consistent with the observation that copper-induced apoptosis was enhanced by further oxidative stress induced by exposing cells to H₂O₂. In addition, the epigenetic factors were significantly increased in apoptotic cells following exposure to copper and oxidative stress.