Neuroprotection by Taurine on HBCD-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant (BFR). Because of their presence in human issues, including brain tissue, concern has been raised on their possible neurotoxicity. Presently, we explored the neuroprotection of taurine against HBCD-induced apoptotic damages in PC12 cells. Cells were pre-treated with taurine before HBCD exposure and the viability was assayed via the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) method. Apoptotic features were observed with Hoechst 33342 staining. Apoptotic ratio was measured using flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC coupled propidium iodide (PI) double staining. The changes in the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were quantitated by the western blot. The activity of caspase-3 was tested and the results revealed that presence of HBCD decreased cell survival and led to apoptosis in the tested cells. Further, exposure of HBCD reduced protein expression of Bcl-2, increased expression in Bax protein and activity of caspase-3. Taurine attenuated HBCD-induced cell viability loss and cell apoptosis. Moreover, taurine significantly prevented from reducing Bcl-2 protein expression and elevating Bax protein expression and caspase-3 activity induced by HBCD. These results demonstrated that taurine can alleviate HBCD-induced apoptosis by altering Bcl-2 expression and Bax protein and Caspase-3 activity in PC12.