Role of Taurine in BDE 209-Induced Oxidative Stress in PC12 Cells

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are globally dispersed throughout the environment, and the levels of some PBDEs in the environment may still be increasing. Previous studies showed that BDE 209 exerted neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects in humans and animals. Oxidative stress is a common mechanism reported in PBDEs-induced neurotoxicity. Taurine, as an antioxidant, whether it is effective in alleviating BDE 209-induced neurotoxicity is still unknown. PC12 cells were exposed to various concentrations of BDE 209 (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 μM). 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess the cell viability. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) detector was used to explore the production of ROS. Acridine orange was used to reflect the permeation of lysosomal membrane. Rhodamine 123 was used to reflect the permeation of mitochondrial membrane. Lactate dehydrogenase and catalase in PC12 cells exposed to BDE 209 were examined by kits. The results showed that taurine could significantly reverse the decreased viability, the serious oxidative stress and abnormal autophagy in PC12 cells exposed to BDE 209. Collectively, our results indicated that taurine could protect PC12 cells from BDE 209-induced neurotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress.