Autophagy regulates high concentrations of iodide-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells

To date, there are many people residing in areas with high levels of iodide in water. Our previous epidemiological study showed that exposure to high iodine in drinking water significantly reduced the intelligence of children although the mechanisms remain unclear. To explore whether high concentrations of iodide may cause cytotoxic effect and the role of autophagy in the high iodide-induced apoptosis, human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cells) were exposed to high concentrations of iodide. Morphological phenotypes, cell viability, Hoechst 33258 staining, the expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were detected. A possible effect of an inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) or an inducer (rapamycin) of autophagy on high iodide-induced apoptosis also was examined. Results indicated that high iodide changed cellular morphology, decreased cell viability and increased the protein's expression level of apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, high iodide-induced apoptosis was enhanced by inhibition of autophagy and inhibited by activation of autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells. Collectively, high concentrations of iodide are toxic to SH-SY5Y cells, as well as induce apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, autophagy plays a regulatory role in high concentrations of iodide-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.