The Inhibitory Effect of Genistein on Lead-induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 Cells

Objective:To investigate the effect of genistein on lead-induced cytotoxicity in vitro.Methods:PC12 cells were divided into four groups:control,lead,genistein,and genistein+lead.MTT method was used to detect the cell viability;Flow cytometry method was used to detect the apoptosis;A fluorescent probe was used to determine mitochondrial morphological changes;Western blot was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission-related proteins.Results:The exposure to lead caused the decrease of cell viability and the increase of apoptosis,both of which can be inhibited by genistein.And lead exposure induced the morphological changes of mitochondria,which is characterized by the decrease of mitochondrial fusion and the increase of mitochondrial fission,which also can be reversed by the supplement of genistein.Furthermore,the lead exposure resulted in the decreasing expression of mitochondrial fusion-related protein Mfn2 and the increasing expression of mitochondrial fission-related protein Drp1,both of which can be relieved with the supplement of genistein.Conclusion:Genistein can inhibit lead-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells,which can be relevant to its effects on mitochondrial fusion and fission.