Objective: To investigate the protective effects and its mechanisms of total epimedium flavonoids (TEF) against Quindinince acid (QA)-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.
Methods: The MT assay was used to detect the toxicity of QA and the cell viability of pretreatment of TEF and co-incubation with QA in SH-SY5Y cells; Cell apoptosis was observed by Hochest33258 staining; SOD and GSH-Px activities as well as MDA content were measured by colorimetric method; The mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m) and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored by FCM.
Results: TEF increased the cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells, reduced apoptosis cells significantly, improved SOD and GSH-Px activities, decreased MDA content, increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced intracellular free calcium concentration( [Ca2+]i ).
Conclusion: TEF has significant protective effects against QA-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells,the action mechanism may be associated with resisting oxidative stress, decreasing the [Ca2]i and up-regulating delta psi m.