Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We tested the ability of five candidate compounds-isoflavones,resveratrol,quercetin,curcumin,and green tea polyphenols-to protect SH-SY5Y cells from atrazine (ATR) via in vitro experiments. METHODS: The cells were incubated for 24 h in the presence of various doses (5,10,20,50,and 100 μmol/L) of isoflavones,resveratrol,quercetin,curcumin,or green tea polyphenols. Cells were then cultured for 24 h with 250 μmol/L ATR. At the indicated time after treatment,the CCK-8 method was used to test for cell viability. Apoptosis was detected by using Annexin V-FITC and PI double dye,oxygen radical level was detected by using DCFH-DA method,and the protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by using Western blot. RESULTS: Five plant compounds showed significant anti-ATR effect at low doses,isoflavones 5 μmol/L,resveratrol 5 μmol/L,quercetin 50 μmol/L,curcumin 5 μmol/L and green tea polyphenols 20 μmol/L. Compared with other four plant compounds,the effect of isoflavones anti-ATR injury on SH-SY5Y was significant,especially in 5 μmol/L (P < 0.05). And isoflavones (5 μmol/L) could significantly reduce the level of ROS and increase the expression of TH (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Isoflavones could protect SH-SY5Y cells from ATR by reducing intracellular ROS levels,increasing the expression of TH and cell viability to inhibit cell apoptosis.

Key words: isoflavones, atrazine, cell apoptosis, oxygen radical, tyrosine hydroxylase