Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG 2003-03, Vol.9 (3), p.562-567
• Main Authors: Li, Jian-Ming, Zhou, Hong, Cai, Qian, Xiao, Guang-Xia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis - physiology; Basic Research; Cell Line; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide - pharmacology; Intestinal Mucosa - drug effects; Intestinal Mucosa - physiopathology; Membrane Potentials; Mitochondria, Muscle - physiology; Oxidants - pharmacology
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v9.i3.562

To study the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of human intestinal epithelial cell line SW-480 was established. Cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin-V and PI double-stained flow cytometry and DNA gel electrophoresis. Morphological changes were examined with light and electron microscopy. For other observations, mitochondrial function, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial translocation and membrane potential were determined simultaneously. Percentage of apoptotic cells induced with 400 micro mol/L hydrogen peroxide increased significantly at l h or 3 h after stimulation and recovered rapidly. Meanwhile percentage of apoptotic cells induced with 4 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide increased with time. In accordance with these changes, we observed decreased mitochondrial function in 400 micro mol/L H2O2-stimualted cells at 1 h or 3 h and in 4 mmol/L H2O2-stimualted cells at times examined. Correspondingly, swelling cristae and vacuole-like mitochondria were noted. Release of cytochrome c, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial translocation were also found to be the early signs of apoptosis. Dysfunctional mitochondria play a role in the apoptosis of SW-480 cell line induced by hydrogen peroxide.