Effects of Folate on Sodium Arsenite-Induced Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Chang Hepatocytes

Objective To observe the effects of different folate levels on inorganic arsenic-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress status. Methods Chang human hepatocytes were cultured with 20 μmol/L sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) in medium containing 0 μmol/L, 2.3 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L of folate, respectively. After 24 h of treatment with NaAsO2, cell viability was analyzed with 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI double staining, levels of ROS were detected by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe, and intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were determined by DTNB method and formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively. Results The decrease of cell viability and the increase of intracellular ROS and MDA induced by NaAsO2 were significantly exacerbated by folate deficiency but attenuated by folate supplement (P0.05). Moreover, the NaAsO2-induced elevation of intracellular GSH was attenuated by folate deficiency but aggravated by folate supplement (P0.05). Apoptosis cells induced by NaAsO2 were significantly increased by folate deficiency (P0.05). Conclusion Folate can attenuate the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by inorganic arsenic in hepatocytes.