Neuroprotective potential of epigallo catechin-3-gallate in PC-12 cells.

Oxidative stress is a major player in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Macromolecular damage occurs as a result of oxidative stress that affects the mitochondria. Mitochondrial damage leads to cell death by apoptosis or necrosis. EGCG is a tea polyphenol that protects the cells against oxidative stress. Neuroprotective potential of EGCG was tested against H(2)O(2) induced oxidative stress in PC-12 cells. PC-12 cells were grown in tissue culture flasks. Oxidative stress was induced by adding H(2)O(2) to the cells. EGCG was also added and the cell death was assessed using MTT assay. Oxidative stress was assessed by protein carbonyl and thiol status. Mitochondrial membrane potential was studied using JC-1 staining. TNF-α levels were assessed using ELISA. H(2)O(2) increased the protein carbonyl content and reduced the thiol status in the PC-12 cells. Cell death was increased in H(2)O(2) treated cells as shown by MTT assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also decreased along with increase in TNF-α level in H(2)O(2) treated cells. EGCG brought about an increase in the cellular thiol status and decreased the protein carbonyl content in the PC-12 cells. Cell death was attenuated by EGCG treatment along with an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and decrease in TNF-α level. EGCG conferred its antioxidant potential to PC-12 cells as evident by decreased protein damage. Mitochondrial membrane potential was improved along with a decrement in the cell death in PC-12 cells. EGCG acts as a good neutraceutical antioxidant to render neuroprotectivity to PC-12 cells.