Objective: To study the adaptive response induced by hydroquinone(HQ) on eukaryocyte and its possible mechanism.
Methods: After hydroquinone treatment, AlamarBlue reduce rate, LDH release rate were observed to determine the cell proliferation and death. Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining was performed for each treatment to distinguish viable, early, and late apoptosis or dead cells. The total cellular proteins were separated using two- dimensional gel electrophoresis and visualized by sliver staining. Digital images were analyzed using ImageMaster 2D platinum 5.0 software. The differentially expressed protein spots were picked and digested in gel then identified by tandem mass spectrum.
Results: The results of AlamarBlue reduce rate, LDH leakage and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that no effect on cell viability was observed at a concentration of 10 micromol/L HQ while 250 micromol/L HQ significantly decreased cell viability. Cells pretreated with 10 micromol/L HQ for 12h show increasing survival to the following expose to 250 micromol/L HQ. In control MRC-5 cells 1429 +/- 369 protein spots were detected and, 1453 +/- 307 in low HQ group, 1191 +/- 393 in high HQ group, and 1107 +/- 247 in adaptive group by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Twenty-four protein spots showed significant change after HQ stimulation and 22 protein spots were identified by tandems mass spectra. These identified proteins involved in energy metabolism, translation and RNA processing, protein folding, redox regulation, cell structure and cell signaling.
Conclusion: Adaptive response can be induced by low concentration of HQ on MRC-5 cells and cellular adaptation is a complex process involving in a modulation of diverse cellular functions.