Abstract: Objective: To determine the effects of baicalein (BE) on the mitochondrial ultrastructure and function in stressed vitiligo melanocytes. Methods: The vitiligo melanocyte line (PIG3V) cells were cultured in vitro, and then, were divided into the blank control group, baicalein group, H₂O₂ group and baicalein+H₂O₂ group. The ultrastructure changes of mitochondria were observed under electron microscope. The mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), level of intracellular ATP, copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, ENLITEN ATP assay kit and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) respectively. Results: Compared with the H₂O₂ group, the level of the damage of mitochondrial ultrastructure was lower and the level of mitochondrial activity, MMP, intracellular ATP, copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were higher in the baicalein+H₂O₂ group. Conclusion:  BE protects the structure and function of mitochondria from the damage of oxidative stress and enhances the anti-oxidative ability of PIG3V cells.

Key words: baicalein, vitiligo, melanocyte, mitochondria, oxidative stress