Phloretin ameliorates 2-chlorohexadecanal-mediated brain microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction in vitro

► We studied the effects of 2-chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDA) on brain endothelial cells. ► Brain endothelial cells take up and metabolize 2-ClHDA. ► 2-ClHDA impairs endothelial barrier integrity. ► 2-ClHDA induces mitochondrial dysfunction and activates caspase 3. ► Phloretin provides protection against 2-ClHDA-induced barrier dysfunction.