Assessment of the direct and indirect effects of MPP+ and dopamine on the human proteasome: implications for Parkinson's disease aetiology

Mitochondrial impairment, glutathione depletion and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), linked recently to proteasomal dysfunction. Our study analysed how these factors influence the various activities of the proteasome in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with the PD mimetics MPP⁺ (a complex 1 inhibitor) or dopamine. Treatment with these toxins led to dose- and time-dependent reductions in ATP and glutathione and also chymotrypsin-like and post-acidic like activities; trypsin-like activity was unaffected. Antioxidants blocked the effects of dopamine, but not MPP⁺, suggesting that oxidative stress was more important in the dopamine-mediated effects. With MPP⁺, ATP depletion was a prerequisite for loss of proteasomal activity. Thus in a dopaminergic neuron with complex 1 dysfunction both oxidative stress and ATP depletion will contribute independently to loss of proteasomal function. We show for the first time that addition of MPP⁺ or dopamine to purified samples of the human 20S proteasome also reduced proteasomal activities; with dopamine being most damaging. As with toxin-treated cells, chymotrypsin-like activity was most sensitive and trypsin-like activity the least sensitive. The observed differential sensitivity of the various proteasomal activities to PD mimetics is novel and its significance needs further study in human cells.     

Expression of Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa in MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion-treated dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells

The newly discovered Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa (CIN85) is involved in many cellular processes, but its functions in the brain and in neurodegenerative diseases remain unclear. In this paper, we investigated the distribution of CIN85 protein in different regions of adult mouse brain using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, and found that CIN85 was ubiquitously expressed in mouse brain. In the striatum and substantia nigra, two regions most deeply affected in Parkinson's disease, the level of CIN85 protein was relatively high. In the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease, the expression of CIN85 in the striatum and substantia nigra was complicated. But in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium ion-treated human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, the expression of CIN85 increased dramatically. Knocking down of CIN85 by short hairpin RNA reduced SH-SY5Y cell death. Therefore, CIN85 might play different roles in the dopaminergic cell line and in the nigrostriatum of mouse brain under neurotoxin challenge.     

Adiponectin protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, has been widely used as a neurotoxin because it elicits a severe Parkinson's disease-like syndrome characterized by elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level and apoptotic death. Adiponectin, secreted from adipose tissue, mediates systemic insulin sensitivity with liver and muscle as target organs. Adiponectin can also suppress superoxide generation in endothelial cells. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of adiponectin on MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, as well as the underlying mechanism. Our results suggest that the protective effects of adiponectin on MPP+-induced apoptosis may be ascribed to its anti-oxidative properties, anti-apoptotic activity via inducing expression of SOD and catalase, and regulation of Bcl-2 and Bax expression. These data indicated that adiponectin might provide a useful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.     

α-Synuclein modulation of Ca2+ signaling in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized in part by the presence of α-synuclein (α-syn) rich intracellular inclusions (Lewy bodies). Mutations and multiplication of the α-synuclein gene ( SNCA ) are associated with familial PD. Since Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, we used fluorimetry in fura-2 loaded SH-SY5Y cells to monitor Ca²⁺ homeostasis in cells stably transfected with either wild-type α-syn, the A53T mutant form, the S129D phosphomimetic mutant or with empty vector (which served as control). Voltage-gated Ca²⁺ influx evoked by exposure of cells to 50 mM K⁺ was enhanced in cells expressing all three forms of α-syn, an effect which was due specifically to increased Ca²⁺ entry via L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Mobilization of Ca²⁺ by muscarine was not strikingly modified by any of the α-syn forms, but they all reduced capacitative Ca²⁺ entry following store depletion caused either by muscarine or thapsigargin. Emptying of stores with cyclopiazonic acid caused similar rises of [Ca²⁺]_i in all cells tested (with the exception of the S129D mutant), and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ content was unaffected by any form of α-synuclein. However, only WT α-syn transfected cells displayed significantly impaired viability. Our findings suggest that α-syn regulates Ca²⁺ entry pathways and, consequently, that abnormal α-syn levels may promote neuronal damage through dysregulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis.     

山楂叶金丝桃苷对高糖诱导SH-SY5Y细胞损伤的保护作用及机制

为研究金丝桃苷对高糖诱导的人神经母细胞瘤(SH-SY5Y)细胞氧化损伤的保护作用及机制,用含100mmo L/L葡萄糖和分别为20、50、100μmo L/L金丝桃苷的培养基共同孵育SH-SY5Y细胞36 h,检测细胞活力、细胞培养液中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平及半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3(caspase-3)活性,细胞内活性氧(ROS)水平、丙二醛(MDA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及SIRT1和NF-кB基因的mRNA水平和蛋白含量。结果显示金丝桃苷可提高高糖诱导后SH-SY5Y细胞的存活率,抑制细胞LDH释放,清除ROS,降低MDA含量与caspase-3活性,增强SOD、CAT活性和GSH含量;同时,金丝桃苷还能提高SIRT1基因的mR-NA表达及蛋白含量,降低NF-кB基因的mRNA水平和蛋白含量。结果表明金丝桃苷能通过激活SIRT1基因,抑制NF-кB基因保护高糖所致SH-SY5Y细胞的氧化损伤。     

CUL1基因对MPP+诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞存活和NLRP3炎症体通路的影响

摘要 目的：探究Cullin1（CUL1）基因对1-甲基-4-苯基吡啶离子（MPP+）诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞存活和核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体3（NLRP3）炎症体通路的影响。方法：（1）将SH-SY5Y细胞分为NC组、NC-sh组、CUL1-sh组、NC-OE组和CUL1-OE组。使用Lipofectamine 2000试剂对细胞转染相应的慢病毒。（2）将SH-SY5Y细胞分为Control组、MPP+组和MPP++CUL1-OE组。MPP+组和MPP++CUL1-OE组细胞使用1 mmol/L的MPP+处理48 h,Control组细胞正常培养。通过MTT法检测细胞增殖,通过Annexin V-FITC/PI双染色法和TUNEL染色法检测细胞凋亡,通过qRT-PCR检测CUL1的mRNA水平,通过Western blot检测CUL1、NLRP3、凋亡相关斑点样蛋白（ASC）、cleaved caspase-1、白细胞介素（IL）-1β和IL-18蛋白水平。通过ELISA法检测细胞培养上清液中IL-1β和IL-18水平。结果：（1）与NC组和NC-sh组比较,CUL1-sh组CUL1的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量降低,相对细胞活力降低,Annexin V-FITC/PI阳性率和TUNEL阳性率升高,NLRP3、ASC、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白相对表达量以及细胞培养上清液中IL-1β和IL-18水平升高（P<0.05）。与NC组和NC-OE组比较,CUL1-OE组CUL1的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,相对细胞活力升高,Annexin V-FITC/PI阳性率和TUNEL阳性率降低,NLRP3、ASC、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白相对表达量以及细胞培养上清液中IL-1β和IL-18水平降低（P<0.05）。（2）与Control组比较,MPP+组CUL1的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量降低,相对细胞活力降低,Annexin V-FITC/PI阳性率和TUNEL阳性率升高,NLRP3、ASC、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白相对表达量以及细胞培养上清液中IL-1β和IL-18水平升高（P<0.05）。与MPP+组比较,MPP++CUL1-OE组CUL1的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,相对细胞活力升高,Annexin V-FITC/PI阳性率和TUNEL阳性率降低,NLRP3、ASC、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白相对表达量以及细胞培养上清液中IL-1β和IL-18水平降低（P<0.05）。结论：CUL1可能通过抑制NLRP3炎症体激活促进MPP+诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞存活。     

Beclin-1 shRNA对低氧诱导的SH-SY5Y细胞自噬的影响

目的：构建Beclin-1基因短发夹干扰RNA（shRNA）慢病毒载体,感染人SH-SY5Y细胞,观察沉默Beclin-1基因后低氧对SH-SY5Y细胞自噬的影响。方法：构建特异性靶向Beclin-1基因的shRNA慢病毒表达载体和阴性对照序列慢病毒载体;再将载体转染入SH-SY5Y细胞;RT-PCR检测Beclin-1的mRNA表达;Western blot检测Beclin-1蛋白表达;CCK-8法测定Beclin-1 shRNA对SH-SY5Y细胞活力的影响。再将空白对照、阴性对照、转染型三种细胞分别以21%常氧及5%低氧培养,Western blot检测各组细胞LC3蛋白表达;电镜观察自噬小体。结果：Beclin-1 shRNA能明显抑制SH-SY5Y细胞Beclin-1的mRNA及蛋白的表达;沉默Beclin-1基因后,Beclin-1 shRNA组细胞存活率与阴性对照组相比无差异;成功建立了稳定表达Beclin-1 shRNA的SH-SY5Y细胞。5%低氧处理后,与阴性对照组相比较,Beclin-1 shRNA组细胞中LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ比值下调,细胞内自噬小体数量减少。结论：慢病毒介导的Beclin-1shRNA对SH-SY5Y细胞的活力无影响,但可以抑制低氧诱导的自噬。     

The role of insulin against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damages in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells

Abstract

Exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can easily penetrate into biological membranes and enhance the formation of other reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of insulin on H₂O₂-induced toxicity of retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. To measure the changes in the cell viability of SH-SY5Y cells at different concentrations of H₂O₂ for 24?h, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based assay was used and a 100?µM H₂O₂ was selected to establish a model of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Further assays showed that 24?h of 100?µM H₂O₂-induced significant changes in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO), ROS, and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) in neuronal cells, but insulin can effectively diminish the H₂O₂-induced oxidative damages to these cells. Moreover, cells treated with insulin increased H₂O₂-induced suppression of glutathione levels and exerted an apparent suppressive effect on oxidative products. The results of insulin treatment with SH-SY5Y cells increased the Bcl-2 levels and decreased the Akt levels. The treatment of insulin had played a protective effect on H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress related to the Akt/Bcl-2 pathways.     

聚乳酸微柱阵列型拓扑结构基底上SH-SY5Y细胞VEGF和IL-8的分泌及表达

以紫外光光刻、硅蚀刻及复制模塑技术制备了聚乳酸 (PLLA) 微柱阵列型拓扑结构基底,考察了SH-SY5Y人神经母细胞瘤细胞在拓扑结构基底上的生长及血管内皮生长因子 (VEGF) 和白细胞介素-8 (IL-8) 的分泌及表达。细胞的形态及铺展采用扫描电子显微图像进行分析,细胞在拓扑结构基底上生长24 h后的VEGF及IL-8分泌量采用ELISA进行检测,VEGF及IL-8在mRNA水平的表达量以实时定量PCR进行评价。实验中成功制备了微柱名义直径为2 μm和4 μm、微柱名义间距为2 μm和7 μm的4种拓扑结构基底。研究发现,SH-SY5Y细胞在2-2 μm (微柱名义直径-名义间距)、4-2 μm、4-7 μm拓扑结构基底上的VEGF和/或IL-8分泌量和表达较之PLLA平面基底上相应值出现上调,而在2-7 μm拓扑结构基底上VEGF及IL-8二者均表现出表达和分泌量大幅度和明显的上调。与在PLLA平面基底上相比,SH-SY5Y细胞在拓扑结构基底上表现出细胞形态 (铺展面积及圆度) 的明显变化,细胞VEGF及IL-8分泌量和表达的上调伴随细胞铺展面积的明显降低。结果表明微柱阵列型拓扑结构是影响SH-SY5Y细胞VEGF、IL-8分泌及表达的重要微环境因素,VEGF和IL-8可能构成SH-SY5Y细胞在拓扑结构基底上生长的重要分泌物标志。     

低氧预适应对氧糖剥夺损伤SH-SY5Y细胞的保护作用

目的：观察低氧预适应（HPC）对氧糖剥夺（OGD）损伤人神经母细胞瘤细胞（SH-SY5Y）的保护作用,并探讨其可能机制。方法：SH-SY5Y细胞随机分为4组：正常对照组：常规培养,不进行OGD处理;HPC处理组：将神经元放入低氧培养箱内（2% O₂）,30 min后立即取出,再恢复常氧培养,反复5次;OGD组：无糖培养基、低氧培养箱内（1% O₂）处理细胞10 h,然后复氧复糖培养24 h;HPC+OGD处理组：细胞HPC后,行OGD处理。通过形态学观察,MTT比色法检测细胞存活率,乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）漏出量判断细胞损伤的程度,原位末端标记（TUNEL）法检测凋亡水平,Western blot检测Caspase 3、低氧诱导因子1α（HIF-1α）的蛋白表达。结果：HPC可减轻OGD引起的SH-SY5Y细胞凋亡,降低LDH漏出量,明显增加OGD组SH-SY5Y细胞的活力（P<0.05）。Western blot显示HPC+OGD组Cas-pase 3蛋白的表达明显低于OGD组（P<0.05）;HIF-1α蛋白的表达明显高于OGD组（P<0.05）。结论：HPC对体外培养的SH-SY5Y细胞OGD损伤具有保护作用,其机制可能与上调HIF-1α蛋白有关。     

Curcumin inhibits oxidative stress-induced TRPM2 channel activation,calcium ion entry and apoptosis values in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: Involvement of transfection procedure

Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are mostly Ca²⁺ permeable cation channels. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-like 2 (TRPM2) is expressed in neurological tissues such as brain, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, hippocampus and also liver, heart and kidney. The SH-SY5Y cells are mostly used as a cellular model of neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Curcumin, shows phenolic structure, synthesized by Curcuma longa L. (turmeric), has powerful non-enzymatically antioxidant effects compared with Vitamin E. Hence, we aimed to investigate that effects of curcumin on TRPM2 cation channel currents using the whole-cell Patch-Clamp method, Ca²⁺ signaling, apoptosis and cell viability (MTT) assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential levels, caspase 3 and caspase 9 activities in TRPM2 transfected SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. For this aim, we designed four experimental groups named; control, curcumin, transfected and transfected?+?curcumin groups. Cytosolic free calcium concentrations were higher in transfected group compared with curcumin and transfected?+?curcumin group. Moreover, these data examined with whole-cell Patch-Clamp recordings of single cells in all groups. ROS levels were significantly higher in transfected group than in transfected?+?curcumin group. Apoptosis levels in transfected?+?curcumin group were lower than in transfected group. Procaspase 9 and procaspase 3 levels measured by western blotting and caspase 3 and caspase 9 levels by spectrophotometric methods show that TRPM2 transfected cells are more tended to apoptosis. In conclusion, curcumin strongly induces modulator effects on TRPM2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx caused by ROS and caspase 3 and 9 processes in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.     

Nicotinic Receptor-Mediated Release of Noradrenaline in the Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y

Abstract: Dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide (a nicotinic agonist) evokes noradrenaline release from human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells that have been pretreated with 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate for 8 min. This effect of dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide was inhibited by 1 μ M mecamylamine but not by 1 μ M atropine, which suggests that SH-SY5Y cells express nicotinic receptors coupled to the release of noradrenaline. Dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide-evoked release was enhanced by 5 μ M Bay K 8644 (an L-type calcium agonist) and inhibited by 1 μ M nifedipine. Dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide depolarised SH-SY5Y cells and enhanced the level of intracellular calcium in cells loaded with fura 2. The effects of dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide on noradrenaline release, depolarisation, and intracellular calcium levels were all inhibited by 1 μ M desmethylimipramine. The results of this study show that nicotinic receptors in SH-SY5Y cells stimulate noradrenaline release by activation of L-type calcium channels.     

Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves attenuates neurotoxic damages in rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to a high level of fluoride

BackgroundPotential protection against the neurotoxic damages of high levels of fluoride on rats and SH-SY5Y cells by extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, as well as underlying mechanisms, were examined.MethodsThe rats were divided randomly into 4 groups, i.e., control, treatment with the extract (100 mg/kg body weight, gavage once daily), treatment with fluoride (50 ppm F^- in drinking water) and combined treatment with both; SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride and fluoride in combination with the extract or 4-Amino-1,8-naphthalimide (4-ANI), an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Spatial learning and memory in the rats were assessed employing Morris water maze test; the contents of fluoride in brains and urine by fluoride ion-selective electrode; cytotoxicity of fluoride was by CCK-8 kit; the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) by appropriate kits; the level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was by ELISA; the content of ROS and frequency of apoptosis by flow cytometry; the expressions of phospho-histone H2A.X_(Ser139), PARP-1, poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) by Western blotting or immunofluorescence.ResultsThe rats with prolong treatment of fluoride exhibited dental fluorosis, the increased contents of fluoride in brains and urine and the declined ability of learning and memory. In the hippocampus of the rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride, the levels of ROS, MDA, apoptosis, 8-OHdG and the protein expressions of histone H2A.X_(Ser139), PARP-1 and PAR were all elevated; the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and the protein expression of SIRT1 reduced. Interestingly, the treatment of Ginkgo biloba extract attenuated these neurotoxic effects on rats and SH-SY5Y cells exposed to fluoride and the treatment of 4-ANI produced a neuroprotective effect against fluoride exposure.ConclusionGinkgo biloba extract attenuated neurotoxic damages induced by fluoride exposure to rats and SH-SY5Y cells and the underlying mechanism might involve the inhibition of PARP-1 and the promotion of SIRT1.     

The human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell-line expresses a functional P2X7 purinoceptor that modulates voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel function

Fura-2 imaging of purinergic stimulation of non-differentiated neuronal human SH-SY5Y cells resulted in a rapid elevation in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) that was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The rank order of agonists (200 micro m) was as follows: 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) > ATP4- > ATP; whereas 2-(methylthio)-ATP, ADP, UTP and alpha,beta-methylene-ATP and beta,gamma-methylene-ATP were ineffective. The response to BzATP was inhibited by pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic-acid (PPADS, 1 micro m), 1-(N,O-bis[5-isoquinolinesulfonyl]-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl)-4-phenylpiperazine (KN-62, 100 nm) and 8-(3-benzamido-4-4-methylbenzamido)-naphthalene-1,3,5-trisulfonic-acid (suramin, 200 micro m). The presence of a P2X7 receptor was confirmed by western blot studies using anti-P2X7. EC50 for BzATP was 212 +/- 6 micro m. BzATP > 30 micro m induced an initial, transient increase in [Ca2+]i before a plateau level was reached. BzATP < 30 micro m only produced a monophasic increase to the plateau level. The transient phase was reduced by the introduction of nimodipine (3 micro m) and to a smaller degree by omega-conotoxin GVIA (1 micro m) despite an almost equal presence of L and N-type Ca2+-channels. In whole-cell voltage-clamp studies at - 90 mV, BzATP (300 micro m) produced a fast activating inward current with a similar pharmacology as observed with Fura-2 imaging. Current clamp studies showed a dose-dependent depolarization to BzATP and ATP4-. BzATP also triggered transmitter release. Thus, the human neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line expresses a functional P2X7 receptor coupled to activation of Ca2+-channels.     

Induction of endogenous glutathione by the chemoprotective agent, 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione, in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells affords protection against peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity

Substantial evidence suggests that peroxynitrite generated from the bi-radical reaction of nitric oxide and superoxide is critically involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Reaction with sulfhydryl (SH)-containing molecules has been proposed to be a major detoxification pathway of peroxynitrite in biological systems. This study was undertaken to determine if chemically elevated intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), a major SH-containing biomolecule, affords protection against peroxynitrite-mediated toxicity in cultured neuronal cells. Incubation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with the unique chemoprotectant, 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), led to a significant elevation of cellular GSH in a concentration-dependent fashion. To examine the protective effects of D3T-induced GSH on peroxynitrite-mediated toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with D3T and then exposed to either the peroxynitrite generator, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), or the authentic peroxynitrite. We observed that D3T-pretreated cells showed a markedly increased resistance to SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity, as assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium reduction assay. Conversely, depletion of cellular GSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) caused a marked potentiation of SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-mediated cytotoxicity. To further demonstrate the causal role for GSH induction in D3T-mediated cytoprotection, SH-SY5Y cells were co-treated with BSO to abolish D3T-induced GSH elevation. Co-treatment of the cells with BSO was found to significantly reverse the protective effects of D3T on SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-elicited cytotoxicity. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time that D3T can induce GSH in cultured SH-SY5Y cells, and that the D3T-augmented cellular GSH defense affords a marked protection against peroxynitrite-induced toxicity in cultured human neuronal cells.     

Characteristics of lysophosphatidylcholine-induced Ca2+ response in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is an important bioactive lipid. In the nervous system, elevated levels of LPC have been shown to produce demyelination. In the present study, we examined the effect of exogenous LPC on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. In Ca2+-containing medium, introduction of LPC induced a steady rise in cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner, and this rise was provoked by LPC itself, not by its hydrolysis product produced by lysophospholipase. The increase in [Ca2+]i was reduced by 36% by removal of extracellular Ca2+, while preincubation of the cells with verapamil, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, inhibited the response by 23%, part of the Ca2+ influx. Conversely, Ni2+, which inhibits the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, or Na+-deprivation did not affect LPC-induced Ca2+ influx. In Ca2+-free medium, depletion of Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by thapsigargin, an ER Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, abolished the Ca2+ increase. Moreover, LPC-induced [Ca2+]i increase was fully blocked by ruthenium red and procaine, inhibitors of ryanodine receptor (RyR), but was not affected by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of inositol triphosphate receptor, or by pertussis toxin, a G(i/o) protein inhibitor. Combined treatment with verapamil plus thapsigargin markedly inhibited but did not abolish the LPC-induced Ca2+ response. These findings indicate that LPC-induced [Ca2+]i increase depends on both external Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from ER Ca2+ stores, in which L-type Ca2+ channels and RyRs may be involved. However, in digitonin-permeabilized SH-SY5Y cells, LPC could not induce any [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-free medium, suggesting that LPC may act indirectly on RyRs of ER.     

Neuroprotective effects of triterpenoid saponins from Medicago sativa L. against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells

Medicago sativa L. is a forage legume plant widely distributed in all continents. Six new triterpenoid saponins, Medicagosides A-F (1–6) and five known ones (7–11) were isolated from M. sativa. Their structures were determined via HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Biologically, all the isolates displayed neuroprotective activities against H₂O₂-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells. Among them, compounds 1, 3–5 and 10 exhibited striking neuroprotective activities at 100 μM, restoring cell viability range from 79.66% to 89.03%, relative to 79.46% (100 μM) of Trolox used as the positive control.     

Retinoic acid protects against proteasome inhibition associated cell death in SH-SY5Y cells via the AKT pathway

Inhibition of proteasome activity and the resulting protein accumulation are now known to be important events in the development of many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Abnormal or over expressed proteins cause endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress leading to cell death, thus, normal proteasome function is critical for their removal. We have shown previously, with cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, that proteasome inhibition by the drug epoxomicin results in accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. This causes obligatory loading of the mitochondria with calcium (Ca²⁺), resulting in mitochondrial damage and cytochrome c release, followed by programmed cell death (PCD). In the present study, we demonstrate that all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells protects them from PCD death after subsequent epoxomicin treatment which causes proteasome inhibition. Even though ubiquitinated protein aggregates are present, there is no evidence to suggest that autophagy is involved. We conclude that protection by RA is likely by mechanisms that interfere with cell stress-PCD pathway that otherwise would result from protein accumulation after proteasome inhibition. In addition, although RA activates both the AKT and ERK phosphorylation signaling pathways, only pretreatment with LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3-kinase in the AKT pathway, removed the protective effect of RA from the cells. This finding implies that RA activation of the AKT signaling cascade takes precedence over its activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and that this selective effect of RA is key to its protection of epoxomicin-treated cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that RA treatment of cultured neuroblastoma cells sets up conditions under which proteasome inhibition, and the resultant accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, loses its ability to kill the cells and may likely play a therapeutic role in neurodegenerative diseases.