Tranexamic acid protects against rotenone-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Hak-Jae Kim1, Hae Jeong Park, Hyun Kyung Park

  • 1Kohwang Medical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.

Toxicology
|June 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Tranexamic acid (TA) protects human neuronal cells from rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. TA inhibits apoptosis pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for PD prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Rotenone pesticide exposure is linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology in animal models.
  • Dopaminergic neuron apoptosis is a key feature of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.
  • Identifying neuroprotective agents is crucial for PD therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of tranexamic acid (TA) against rotenone-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TA's neuroprotection in a cellular model of PD.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells exposed to rotenone.
  • Assessed the impact of tranexamic acid (TA) on key apoptosis markers.
  • Measured phosphorylation of JNK and P38 kinases.
  • Quantified expression levels of BCL2 and BAX proteins.
  • Analyzed cleavage of executioner caspases (caspase 9, caspase 3) and PARP.
  • Determined caspase 3 enzymatic activity.

Main Results:

  • Tranexamic acid (TA) inhibited rotenone-induced phosphorylation of JNK and P38 signaling pathways.
  • TA prevented the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 and the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX.
  • TA significantly decreased the cleavage of caspase 9, PARP, and caspase 3.
  • TA treatment led to increased caspase 3 enzymatic activity in rotenone-exposed cells.

Conclusions:

  • Tranexamic acid (TA) demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic cells.
  • TA acts by modulating key apoptotic signaling pathways and effector proteins.
  • These findings suggest tranexamic acid (TA) as a potential therapeutic candidate for Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment.

Related Concept Videos