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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
[Effect of necrostatin-1 on apoptosis induced by aluminum and its mechanism]
Qin-li Zhang1, Xiu-liang Ji, Wei-li Guo
1Department of Occupational Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
Objective:
To study the effect of necrostatin (Nec-1) on apoptosis induced by aluminum (Al), and approach the mechanism.
Methods:
Neural cell death model was made by 4 mmol/L Al treated neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Cell viabilities were detected at different concentrations of Al and/or Nec-1. Hoechst 33342/PI double staining was used to observe apoptosis and (or) necrosis that were quantified by flow cytometry using Annexin V/PI double staining. Apoptotic pathway was tested by activities of Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9. In addition, the expression of NF-kappa B and Cyt-c was measured by immunocytochemistry.
Results:
Cell viabilities were significantly decreased with the increasing concentrations of Al (P < 0.05), which could be significantly upregulated by 60 micromol/L Nec-1 (P < 0.05) and were correlated with the concentrations of Nec-1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Apoptosis and necrosis were observed under fluorescent microscope and quantified by flow cytometry, which suggested an increasing trend of apoptotic and necrotic rates (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Whereas, Nec-1 could not only decrease the necrotic rate but also apoptotic rate as well (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Data of Nec-1 on caspases activities showed that Nec-1 could not affect Caspase-9 activity (P > 0.05) and Cty-c protein expression as well (P > 0.05). However, Nec-1 could reduce Caspase-8 activity significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and increase NF-kappa B protein expression (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and finally decrease Caspase-3 activity (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Nec-1 could reduce cell apoptosis induced by Al, through Caspase-8 pathway, and up-regulate the expression of NF-kappa B protein.
Insights
Necrostatin (Nec-1) protects against aluminum-induced neural cell death by reducing apoptosis and necrosis. It acts via the Caspase-8 pathway and upregulates NF-kappa B protein expression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Aluminum (Al) exposure is linked to neurodegenerative processes.
- Understanding mechanisms of aluminum-induced neural cell death is crucial.
- Necrostatin (Nec-1) is a known inhibitor of programmed necrosis.
Purpose:
- To investigate the protective effects of Nec-1 against aluminum-induced apoptosis in neural cells.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in Nec-1's action.
Summary:
- Aluminum significantly decreased neuroblastoma cell viability and induced apoptosis and necrosis.
- Nec-1 treatment upregulated cell viability and reduced both apoptotic and necrotic rates.
- Nec-1 inhibited Caspase-8 activity and decreased Caspase-3 activity, while upregulating NF-kappa B expression, suggesting a specific anti-apoptotic pathway.
Impact:
- Nec-1 demonstrates a protective role against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity.
- The findings highlight the Caspase-8/NF-kappa B pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
- This research contributes to understanding cellular responses to aluminum toxicity.
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