Quercetin and sesamin protect dopaminergic cells from MPP+-induced neuroinflammation in a microglial (N9)-neuronal (PC12) coculture system
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Julie Bournival1, Marilyn Plouffe, Justine Renaud
1Department of Biochemistry, Université du Québec, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
A growing body of evidence indicates that the majority of Parkinson's disease (PD) cases are associated with microglia activation with resultant elevation of various inflammatory mediators and neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of 2 natural molecules, quercetin and sesamin, on neuroinflammation induced by the Parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) in a glial-neuronal system. We first established that quercetin and sesamin defend microglial cells against MPP(+)-induced increases in the mRNA or protein levels of 3 pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), as revealed by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, respectively. Quercetin and sesamin also decrease MPP(+)-induced oxidative stress in microglial cells by reducing inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression as well as mitochondrial superoxide radicals. We then measured neuronal cell death and apoptosis after MPP(+) activation of microglia, in a microglial (N9)-neuronal (PC12) coculture system. Our results revealed that quercetin and sesamin rescued neuronal PC12 cells from apoptotic death induced by MPP(+) activation of microglial cells. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the phytoestrogen quercetin and the lignan sesamin diminish MPP(+)-evoked microglial activation and suggest that both these molecules may be regarded as potent, natural, anti-inflammatory compounds.
Insights
Quercetin and sesamin protect against Parkinson's disease toxins by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. These natural compounds prevent microglial cell activation and rescue neuronal cells from death.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis involves microglia activation and neuroinflammation.
- Neuroinflammation, driven by activated microglia, contributes to neuronal damage in PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin and sesamin against MPP(+)-induced neuroinflammation.
- To determine if quercetin and sesamin can mitigate microglial activation and subsequent neuronal apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a glial-neuronal coculture system with MPP(+) toxin to induce Parkinsonian pathology.
- Assessed pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) using RT-qPCR and ELISA.
- Measured oxidative stress markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and mitochondrial superoxide.
- Evaluated neuronal cell death and apoptosis in PC12 cells.
Main Results:
- Quercetin and sesamin reduced MPP(+)-induced increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglial cells.
- Both compounds decreased oxidative stress by lowering inducible nitric oxide synthase and mitochondrial superoxide.
- Quercetin and sesamin protected PC12 neuronal cells from MPP(+)-induced apoptotic death.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and sesamin effectively diminish MPP(+)-evoked microglial activation and associated neuroinflammation.
- These natural compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Quercetin and sesamin show potential as therapeutic agents for Parkinson's disease.
