Cathepsin B mediates the lysosomal-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in arsenic-induced microglial cell injury

Arsenic is a prevalent environmental pollutant that targets the nervous system of living beings. Recent studies indicated that microglial injury could contribute to neuroinflammation and is associated with neuronal damage. Nevertheless, the neurotoxic mechanism underlying the arsenic-induced microglial injury requires additional research. This study explores whether cathepsin B promotes microglia cell damage caused by NaAsO₂. Through CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC and PI staining, we discovered that NaAsO₂ induced apoptosis in BV2 cells (a microglia cell line). NaAsO₂ was verified to increase mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) and promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through JC-1 staining and DCFDA assay, respectively. Mechanically, NaAsO₂ was indicated to increase the expression of cathepsin B, which could stimulate pro-apoptotic molecule Bid into the activated form, tBid, and increase lysosomal membrane permeabilization by Immunofluorescence and Western blot assessment. Subsequently, apoptotic signaling downstream of increased mitochondrial membrane permeabilization was activated, promoting caspase activation and microglial apoptosis. Cathepsin B inhibitor CA074-Me could mitigate the damage of microglial. In general, we found that NaAsO₂ induced microglia apoptosis and depended on the role of the cathepsin B-mediated lysosomal-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Our findings provided new insight into NaAsO₂-induced neurological damage.