Melamine Exacerbates Neurotoxicity in D-Galactose-Induced Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Dietary factors and environmental toxins influence aging.
• Melamine (Mel) is a known food adulterant with demonstrated organ toxicity, including the brain.
• Neurotoxicity of Mel in aging neurons has not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro neurotoxicity of Melamine in a D-galactose-induced aging model of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells.
• To assess the combined effects of Melamine and D-galactose on neuronal cells.
• To evaluate the impact on oxidative stress markers and cell viability.

Main Methods:

• Neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were treated with D-galactose (DG) and Melamine (Mel) individually and in combination.
• Cell viability was assessed using MTT assay, and neurite length was measured.
• Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase-3 (Casp3) activity were determined.

Main Results:

• Co-treatment with Mel and DG resulted in significantly higher cell death compared to individual treatments or controls.
• Neurite length reduction and ROS production were maximal in the Mel + DG co-treatment group, indicating exacerbated Mel toxicity.
• Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) and total antioxidant capacity were reduced in the co-treatment group.
• Caspase-3 activity was significantly elevated in cells co-treated with Mel and DG.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first evidence of enhanced Melamine neurotoxicity in an aging neuronal cell model.
• The findings suggest that Melamine consumption may exacerbate age-related neuronal damage.
• This has implications for increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in the elderly population.