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Melamine Exacerbates Neurotoxicity in D-Galactose-Induced Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells
Juhi Goyal1, Preet Jain1, Vivek Jain2
1Department of Biotechnology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, India.
Abstract:
Numerous studies have depicted the role of diet and environmental toxins in aging. Melamine (Mel) is a globally known notorious food adulterant, and its toxicity has been shown in several organs including the brain. However, till now, there are no reports regarding Mel neurotoxicity in aging neurons. So, this study examined the in vitro neurotoxicity caused by Mel in the D-galactose (DG)-induced aging model of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. In the present study, the neuronal SH-SY5Y cells were treated with DG and Mel separately and in combination to assess the neurotoxicity potential using MTT assay and neurite length measurement. Further, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant activities were evaluated followed by the determination of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase3 (Casp3) activity. The cotreatment of Mel and DG in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells showed maximum cell death than the cells treated with DG or Mel individually and untreated control cells. The neurite length shrinkage and ROS production were maximum in the DG and Mel cotreated cells showing exacerbated toxicity of Mel. The activity of SOD, CAT, and total antioxidants was also found to be lowered in the cotreatment group (Mel + DG) than in Mel- or DG-treated and untreated cells. Further, the combined toxicity of Mel and DG also elevated the Casp3 activity more than any other group. This is the first study showing the increased neurotoxic potential of Mel in an aging model of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells which implicates that Mel consumption by the elderly may lead to increased incidences of neurodegeneration like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Insights
Melamine, a food adulterant, significantly worsens neurotoxicity in aging neurons. This study shows combined melamine and D-galactose exposure increases cell death and oxidative stress, highlighting risks for elderly neurodegenerative diseases.
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.
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