Curcumin protects against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells by modulating the TRPV4 channel

Ramazan Çınar1, Kenan Yıldızhan2

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University, Bilecik, Turkey.

Molecular Biology Reports
|February 20, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Curcumin (CUR) protects neuronal cells against Parkinson's disease (PD) by reducing oxidative stress and regulating mitochondrial function. This study shows CUR mitigates MPP+-induced neurotoxicity by modulating TRPV4 channel activity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress (OS) are implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.
  • Curcumin (CUR) exhibits neuroprotective effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressing OS.
  • This study explores CUR's role in modulating TRPV4 channels in an in vitro PD model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of Curcumin (CUR) in an in vitro Parkinson's disease (PD) model.
  • To elucidate the role of the TRPV4 channel in MPP+-induced neurotoxicity and its modulation by CUR.
  • To assess the impact of CUR on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular damage in PD models.

Main Methods:

  • SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to MPP+ to induce a PD model, divided into control, CUR, MPP+, and MPP++CUR groups.
  • TRPV4 channel activity was assessed using agonist GSK1016790A (GSK) and antagonist Ruthenium red (Rr).
  • Measurements included ROS production, glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), apoptosis, and TRPV4 expression.

Main Results:

  • MPP+ exposure elevated ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential while reducing GSH levels.
  • CUR treatment and Rr incubation downregulated MPP+-induced neurotoxicity and TRPV4 overstimulation.
  • CUR modulated GSH levels, ROS production, apoptosis, and TRPV4 expression, mitigating MPP+-induced cellular damage.

Conclusions:

  • Curcumin (CUR) demonstrates neuroprotective effects in an in vitro PD model by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
  • CUR treatment regulates TRPV4 channel activation, reducing neurotoxicity induced by MPP+.
  • The antioxidant properties of CUR are key to its protective mechanism against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity.