Patulin induced neuronal cell damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Patulin, a mycotoxin produced by fungal species, is found in fruits and their derivatives. Exposure to it can lead to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding its mechanisms is crucial for assessing risks in food, emphasizing the need for strict food safety regulations to protect public health. In this study SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line was challenged with the mycotoxin patulin. Patulin was treated to the cells for 24 h at 25-2000 nM, concentrations respectively. The results obtained demonstrate the cytotoxicity as assessed by the MTT and LDH leakage assays with an IC50 at a dose of 500 nM. The light microscope images showed a decreased in neurites size with increase in doses of patulin. The patulin treatment showed a decrease in antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase levels and an increase in ROS and lipid peroxidation levels. Patulin treatment also showed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial damage, with vacuolation of mitochondria visualized by transmission electron microscope. Patulin treatment also showed DNA damage observed by comet assay. The study demonstrates that patulin induces cellular damage, and induces oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial and DNA damage.