Mangiferin Ameliorates Glutamate-Induced Excitatory Toxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells via Nrf2/HO-1 and Apoptosis Pathway

Ruiyuan Zhou1, Yanan Gao1, Bo Shang1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, PR China.

Insights

Mangiferin (Mng) protects neurons from glutamate-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. This natural compound enhances cell viability and antioxidant defenses, offering potential for neurological disorder treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Excess glutamate (Glu) causes oxidative stress and neuron injury, contributing to neurological disorders.
  • Mangiferin (Mng) is a natural flavanthrone with known antioxidant and other beneficial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of Mng against Glu-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Mng's neuroprotective actions.

Main Methods:

  • Cell viability assays (CCK-8) were used to assess cell survival.
  • Flow cytometry measured mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis.
  • Western blot analysis detected key proteins in the Nrf2/HO-1 and apoptosis pathways.

Main Results:

  • Mng improved cell viability, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by Glu.
  • Mng increased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while decreasing Ca2+ influx by suppressing NR1 and NR2A.
  • Mng upregulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and downregulated MAPK and Bax/Bcl-2 pathways, thereby reducing apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Mangiferin demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in neuronal cells.
  • Mng exerts its protective effects by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and apoptosis-related pathways.
  • Mangiferin shows therapeutic potential for neurological conditions associated with oxidative stress and neuronal death.

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