Evaluation of phyto-medicinal efficacy of thymoquinone against Arsenic induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.

BACKGROUND

It is evaluated that a few million individuals worldwide are experiencing Arsenic (As) harmfulness coming about because of anthropogenic discharges. There is likewise proof to propose that As can affect the peripheral, as well as, the central nervous system (CNS). On the contrary, thymoquinone (TQ), a biologically active ingredient of Nigella sativa has exhibited numerous neuro-pharmacological traits since ancient times.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: In the present study, the neuroprotective efficacy of TQ was explored by primarily studying its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic potential against Arsenic trioxide (AsO) induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines.

STUDY DESIGN

For experimentation, cells were seeded in 96 well tissue culture plates and kept undisturbed for 24 h to attain proper adhesion. After 75-80% confluence, cells were pretreated with 10 µM and 20 µM thymoquinone (TQ) for 1 h After adding 2 µM As, cells were set aside for incubation for 24 h without changing the medium.

METHODS

The mitigatory effects of TQ with particular reference to cell viability and cytotoxicity, the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dynamics were studied.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with TQ (10 and 20 μM) for an hour and subsequent exposure to 2 μM AsO protected the SH-SY5Y cells against the neuro-damaging effects of the latter. Also, the SH-SY5Y cells were better preserved with increased viability, repaired DNA, less free radical generation and balanced transmembrane potential than those exposed to AsO alone. TQ pretreatment also inhibited AsO-induced exacerbation in protein levels of BAX and PARP-1 and restored the loss of Bcl levels.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that TQ may prevent neurotoxicity and AsO-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity. It is, therefore, worth studying further for its potential to reduce the risks of arsenic-related neurological implications.