ACTH(6-9)PGP Peptide Protects SH-SY5Y Cells from HO, -Butyl Hydroperoxide, and Cyanide Cytotoxicity via Stimulation of Proliferation and Induction of Prosurvival-Related Genes.

Stabilized melanocortin analog peptide ACTH(6-9)PGP (HFRWPGP) possesses a wide range of neuroprotective activities. However, its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. In this paper, we present a study of the proproliferative and cytoprotective activity of the adrenocorticotropic hormone fragment 6-9 (HFRW) linked with the peptide prolyine-glycyl-proline on the SH-SY5Y cells in the model of oxidative stress-related toxicity. The peptide dose-dependently protected cells from HO, -butyl hydroperoxide, and KCN and demonstrated proproliferative activity. The mechanism of its action was the modulation of proliferation-related genes and stimulation of prosurvival -gene-related pathway, as well as a decrease in apoptosis.