Neuroprotective effects of catechins in an experimental Parkinson’s disease model and SK-N-AS cells: evaluation of cell viability, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects

ABSTRACT

Objectives

The aim of the study was to establish an in vitro Parkinson’s disease (PD) model and to investigate the cell viability, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of catechin and EGCG in SK-N-AS and in vitro PD model cells.

Method

SK-N-AS human neuroblastoma cells were used. To develop an in vitro PD model, SK-N-AS cells were exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine. Model control was performed after ELISA analysis of dopamine and α-synuclein levels in the culture medium. Catechin and EGCG were administered to SK-N-AS and in vitro PD model cells. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay and trypan blue staining. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities of catechin and EGCG were investigated by indirect immunocytochemistry using anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-1β and anti-caspase-3.

Results

After 24 hours of 6-hydroxydopamine administration at 50 μM, higher αlfa-synuclein and lower dopamine levels were found in PD model than SK-N-AS cells. Cell viability was similar between SK-N-AS and in vitro PD model cells. Treatment with both bioactive components increased cell viability of in vitro PD model cells. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in SK-N-AS and PD model cells after EGCG administration, while it was decreased only in PD model cells after catechin administration. IL-1β staining intensity weakened after catechin administration in PD model cells, after EGCG administration in SK-N-AS cells. TNF-α staining intensity was similar in both cells.

Conclusion

Catechin and EGCG increased cell viability in PD model neuron cells. Both components showed anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Catechin may be more effective in preventing damage to neurons PD.

KEYWORDS:

• SK-N-AS cells
• in vitro Parkinson’s disease model
• 6-hydroxydopamine
• epigallocatechin gallate
• catechin

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Near East University Experimental Health Sciences Research Center (DESAM) Cell Culture Laboratory team for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

All authors contributed equally to this work. G.Ö., E.B., H.S.V. and S.Y. designed the research study. E.B. performed the Parkinson’s disease modeling, MTT assay and immunocytochemistry analysis; G.Ö. analyzed the data; G.Ö. wrote the first draft of the manuscript; E.B., H.S.V. and S.Y. revised the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Scientific Research Project (BAP) unit of Near East University; [SAG-2019-1-047].

Notes on contributors

Gülşen Özduran

Gülşen Özduran is a PhD student in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Eda Becer

Eda Becer is an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry with extensive clinical experience in cell culture, molecular biology and genetics.

Hafize Seda Vatansever

Hafize Seda Vatansever is a medical doctor and professor in the Department of Histology and Embryology with long years of clinical and research experience in the fields of stem cells, cancer biology and treatment, apoptosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Sevinç Yücecan

Sevinç Yücecan is an experienced dietitian and professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, with a research focus on bioactive nutritional components.