Neolitsea sericea attenuates oxidative stress-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells via MAPK and NF-κB pathway Inhibition

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the pathological mechanisms that underpin various neurodegenerative diseases. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-known inducer of oxidative stress, which produces highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, resulting in cellular injury. The identification of bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Neolitsea sericea extract (NSE) in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to oxidative stress, as well as to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods and results: SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with NSE before exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and cell viability was assessed using a WST-1 assay. Western blotting was used to analyze key proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammatory signaling. NSE significantly decreased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. NSE inhibited caspase-3 activation, regulated apoptosis-related protein expression by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax, and suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. NSE also attenuated the nuclear translocation of NFκB transcription factors, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: These findings show that NSE effectively mitigates oxidative damage in neuronal cells, highlighting its potential as a complementary or alternative therapeutic method for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.