Evaluating the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone on Methamphetamine-induced Toxicity in an In Vitro Model Based on Differentiated PC12 Cells.
Altern Lab Anim
; 52(2): 94-106, 2024 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38445454
ABSTRACT
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive stimulant. Its potential neurotoxic effects are mediated through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress and the initiation of the apoptotic process. Thymoquinone (TQ), obtained from Nigella sativa seed oil, has extensive antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of TQ against Meth-induced toxicity by using an in vitro model based on nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells. Cell differentiation was assessed by detecting the presence of a neuronal marker with flow cytometry. The effects of Meth exposure were evaluated in the in vitro neuronal cell-based model via the determination of cell viability (in an MTT assay) and apoptosis (by annexin/propidium iodide staining). The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and dopamine, were also determined. The model was used to determine the protective effects of 0.5, 1 and 2 µM TQ against Meth-induced toxicity (at 1 mM). The results showed that TQ reduced Meth-induced neurotoxicity, possibly through the inhibition of ROS generation and apoptosis, and by helping to maintain GSH and dopamine levels. Thus, the impact of TQ treatment on Meth-induced neurotoxicity could warrant further investigation.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Benzoquinones
/
Methamphetamine
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Altern Lab Anim
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Iran