Lithium Has Neuroprotective Effect on Neuroblastoma Cell Line in Low Dosages

Abstract

Lithium (Li) was presented as a protective agent in neuron degeneration which is an important process in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of certain amounts of Li on neuroblastoma cells by considering several specific genes which act on neuroprotection. Li solutions were prepared as 1 μM, 15 μM (low dosage), 30 μM and 45 µM (high dosage) concentrations then applied to neuroblastoma cell line. XTT and trypan blue assays were performed to determine the cell proliferation and viability, respectively. mRNA expression levels of NES, BDNF, GRIN2A, LRRK2, PRKN, and SNCA were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability detected as significantly increased in cells treated with low dosage Li however, it was significantly decreased in high dosage applied cells compared to untreated control. In addition, cell proliferation ratios were significantly decreased in high dosage applied cells compared to control. It was demonstrated that mRNA expression levels of several genes (NES, LRRK2, PRKN) were significantly upregulated. Regarding to BDNF, expression of the gene was significantly upregulated in the cells only treated with very low amount of Li. However, no significant data could be obtained for GRIN2A. Furthermore, mRNA expression level of SNCA was determined as significantly downregulated compared to control. Statistically significant expression of NES, LRRK2, PRKN, BDNF and SNCA genes due to the variable Li concentrations applied to cells suggests that Li acts on transcriptional regulation of certain genes associated with neuronal survival. These findings support that dose dependent Li treatment might have a protective effect for neurodegenerative diseases.