Thymoquinone Prevents β-Amyloid Neurotoxicity in Primary Cultured Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa Linn (N. sativa) has demonstrated several neuropharmacological attributes. In the present study, the neuroprotective properties of TQ were investigated by studying its anti-apoptotic potential to diminish β-amyloid peptide 1-40 sequence (Aβ1-40)-induced neuronal cell death in primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). The effects of TQ against Aβ1-40-induced neurotoxicity, morphological damages, DNA condensation, the generation of reactive oxygen species, and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation were investigated. Pretreatment of CGNs with TQ (0.1 and 1 μM) and subsequent exposure to 10 μM Aβ1-40 protected the CGNs against the neurotoxic effects of the latter. In addition, the CGNs were better preserved with intact cell bodies, extensive neurite networks, a loss of condensed chromatin and less free radical generation than those exposed to Aβ1-40 alone. TQ pretreatment inhibited Aβ1-40-induced apoptosis of CGNs via both extrinsic and intrinsic caspase pathways. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that TQ may prevent neurotoxicity and Aβ1-40-induced apoptosis. TQ is, therefore, worth studying further for its potential to reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Antioxidant potential of Thymoquinone against Arsenic mediated neurotoxicity

“…Pre-treatment with TQ is supposed to modulate the NP-SH levels, thereby protecting against As-induced oxidative damage. 29 Similar findings were obtained by Ismail et al (2013) in primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons where TQ prevented β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity. 43 LPO refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids, in which ROS steal electrons from the lipids in cell membrane resulting in cell damage.…”

“…29 Similar findings were obtained by Ismail et al (2013) in primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons where TQ prevented β-amyloid induced neurotoxicity. 43 LPO refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids, in which ROS steal electrons from the lipids in cell membrane resulting in cell damage. In our study, statistically significant increase in LPO was observed on exposure to different doses of As when compared to control.…”

Thymoquinone Can Improve Neuronal Survival and Promote Neurogenesis in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

“…Previous studies have shown anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects of TQ in different models of neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity such as ischemia, depression, temporal lobe epilepsy, diabetes‐mediated neuropathy, and toluene‐, lead‐, or ethanol‐induced neurotoxicity . Also, TQ has been evaluated as a potential therapeutic agent on cultured neurons . Due to its antiproliferative, chemo‐preventive, cell‐cycle regulatory, and apoptosis‐inducing effects, TQ may be a potential nutraceutical for cancer therapy .…”

Black Cummin Extract (Nigella sativa Linn) on Spatial Memory Performance in Menopausal Model of Rat

“…Thus, this demonstrate that TQ has the neuroprotective effects against Aβ-induced toxicity in PC 12 cells (Khan, Islam &Vaibhav 2012). TQ may be able to protect cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) from β-amyloid peptide 1-40 sequence (Aβ1-40) toxic effects through the suppression of caspases and lessen the generation of free radicals with a resultant improvement in cell viability (Ismail, Ismail & Mazlan 2013). TQ is also shown to inhibit non-enzymatic peroxidation in cow lysosomial brain phospholipids (Gali-Muhtasib, El-Najjar & Schneider-Stock 2006).…”