The Neuroprotective Effects of the Novel Thiol Antioxidant, N-acetylcysteineamide (NACA), on SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry - Biochemistry Emphasis
Research Advisor
Ercal, Nuran
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Experience Program (OURE)
Abstract
This study investigated the antioxidant and neuroprotective efficacy of N-acetylcysteineamide (NACA) in comparison to the well-known antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells which are prominent in vitro models for studies of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Cell viability testing determined that exposure to 750 μM doses of NAC and NACA for 4 hours were optimum. Oxidative stress was induced using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP), a membrane-permeant oxidant compound that enters the cells and generates tert-butoxy radicals resulting in lipid peroxidation, depletion of cellular antioxidant defenses, and cell death. The cells were divided into six groups: control, tBHP alone, pre-treatment with NAC, pre-treatment with NACA, and controls for NAC and NACA. The levels of ROS and the extent of cytotoxicity were measured via fluorescence spectroscopy. Both NAC and NACA reduced the cytotoxicity and the levels of ROS from exposure to tBHP, but NACA out-performed NAC by a noteworthy margin.
Biography
Married to chemistry from the age of seven, Justin was a founding member of the ACS affiliated chemistry club at Francis Howell North High School and has held multiple officer positions in the American Chemical Society – W.T. Schrenk Chapter. He has used his positions in these organizations to lead and design chemistry magic shows and demonstrations to generate interest in the sciences for both children and adults. After completing his degree at Missouri S&T, Justin plans to attend graduate school and use his interest in chemistry to combat diseases and improve the quality of living.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Sciences poster session, Third place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
The Neuroprotective Effects of the Novel Thiol Antioxidant, N-acetylcysteineamide (NACA), on SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Upper Atrium/Hall
This study investigated the antioxidant and neuroprotective efficacy of N-acetylcysteineamide (NACA) in comparison to the well-known antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells which are prominent in vitro models for studies of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Cell viability testing determined that exposure to 750 μM doses of NAC and NACA for 4 hours were optimum. Oxidative stress was induced using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP), a membrane-permeant oxidant compound that enters the cells and generates tert-butoxy radicals resulting in lipid peroxidation, depletion of cellular antioxidant defenses, and cell death. The cells were divided into six groups: control, tBHP alone, pre-treatment with NAC, pre-treatment with NACA, and controls for NAC and NACA. The levels of ROS and the extent of cytotoxicity were measured via fluorescence spectroscopy. Both NAC and NACA reduced the cytotoxicity and the levels of ROS from exposure to tBHP, but NACA out-performed NAC by a noteworthy margin.
