Carvacrol protects neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against Fe2+-induced apoptosis by suppressing activation of MAPK/JNK-NF-κB signaling pathway

Aim: Carvacrol (2-methyl-5-isopropylphenol), a phenolic monoterpene in the essential oils of the genera Origanum and Thymus, has been shown to exert a variety of therapeutic effects. Here we examined whether carvacrol protected neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against Fe2+-induced apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with Fe2+ for 24 h, and the cell viability was assessed with CCK-8 assay. TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis were performed to evaluate cell apoptosis. The mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappa B p65 were determined using qPCR. The expression of relevant proteins was determined using Western blot analysis or immunofluorescence staining. Results: Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with Fe2+ (50-200 mu mol/L) dose-dependently decreased the cell viability, which was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with carvacrol (164 and 333 mu mol/L). Treatment with Fe2+ increased the Bax level and caspase-3 activity, and decreased the Bcl-2 level, resulting in cell apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with Fe2+ significantly increased the gene expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and induced the nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B. Treatment with Fe2+ also significantly increased the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK and IKK in the cells. Pretreatment with carvacrol significantly inhibited Fe2+-induced activation of NF-kappa B, expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis. Moreover, pretreatment with carvacrol inhibited Fe2+-induced phosphorylation of JNK and IKK, but not p38 and ERK in the cells. Conclusion: Carvacrol protects neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against Fe2+-induced apoptosis, which may result from suppressing the MAPK/JNK-NF-kappa B signaling pathways.