Netrin-1 protects the SH-SY5Y cells against amyloid beta neurotoxicity through NF-κB/Nrf2 dependent mechanism

Many evidence confirms that amyloid beta 1–42 fragment (Aβ1–42) causes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death, which are related to progressive memory loss, cognitive impairments and mental disorders that will lead to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. Netrin-1, as a member of the laminins, has been proved to inhibit apoptosis and inflammation outside of nervous system, in addition to having a vital role in morphogenesis and neurogenesis of neural system. This study was designed to assess the protective effects of netrin-1 in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line exposed to Aβ1–42 and to explore some mechanisms that underlie netrin-1 effects. Cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblast-like cells were treated with netrin-1 prior to Aβ1–42 exposure and the effects were assessed by MTT and ELISA assay kits. Netrin- 1 pretreatment of Aβ1–42-exposed SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells attenuated Aβ1–42 induced toxic effects, increased cell viability and partially restored levels of 3 inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers including: nuclear factor erythroid 2–like 2 (Nrf2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Based on the findings of this study, netrin-1 represents a promising therapeutic bio agent to abrogate cellular inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation induced by Aβ1–42 in the SH-SY5Y cell model of AD.