The protective effect of chrysin against glutamate-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in SH-SY5Y cells

Aims: Chrysin is a flavonoid with economic value and medicinal effects commonly found in propolis, honey, and blue passion flowers. It has many pharmacological properties such as anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, neurotrophic, and antidepressant. Glutamate plays an important role in brain functions; however, its high concentration in the central nervous system causes neurotoxic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Chrysin on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Methods: This study was conducted in 4 groups; control, Chrysin (50 µM), glutamate (10 mM), and glutamate+Chrysin. cell viability, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin 1 ß (IL-1ß) levels in the cells were determined by ELISA kit. Results: It is shown that glutamate application caused cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and increased TOS, TNF-alpha, and IL-1ß levels. However, in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Chrysin before glutamate incubation, TOS, TNF-alpha, and IL-1ß levels decreased compared to the glutamate group, while TAS and cell viability levels increased. Conclusion: Chrysin’s antioxidant properties played a protective role in SH-SY5Y cells against glutamate-induced increased oxidative stress and inflammation.