Neuroglobin and cytoglobin overexpression protects human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against oxidative stress-induced cell death

Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) at physiological concentrations are required for normal cell function, excessive production of ROS is detrimental to cells. Neuroglobin and cytoglobin are two globins, whose functions are still a matter of debate. A potential role in the detoxification of ROS is suggested. The influence of neuroglobin and cytoglobin on cell death after oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells was evaluated. Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to paraquat or H₂O₂ resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death. H₂O₂ was 16 times more potent to induce cell death as compared to paraquat. SH-SY5Y cells transfected with plasmid DNA containing the neuroglobin or cytoglobin sequence showed enhanced survival after exposure to 300 μM H₂O₂ for 24 h as compared to untransfected controls. This finding suggests that neuroglobin and cytoglobin protect SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress-induced cell death.