N-trans-feruloyltyramine Protects Human Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH Cell Line Against H₂O₂-Induced Cytotoxicity

Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been regarded as a major contributor of pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases. N-trans-feruloyltyramine (NTF), an alkaloid isolated from several plants, has demonstrated an ability to be a potent antioxidant. In this study, the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties of NTF extracted from the stems of Polyalthia suberosa were investigated in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. NTF at concentrations ranging from 10 µM to 500 µM were not toxic to cells and reduced intracellular ROS levels significantly. Furthermore, pre-treatment of NTF significantly decreased H₂O₂-induced ROS generation and attenuated H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicity. An increase in the expression of Bax and activated caspase-3 and reduction of Bcl-2 mediated by H₂O₂ was reversed by pre-treating the cells with 100 µM NTF. Likewise, NTF suppressed the increase of caspase-3 activity induced by H₂O₂. In conclusion, the findings reveal that NTF improves H₂O₂-induced intracellular ROS generation and decreases apoptosis. These protective effects of NTF could be useful for oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative conditions.