Aim:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of phloretin and phlorizin which are potent antioxidants, anti inflammatory and antiapoptotic agents on the prevention of glutamate-induced neurotoxicity which is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Materials and Methods:

In our study, the newly born rat cortex was used. Glutamate was applied in concentration 3x10-3 and 6x10-3 M 2 hours after application of phloretin in concentrations 10-5 M and 2x10-5 M and phlorizin in concentrations 10-5 and 2x10-5 M. mRNA isolation was performed from the cells 6 hours after glutamate administration. 24 hours later, metiltiazol difenil tetrazolium (MTT) test, total oxidant and antioxidant capacity measurements were performed.

Results:

In our study, phloretin and phlorizin showed the best neuroprotective effect in high dose, while glutamate reduced cell viability in increased doses. Increased total oxidant capacity due to toxicity has been significantly improved by phloretin and phlorizin. Decreased antioxidant capacity in the toxicity group showed improvement with the application of phloretin and phlorizin. When phloretin and phlorizin were applied alone, they did not affect cell viability significantly, they increased antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidant capacity. İncreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression after glutamate administration decreased significantly with the application of phloretin and phlorizin. Increased caspase 9 and caspase 3 mRNA expression due to glutamate showed improvement with the application of phloretin and phlorizin.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that phloretin and phlorizin, potent antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic agents, may be protective in glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and can be used as therapeutic agents for preventing glutamate-induced neurological disorders.

Keywords: Neurotoxicity, Phloretin, Phlorizin, Glutamate, Cell culture