Molecular Neurobiology, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Recent studies suggest enoxaparin may protect the central nervous system (CNS) from damage. However, its specific effects on glial cells and the underlying mechanisms involving cell death and oxidative stress require further investigation. Therefore, this research investigated enoxaparin’s potential to safeguard C6 glioma cells against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity, specifically focusing on its influence on oxidative stress and apoptotic mechanisms. To investigate the neuroprotective effects of enoxaparin against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in C6 cells, four groups were established: a control group, a group exposed to 10 mM glutamate, a group treated with enoxaparin at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 µM, and a group receiving both 10 mM glutamate and enoxaparin at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 µM. Cell viability was measured using an XTT assay. To evaluate the effects of enoxaparin on oxidative stress, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using ELISA, along with total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS). Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry, and caspase-3 activity, a key marker of apoptosis, was assessed using caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining. Enoxaparin at 50, 100, and 200 µM markedly increased cell viability in the enoxaparin + glutamate group. Enoxaparin treatment in the enoxaparin + glutamate group also significantly elevated levels of SOD and TAS, while concurrently decreasing MDA and TOS levels. These changes indicate a reduction in oxidative stress. Enoxaparin treatment further resulted in a significant decline in cleaved caspase-3 levels, a marker of apoptosis. Enoxaparin pre-treatment reduced cell death according to flow cytometry analysis. This study suggests enoxaparin’s potential to shield C6 glioma cells from glutamate-induced cell death by mitigating both oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. More research is needed to confirm this effect. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)