Tocotrienol prevents AAPH-induced neurite degeneration in neuro2a cells

Objectives Reactive oxygen species induce neurite degeneration before inducing cell death. However, the degenerative mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. While tocotrienols have a known neuroprotective function, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and may or may not involve antioxidant action. In this study, we hypothesize that free radical-derived membrane injury is one possible mechanism for inducing neurite degeneration. Therefore, we examined the potential neuroprotective effect of tocotrienols mediated through its antioxidant activity. Methods Mouse neuroblastoma neuro2a cells were used to examine the effect of the water-soluble free radical generator 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride (AAPH) on neurite dynamics. After 24 hours of AAPH treatment, cell viability, neurite number, and the number of altered neurites were measured in the presence or absence of α-tocotrienol. Results Treatment of neuro2a cells with a low concentration of AAPH induces neurite degeneration, but not ce...