Effects of echinacoside on MPP(+)-induced mitochondrial fragmentation, mitophagy and cell apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.

Objective: To observe the protective effect of echinacoside on mitochondrial fragmentation, mitophagy and cell apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)).

Methods: The MPP(+) -treated SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control and drug groups. The cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis. The alterations in mitochondrial morphology were observed, and the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitophagy were measured.

Results: MPP(+) induced severe mitochondrial fragmentation in SH-SY5Y cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced (P<0.05), which further led to mitophagy and cell apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP(+) (P<0.05); mitochondrial depolarization, mitophagy and cell apoptosis in echinacoside-treated groups were significantly suppressed (P<0.05), but mitochondrial fragmentation was not affected (P>0.05).

Conclusion: MPP(+) can cause severe damage to mitochondrial morphology and the function in SH-SY5Y cells, and echinacoside selectively reverse mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis, yet there is no effect on mitochondrial morphology.