Neuropeptide Y reduces migration capacity of human choriocarcinoma cell line by altering oxidative/antioxidative status

Reduced migration capacity of trophoblast cells leads to poor placentation and correlates with severe pregnancy disorders such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is sympathetic cotransmitter involved in various physiological processes and its levels are significantly increased in preeclamptic pregnancy compared to healthy pregnancy. In this study the prooxidative role of NPY and its effects on migration capacity of human trophoblast cell line JEG-3 were investigated together with the effects of nitric oxide (NO) depletion, a molecule that was shown to play an important role in promoting cell migration. The cells were treated for 24 h (short-term stimulation) and 72 h (long-term stimulation) respectively with 1 nM NPY. Oxidative/antioxidative status and the migration index of cells were measured. The results showed increased concentrations of oxidative stress parameters (O2.-, H2O2) and molecules of the antioxidant defense system (reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione), while the levels of intracellular nitrites (indicators of NO) and cell migration index were significantly decreased in trophoblast cells treated with NPY (both at 24 h and 72 h of exposure) compared to the control cells. These results suggest that NPY may significantly contribute to reduced migration capacity of trophoblast cells by generating oxidative stress and reducing the bioavailability of NO.