Anthocyanin-Rich Morus alba L. Fruit Extract Phytosome Protects Neuronal Cells Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity

This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of an anthocyanin-rich Morus alba L. fruit extract phytosome (MAP) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in SH-SY5Y cells. Cells were treated with the MAP before and during H2O2 exposure. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were assessed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation were measured to evaluate oxidative stress, while antioxidant status was determined by assessing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Inflammatory responses were evaluated through the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Apoptosis-related proteins, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), were also analyzed. Histone deacetylase (HDAC)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-related responses were evaluated by determining HDAC activity and SIRT1 expression. The MAP treatment significantly improved cell viability and reduced LDH release following H2O2 exposure. These effects were accompanied by a significant reduction in HDAC activity and an increase in SIRT1 expression, which coincided with decreased ROS generation and lipid peroxidation, enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses, attenuated expression of inflammatory mediators, and modulation of apoptosis-related signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that modulation of HDAC activity and SIRT1 expression may contribute to the protective activity of MAP, accompanied by the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis-related responses. Further studies in animal models and humans are warranted to validate the neuroprotective potential of MAP and assess its potential as a food-derived bioactive ingredient.