Neuroprotective Effect of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles on SH-SY-5Y Cell Line

In the nervous system, magnesium is important for optimal nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination; moreover, it protects nerve cells from excitotoxicity, i.e., excessive excitation leading to cell death. It works as a calcium channel blocker and reduces excitation of neurons. In the present study, the neuroprotective activity of magnesium oxide bulk and nanoparticles was assessed by evaluating cell membrane potential and mitochondrial membrane potential with the assumption that they might have the same mechanism of smooth muscle relaxation and stabilization of membrane potential. The toxicity of magnesium oxide bulk particles and nanoparticles to SH-SY-5Y neuroblastoma cells was analyzed at different concentrations by MTT assay, apoptosis assay, ROS assay, and microscopic observations. It was observed that they do not show any significant toxicity to SH-SY-5Y neuroblastoma cells. To check the neuroprotective activity of magnesium oxide, SH-SY-5Y cells were pretreated with magnesium oxide bulk and nanoparticles prior to induction of hyperpolarization by ivermectin and it was found that cell membrane potential and mitochondrial membrane potential get stabilized effectively as compared to magnesium sulphate, the conventional drug. In conclusion, we concluded that MgO nanoparticles are biocompatible and have potential to reserve cell and mitochondrial membrane potential.