Protective Effect of Galantamine Against Oxidative Damage Using Human Lymphocytes: A Novel In Vitro Model

Background and Aims Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease are characterized in the initial stages by an increase in reactive oxygen species that trigger apoptosis or programmed cell death. It has been suggested that the synthetic alkaloid galantamine may offer protection against this cell loss. This investigation sought to assess the protective effect of galantamine against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) using human lymphocytes cultured in vitro as a model. Methods Cell death can be measured indirectly using cell viability testing with trypan blue. Determination of the galantamine concentrations used was made possible by the negative correlation found between galantamine concentration and average mitotic index (MI). Results Average viability of lymphocytes treated with low and medium concentrations of galantamine was significantly higher than the control. Conclusion Galantamine does indeed demonstrate a protective capacity against cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. This finding supports the possible use of the drug in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases related to oxidative stress.