Homocysteine induced SH-SY5Y apoptosis through activation of NADPH oxidase in U251MG cells.

Epidemiological studies have indicated a correlation between homocysteinemia and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism by which homocysteine (Hcy) induces neuronal cell death remains unknown. We found that micromolar concentrations of Hcy induced neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell death only when co-cultured with glioblastoma U251MG cells.

Homocysteine and copper induce cellular apoptosis via caspase activation and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor in neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y.

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated in dementia and neurodegenerative disease. Physiological homocysteine concentrations did not result in apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells in the present study. The apoptosis was recognized in millimolar level of homocysteine.