Lutein inhibits glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Introduction: Excessive glutamate levels induce oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal damage, and cell death. While natural antioxidants show promise for neuroprotection, their effectiveness in the central nervous system (CNS) is limited by the blood -brain barrier. Lutein, a neuroprotective carotenoid, has gained attention for its ability to traverse this barrier and accumulate in various brain regions.