Oxidized Perilla and Linseed Oils Induce Neuronal Apoptosis by Caspase-dependent and -independent Pathways

• Main Authors: Yuki Ueno, Yoshiyuki Kawamoto, Yamato Nakane, Risa Natsume, Kyoko Miura, Yui Okumura, Takashi Murate, Emi Hattori, Toshihiko Osawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
• Series: Foods
• Subjects: alpha-linolenic acid; oxidative stress; apoptosis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/5/538

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, is involved in bioregulatory functions. In recent years, the health-promoting effects of vegetable-derived edible oils rich in ALA have attracted attention. ALA has a variety of physiological effects such as anti-arteriosclerotic and antiallergic properties, but is prone to oxidation. Therefore, safety concerns exist with regard to adverse effects on humans induced by its oxides. However, the effects on neuronal cells induced by oxidized ALA-rich oils, such as perilla and linseed oils, have not been fully investigated. This information is very important from the viewpoint of food safety. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxidized perilla and linseed oils, which are rich in ALA, on the toxicity of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Perilla and linseed oils were significantly oxidized compared with other edible vegetable oils. These oxidized oils induce neuronal cell death and apoptosis via caspase-dependent and -independent pathways through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, they suppressed neurite outgrowth. These results suggest that oxidized perilla and linseed oils have the potential to cause neuronal loss and ROS-mediated apoptosis, and thus may affect the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases.