Cadmium Activates Reactive Oxygen Species-dependent AKT/mTOR and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways in Neuronal Cells

Key words: 
• Cadmium /
• Apoptosis /
• AKT/mTOR pathway /
• Mitochondrial apoptotic pathway /
• Primary rat cerebral cortical neurons /
• PC12 cells

Abstract: ObjectiveTo examine the role of Cd-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the apoptosis of neuronal cells. MethodsNeuronal cells (primary rat cerebral cortical neurons and PC12cells) were incubated with or without Cd post-pretreatment with rapamycin (Rap) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the activation of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways were measured by western blotting or immunofluorescence assays. ResultsCd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling, including Akt, mTOR,p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1(4E-BP1). Rap, an mTOR inhibitor and NAC, a ROS scavenger, blocked Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling and apoptosis of neuronal cells. Furthermore, NAC blocked the decrease of B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bcl-2/Bax) ratio, release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor(AIF)and endonuclease G (Endo G). ConclusionCd-induced ROS generation activates Akt/mTOR and mitochondrial pathways, leading to apoptosis ofneuronal cells. Our findings suggest that mTOR inhibitors or antioxidants have potential for preventing Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.