New Neuroprotective Effect of Lemon IntegroPectin on Neuronal Cellular Model

Nuzzo, Domenico; Picone, Pasquale; Giardina, Costanza; Scordino, Miriana; Mudò, Giuseppa; Pagliaro, Mario; Scurria, Antonino; Meneguzzo, Francesco; Ilharco, Laura M.; Fidalgo, Alexandra; Alduina, Rosa; Presentato, Alessandro; Ciriminna, Rosaria; Di Liberto, Valentina

Lemon IntegroPectin obtained via hydrodynamic cavitation of organic lemon processing waste in water shows significant neuroprotective activity in vitro, as first reported in this study investigating the effects of both lemon IntegroPectin and commercial citrus pectin on cell viability, cell morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondria perturbation induced by treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y human cells with H(2)O(2). Mediated by ROS, including H(2)O(2) and its derivatives, oxidative stress alters numerous cellular processes, such as mitochondrial regulation and cell signaling, propagating cellular injury that leads to incurable neurodegenerative diseases. These results, and the absence of toxicity of this new pectic substance rich in adsorbed flavonoids and terpenes, suggest further studies to investigate its activity in preventing, retarding, or even curing neurological diseases.