An excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, is a major factor in aging. Antioxidant therapies are considered crucial for delaying aging. Nanoceria, a nanozyme with antioxidant activity, holds significant potential in protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. This research examines the neuroprotective role of nanoceria on HT22 cells subjected to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and explores the associated molecular mechanisms. Our findings indicate that nanoceria enhances bcl-2 expression and significantly reduces Bax expression, resulting in an increased bcl-2/Bax ratio, which confirms its anti-apoptotic effect. Nanoceria boosts catalase expression and suppresses the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, indicating its role in shielding HT22 cells from oxidative stress damage induced by H2O2 through various protective mechanisms. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence for the potential applications of nanoceria in skin anti-aging and the prevention and treatment of other oxidative stress-related diseases.
Keywords: nanoceria; neuroprotection; oxidative stress; p38 MAPK; reactive oxygen species.