Abstract

Thromboxane A2 receptor (TXA2R) serves a vital role in numerous neurological disorders. Our previous study indicated that SQ29548, an antagonist of TXA2R, attenuated the induced neuron damage in cerebral infarction animals; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Certain studies revealed a new role of TXA2R in the regulation of oxidative stress, which is one of the basic pathological processes in neurological disorders. Thus, the present study attempted to examine whether the inhibition of TXA2R with SQ29548 helped to protect the nerve cells against oxidative stress. SQ29548 was utilized as a TXA2R antagonist, and relevant assays were performed to detect the cell viability, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell apoptosis, expression levels of superoxide dismutase‑2 (SOD2), catalase and caspases, and activation of mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. It was observed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) dose‑dependently reduced the viability of SH‑SY5Y cells. In addition, H2O2 raised the level of ROS in cells, inhibited the expression levels of SOD2 and catalase, and potentially enhanced cell apoptosis and the expression of caspases via activating the MAPK pathways. Pretreatment with SQ29548 not only rescued the viability of SH‑SY5Y cells, but also ameliorated the intracellular ROS level and the expression levels of SOD2 and catalase. Furthermore, it decreased the cell apoptosis and the expression of caspases, possibly via the inhibition of MAPK pathways. In conclusion, SQ29548, an antagonist of TXA2R, improved the antioxidant capacities of SH‑SY5Y cells and reduced the cell apoptosis through the inhibition of MAPK pathways.