Investigation of the neurodegenerative effects of Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and B-N-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) toxins on the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Cyanobacteria found in freshwater ecosystems begin to multiply uncontrollably as they find high levels of nitrogenous and phosphate nutrient salts in the water and as the ambient temperature rises. During the proliferation of cyanobacteria, aerobic and anaerobic reactions occur. Thus, cyanobacterial toxins with serious toxic effects such as Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) are released. Microcystin-LR is a toxin known for its cytotoxic effects, and BMAA is known for its neurodegenerative connections. In this thesis study, Microcystin-LR and BMAA toxins were applied to the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, which is a model cell line in neurodegenerative research. Following exposure to these toxins, apoptotic processes and increased reactive oxygen species were observed in the neuroblastoma cell. In this regard, findings of cell death and cellular stress have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and neurodegenerative damage in the cell was determined.