Attenuation of MG132-induced HeLa cell death by N-acetyl cysteine via reducing reactive oxygen species and preventing glutathione depletion

MG132 as a proteasome inhibitor can induce apoptotic cell death through formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; an antioxidant) on MG132-induced HeLa cell death in relation to ROS and glutathione (GSH) were investigated. MG132 induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in HeLa cells, which was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; ΔΨ_m), activation of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. MG132 increased ROS levels, including O₂^•-, and GSH depleted cell numbers of HeLa cells. NAC reduced the number of annexin V-positive cells and MMP (ΔΨ_m) loss by MG132. In addition, NAC significantly reduced the ROS level and prevented GSH depletion. In conclusion, NAC prevented MG132-induced HeLa cell death via decreasing ROS and preventing GSH depletion.