Neuroprotection by a rare earth element: the therapeutic potential of yttrium oxide nanoparticles in a Parkinson's disease model using the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line

This study initiates an investigation into the use of yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y₂O₃ NPs) as a neuroprotective agent against Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. Using a 6-OHDA-induced human SH-SY5Y cell model, high-dose Y₂O₃ NPs (316–1000 µg/mL) demonstrated a hormetic effect, significantly improving cell survival. The nanoparticles conferred protection by stabilising mitochondrial membrane potential, enhancing antioxidant activity, and inducing a mild, protective oxidative preconditioning. They also inhibited apoptosis by suppressing the activity of Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3/7. Furthermore, Y₂O₃ NPs attenuated key neuroinflammatory markers (TNF-α, MCP-1). This multifaceted mechanism positions Y₂O₃ NPs as a novel candidate for targeting the core pathological pathways of PD.