ROLE OF QUERCETIN IN OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED GLIAL CELL INJURY

Glial cells are crucial for maintaining the stability of the brain, providing support to neurons, and managing oxidative stress. This research examined the cytoprotective effects of the flavonoid Quercetin on C6 glial cells subjected to oxidative stress induced by the chemical hypoxic mimetic Cobalt-Chloride (CoCl₂). Treatment with cobalt chloride led to oxidative damage within the cells, indicated by increased levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Pre-treatment with Quercetin offered significant protection by boosting antioxidant defences, lowering oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial function, thereby reducing the number of apoptotic cells. The effectiveness of Quercetin was found to be dependent on concentration: lower doses were notably effective for certain measures, while higher doses displayed limited effects or, at times, exacerbated the damage, implying a biphasic response. These observations imply that quercetin’s protective potential is determined not only by its dose but also by the particular type of cellular stress or injury encountered. Overall, these findings highlight Quercetin as a neuroprotective agent and underscore the need for its dose optimisation and further studies in physiologically relevant models.