TRPV1-mediated calcium signaling underlies the synergistic pro-apoptotic effects of lidocaine and melatonin in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells - Report - MDSpire

TRPV1-mediated calcium signaling underlies the synergistic pro-apoptotic effects of lidocaine and melatonin in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

  • By

  • Ebru Aladag

  • Ishak Suat Ovey

  • June 24, 2026

  • 0 min

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Calcium Signaling via TRPV1 Mediates the Combined Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Lidocaine and Melatonin in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Overview

This study investigates the combined effects of lidocaine and melatonin on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, revealing that their synergistic action promotes apoptosis through TRPV1-mediated calcium signaling.

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and poses significant treatment challenges, particularly for high-risk cases. Current therapies often result in poor survival rates and severe long-term effects.

Data Highlights

The study demonstrated that the combination of lidocaine and melatonin significantly increased cytosolic Ca²+ levels, ROS production, mitochondrial depolarization, and caspase activation compared to control and single-treatment groups.

Key Findings

  • Lidocaine and melatonin synergistically promote apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
  • The combination treatment significantly elevates intracellular calcium levels.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is increased with the combined treatment.
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential is depolarized in response to the treatment.
  • Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities are activated, indicating apoptosis.
  • TRPV1-mediated calcium influx is a central mechanism driving these effects.

Clinical Implications

Further investigation into TRPV1-mediated pathways may provide insights into targeted therapies that enhance cancer cell death while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Conclusion

This study examines the combined use of lidocaine and melatonin in promoting apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells through TRPV1-linked calcium signaling pathways.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Blood Cancer Journal, 2013 -- Stimulation of Toll-like receptor-1/2 combined with Velcade increases cytotoxicity to human multiple myeloma cells
  2. Brain, 2025 -- Novel insight into TRPV1-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in neuropathic pain
  3. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2024 -- Regulatory Mechanisms of Diffuse Glioma Growth and Invasion in the Central Nervous System: Insights from Single-Unit Physiology to Circuit Alterations
  4. Neuroblastoma Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI, 2025
  5. International Journal of Cancer, 2026 -- A phase II trial of naxitamab plus stepped‐up dosing of GM‐CSF for patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma in second or later complete remission
  6. Frontiers in Oncology — Dendrobine inhibits anaplastic thyroid cancer progression by targeting the JAK-STAT3 pathway
  7. Neuroblastoma Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI
  8. A phase II trial of naxitamab plus stepped‐up dosing of GM‐CSF for patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma in second or later complete remission - Kushner - 2026 - International Journal of Cancer - Wiley Online Library
  9. Intravenous lidocaine reduces systemic inflammation but not myocardial injury following thoracic surgery for lung cancer: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed

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