Fig 7. Schematic representation of PRL’s protective effects against H₂O₂ neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons.

PRL binding to its receptor (PRLR) triggers the nuclear import of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), leading to the downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and pro-oxidant Nox4 expression induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This mechanism could underlie PRL’s ability to promote neuron survival by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipoperoxidation, and apoptosis triggered by H₂O₂ (Created with BioRender.com).