Neuroprotective effect of modified Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong granule, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on CoCl 2-induced PC12 cells

Abstract

Aim of the study To investigate the neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of modified Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong granule (MWG), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, against CoCl 2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. Materials and methods Cell viability assay, apoptosis rate assay, ROS detection and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assay were performed. In addition, cytochrome c, caspase-3, PARP and MAPKs were also detected by Western blotting. Results MWG extract increased viability and suppresses early and middle/late stage apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in CoCl 2-induced PC12 cells. Moreover, MWG extract decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased MMP, regulated Bcl-2 family protein expression (Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL) and inhibited the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. In addition, MWG extract attenuated activation of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPKs. Conclusions MWG extract exhibited significant neuroprotective effect on PC12 cells, and this effect may be associated with the suppression of ROS generation and inhibition of mitochondria-mediated caspase and MAPK signaling pathways.