Abstract
BackgroundOxidative stress mediates the nerve injury during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Protecting against oxidative stress damage is an important strategy to prevent and treat AD. Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ) is a Chinese medicine used for the treatment of AD, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the effect of DHYZ on H2O2 induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells.MethodsPC12 cells were treated with H2O2 and DHYZ. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cytotoxicity of H2O2 was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Apoptosis were identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Caspase 3 activity was detected by commercial kit. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was 2′, 7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Protein expression and phosphorylation was identified by western blot.ResultsThe results showed that DHYZ antagonized H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferation inhibition. DHYZ reduced ROS production, stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibit Caspase-3 activity and apoptosis induced by H2O2. In addition, DHYZ inhibited the phosphorylation of ASK1, JNK1/2/3 and p38 MAPK which were up-regulated by H2O2.ConclusionsThe present study suggested that DHYZ protected PC12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage and was related to inhibition of ROS production and ASK1-JNK/p38 MAPK signaling. The present study provides experimental evidence for the application of DHYZ for the management of oxidative stress damage and AD.
Highlights
Oxidative stress mediates the nerve injury during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
JC-1 accumulates in the mitochondrial matrix, forms J-aggregates and produces red fluorescence when the membrane potential (MMP) is high, while JC-1 exists as a monomer and emits green fluorescence when the MMP is low
Upon DHYZ treatment, the red fluorescence intensity of PC12 cells increased and the green fluorescence decreased (Fig. 3) (P < 0.05). These results suggested that DHYZ could reverse H2O2-induced reduction of MMP
Summary
Oxidative stress mediates the nerve injury during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ) is a Chinese medicine used for the treatment of AD, but its mechanism remains unknown. AD presents as progressive cognitive impairment, and is closely related to β-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau pathology [1,2,3]. Both Aβ and Tau can cause oxidative stress (OS) [4,5,6]. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is known to play an important role in the prevention and treatment of AD. Based on the theory of TCM, clinical medication and related studies, we established a Chinese herbal formula Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ). DHYZ consists of Shu-Di (prepared root of Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaert.) Libosch. ex Fisch. et Mey.), Yi-Zhi-Ren (fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq.), Shi-Chang-Pu (root of Acorus tatarinowii Schott), Fu-Shen (Poria with hostwood) and
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
