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Protective effect of saffron extract and crocin on reactive oxygen species-mediated high glucose-induced toxicity in
S H Mousavi1, N Z Tayarani, H Parsaee
1Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Research Centre of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. mousavih@mums.ac.ir
Abstract:
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most frequent complications of diabetes. Despite some studies, the exact mechanism of glucose neurotoxicity has not been fully elucidated. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) has proposed as a possible mechanism. Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been known as a source of antioxidants. Therefore, neuroprotective effect of saffron extract, its active component crocin and gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine (GSH) was studied in glucose-induced neurotoxicity, using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. ROS was measured using DCF-DA by flow cytometry analysis. The result showed that glucose (13.5 and 27 mg/ml) reduced the cell viability of PC12 cells after 4 days. Saffron extract (5 and 25 mg/ml), crocin (10 and 50 muM) and GSH (10 muM) could decrease this toxicity. Glucose toxicity was consistent with increased ROS production which reduced by saffron, crocin and GSH pretreatment. These results suggest saffron and its carotenoid crocin could be potentially useful in diabetic neuropathy treatment.
Insights
Saffron extract, crocin, and GSH protect against glucose-induced neurotoxicity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits for diabetic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common diabetes complication.
- The precise mechanisms of glucose neurotoxicity are not fully understood.
- Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a proposed mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of saffron extract, crocin, and glutathione (GSH) in a glucose-induced neurotoxicity model.
- To evaluate the role of ROS in glucose-induced neurotoxicity.
- To assess the potential of saffron and its components in treating diabetic neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- PC12 cells were used as an in vitro model for diabetic neuropathy.
- Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay.
- ROS levels were quantified by DCF-DA staining and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- High glucose concentrations (13.5 and 27 mg/ml) significantly reduced PC12 cell viability.
- Saffron extract (5 and 25 mg/ml), crocin (10 and 50 μM), and GSH (10 μM) attenuated glucose-induced cell death.
- Glucose toxicity correlated with increased ROS production, which was diminished by pretreatment with saffron, crocin, and GSH.
Conclusions:
- Saffron extract, crocin, and GSH demonstrate neuroprotective properties against glucose toxicity in vitro.
- These compounds mitigate neurotoxicity by reducing elevated ROS levels.
- Saffron and its active component crocin show promise as potential therapeutic agents for diabetic neuropathy.
