Apigenin attenuates 2-deoxy-D-ribose-induced oxidative cell damage in HIT-T15 pancreatic β-cells

Kwang Sik Suh1, Seungjoon Oh, Jeong-Taek Woo

  • 1Research Institute of Endocrinology, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 130–702, Republic of Korea.

Insights

The flavonoid apigenin protects pancreatic beta cells from oxidative stress and damage induced by 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib). Apigenin treatment attenuated dRib-induced cell death, reactive oxygen species generation, and inflammatory signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Glucose toxicity is a key factor in pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes development.
  • Oxidative stress plays a significant role in glucose toxicity within pancreatic beta-cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of the flavonoid apigenin against 2-deoxy-D-ribose (dRib)-induced oxidative damage in pancreatic beta-cells.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of apigenin's protective action, focusing on oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling.

Main Methods:

  • HIT-T15 pancreatic beta-cells were treated with apigenin prior to dRib exposure.
  • Cell viability (CCK-8), apoptosis (ELISA), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (DCFH-DA) were assessed.
  • DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1 was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • dRib significantly reduced cell survival and mitochondrial membrane potential, while increasing ROS production, apoptosis, and NF-κB/AP-1 activity.
  • Apigenin pretreatment effectively counteracted all dRib-induced detrimental effects.
  • Antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) demonstrated similar protective effects against dRib-induced damage.

Conclusions:

  • Apigenin exhibits protective properties against dRib-induced oxidative stress and cell damage in pancreatic beta-cells.
  • The protective mechanism of apigenin involves the attenuation of oxidative stress-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB and AP-1 activation.
  • Apigenin represents a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating beta-cell dysfunction associated with glucose toxicity.

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