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Published on: July 13, 2018
Protection from antimycin A-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts
A-Rang Im1, Young-Hwa Kim, Md Romij Uddin
1Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, South Korea.
Abstract:
Antimycin A (AMA) damages the mitochondria through inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport. In this study, exposure of L6 rat skeletal muscle cells to AMA induced a decrease in ATP content, followed by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to apoptosis. We evaluated the protective effects of water and ethanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera seeds on L6 cells with AMA-induced oxidative stress. We found that the extracts reduced cellular apoptosis; preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential; protected mitochondrial ATP production; inhibited p53, Bax, and caspase 3 activities; and induced Bcl-2 production. Our results suggested that AMA induced apoptosis in L6 cells via impairment of mitochondrial function. N. nucifera extracts protected the cells from this mitochondria-mediated cell death.
Insights
Antimycin A induces apoptosis by damaging mitochondria. Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts protect muscle cells by preserving mitochondrial function and reducing cell death.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Cellular apoptosis
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimycin A (AMA) is known to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport, leading to cellular damage.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in the induction of apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts against AMA-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the protective action of N. nucifera extracts.
Main Methods:
- L6 rat skeletal muscle cells were exposed to Antimycin A to induce oxidative stress and apoptosis.
- Cellular ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis-related protein activities (p53, Bax, caspase 3, Bcl-2) were measured.
- Water and ethanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera seeds were used to evaluate their protective effects.
Main Results:
- AMA exposure led to decreased ATP content, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced apoptosis in L6 cells.
- N. nucifera extracts significantly reduced AMA-induced apoptosis.
- The extracts preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production.
- Protective effects were associated with inhibition of p53, Bax, and caspase 3, and induction of Bcl-2.
Conclusions:
- AMA induces apoptosis in L6 cells through the impairment of mitochondrial function.
- Nelumbo nucifera seed extracts demonstrate significant protective effects against AMA-induced mitochondria-mediated cell death.
- N. nucifera extracts may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.
