Baicalin protects PC-12 cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide via anti-apoptotic effects

To examine the neuroprotection of baicalin, a flavonoid compound derived from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on neurons.

A rat PC12 cell line was used to study the neuroprotection and possible mechanisms of baicalin on H₂O₂-induced neuron damage.

Three anti- and one pro-apoptosis genes in PC12 cells were examined. Cell apoptosis was induced by H₂O₂ and apoptotic rate was obtained by flow cytometry. MTT for cell viability, immunofluorescence microscopy for promoter activity and western blot for gene expression were also employed.

Data of MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry revealed that viability loss and apoptotic rate were reduced by pre-treatment of PC12 cells with baicalin for 24 hours. Baicalin was also found to increase SOD, GSH-Px activities and to decrease MDA level. Results from Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy showed baicalin increased the expressions of survivin, Bcl-2 and p-STAT3 and decreased caspase-3 expression which were attenuated by AG-490.

The results point to the possibility of the neuroprotective effects of baicalin on neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and indicate that activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway might involve the anti-apoptotic effect of baicalin.