Resveratrol protects PC12 cells from high glucose-induced neurotoxicity via PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway

Diabetes is known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Resveratrol, a plant-derived polyphenolic compound found in red wine, possesses antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt)/FoxO3a pathway in mediating high glucose (HG)-induced injuries in neuronal PC12 cells. PC12 cells were exposed to HG to establish a model of HG neurotoxicity. Results showed that pre-treating PC12 cells with resveratrol before exposure to HG led to increased cell viability, decreased apoptotic cells, and reactive oxygen species generation. Western blot analysis showed that HG decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO3a and led to the nuclear localization of FoxO3a. These effects were significantly alleviated by resveratrol co-treatment. Furthermore, the protective effects of resveratrol were abolished by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. All these results demonstrate that resveratrol protected the PC12 cells from HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via the activation of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway.