Flavanonol taxifolin attenuates proteasome inhibition-induced apoptosis in differentiated PC12 cells by suppressing

Yoon Jeong Nam1, Da Hee Lee, Yong Kyoo Shin

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, and the BK21plus Skin Barrier Network Human Resources Development Team, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 156-756, South Korea.

Neurochemical Research
|December 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Taxifolin protects neuronal cells from death caused by proteasome inhibition. It reduces oxidative stress and preserves mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Proteasomal dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment are linked to neuronal degeneration.
  • Taxifolin exhibits known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The impact of taxifolin on proteasome inhibition-induced neuronal cell death remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of taxifolin against proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis in differentiated PC12 neuronal cells.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying taxifolin's potential neuroprotective actions.

Main Methods:

  • Differentiated PC12 cells were treated with proteasome inhibitors (MG132, MG115) with or without taxifolin.
  • Apoptosis-related protein levels (Bid, Bcl-2, survivin, Bax, p53, PARP-1), mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release, caspase activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) status were assessed.
  • Malondialdehyde and carbonyl levels were measured to evaluate oxidative damage.

Main Results:

  • Proteasome inhibitors induced apoptosis by altering apoptotic protein expression, disrupting mitochondrial potential, releasing cytochrome c, activating caspases, and increasing p53 and cleaved PARP-1.
  • Taxifolin treatment attenuated these apoptotic changes.
  • Taxifolin reduced ROS formation, prevented GSH depletion and oxidation, and decreased markers of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde, carbonyls).

Conclusions:

  • Taxifolin mitigates proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.
  • The protective effect is mediated by suppressing the mitochondrial pathway and caspase-8/Bid-dependent pathways.
  • Taxifolin's neuroprotection is attributed to its antioxidant capacity, including ROS inhibition and preservation of GSH.

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