Hyperoside Induces Endogenous Antioxidant System to Alleviate Oxidative Stress

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hyperoside, a flavonoid from Hypericum perforatum L., exhibits significant biological effects, notably preventing oxidative stress.
• Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen species, is linked to various diseases, necessitating understanding of antioxidant mechanisms.
• Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key enzymatic antioxidant defense system, but the molecular mechanisms of hyperoside's protective effects are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of hyperoside against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3).
• To elucidate the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in hyperoside's antioxidant activity.
• To explore the involvement of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and its upstream regulator ERK in hyperoside's mechanism of action.

Main Methods:

• Examined HO-1 protein and mRNA expression using Western blotting and RT-PCR.
• Assessed Nrf2 activation and DNA-binding activity via Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.
• Monitored ERK activation using Western blot analysis and evaluated cell viability with MTT assay.

Main Results:

• Hyperoside dose- and time-dependently increased HO-1 mRNA and protein expression.
• Hyperoside enhanced Nrf2 levels and its antioxidant response element-binding activity, modulated by ERK.
• Hyperoside activated ERK signaling and restored hydrogen peroxide-impaired cell viability.

Conclusions:

• Hyperoside effectively protects cells against oxidative stress through HO-1 induction.
• The findings highlight hyperoside's potential as a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related conditions.
• Hyperoside's mechanism involves the Nrf2/ERK signaling pathway, underscoring its role in cellular antioxidant defense.