Achyranthes bidentata Polypeptide Protects Schwann Cells From Apoptosis in Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress

ABPPk, the active ingredient separated from Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides, is a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmaceutical properties. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of ABPPk in protecting Schwann cells (SCs) from H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis. The viability of SCs pretreated with ABPPk was elevated significantly by MTT assay estimation. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of SCs was reduced which was showed in flow cytometry and transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling analysis. Furthermore, the addition of ABPPk also increased the activities of SOD and GSH accompanied with a decrease in MDA and LDH activities. According to Western blot analysis, the upregulation of Bcl-2, also downregulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were demonstrated in SCs which was ABPPk pretreated. Further research showed that PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways in SCs have been activated after pretreatment of ABPPk. Collectively, results in our study suggested that ABPPk protected SCs from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage by reducing the expression of apoptotic molecules and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which inhibited the apoptosis of SCs modulated by PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. In our perspectives, ABPPk as an active factor with its antioxidative activities has potential and promising therapeutic effects in the prevention of neurologic disorders.