Nischarin attenuates apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in PC12 cells

Nischarin (NISCH) is a cytoplasmic protein known to serve an inhibitory role in breast cancer cell apoptosis, migration and invasion. Recently, NISCH has been reported to be involved in the regulation of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. Oxidative stress contributes to tissue injury and cell apoptosis during the development of various diseases, including SCI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of NISCH in the regulation of apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in PC12 cells. H₂O₂ was used to establish an oxidative stress model in PC12 cells. Apoptosis levels were examined using flow cytometry analysis, and the expression of NISCH, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and caspase-3 were examined using western blot and immunofluorescence staining analyses. The results demonstrated that treatment with 100 µM H₂O₂ significantly increased the apoptotic rate and expression of NISCH in PC12 cells. At 48 h following incubation with 100 µM H₂O₂, NISCH downregulation partially inhibited apoptosis of PC12 cells. In addition, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased by H₂O₂ treatment. These effects were also partially inhibited by the downregulation of NISCH. The authors of the present study therefore hypothesize that NISCH may function as a pro-apoptotic protein that participates in the regulation of oxidative stress, and NISCH downregulation may protect cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.