Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Exploring the Two Herb Combination Strategy to Treat Injured PC12 Cells
Published on: November 18, 2022
Sulforaphane prevents PC12 cells from oxidative damage via the Nrf2 pathway
Bing Bao1, Man-Qing Zhang1, Zhi-Ying Chen1
1Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang College, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 33200, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of sulforaphane (SFN) on 1‑methyl‑4‑phenyl pyridine ion (MPP+)‑induced cytotoxicity and to investigate its possible mechanisms.
Methods:
PC12 cell toxicity induced by MPP+ served as a cell model of Parkinson's diseases. The cell culture + experiments were divided into four groups based on the different treatments, namely, vehicle control, SFN, MPP+ and SFN pretreatment plus MPP+. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were detected using western blotting.
Results:
MPP+ reduced the survival rate of PC12 cells in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner. After 24‑h treatment with 500 µmol/l MPP+, the survival rate of PC12 cells decreased to 58.2±0.03% of that in the control groups. Under the same conditions MPP+ resulted in significant apoptosis of PC12 cells (apoptosis rate: 30.4±0.6%). However, SFN pretreatment significantly attenuated the cell damage induced by MPP+. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that SFN reversed the reduction of Nrf2, HO‑1 and NQO1 expression induced by MPP+.
Conclusion:
SFN may protect PC12 cells from MPP+‑induced damage via activating the Nrf2‑ARE (antioxidant responsive element) pathway.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Oxidation Numbers
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Cancer Prevention
Some...

