Vinpocetine-based therapy is an attractive strategy against oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro by targeting Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Vinpocetine (Vin), a synthetic-derivative of Vincamine, monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, has been reported to have various medicinal benefits. The purpose of our study was to investigate the pivotal role of "nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2" (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant protection of Vin against H₂O₂ and paracetamol (APAP)-induced liver toxicity. For this purpose, a normal human hepatic cell line (L02 cells) was incubated with cytotoxic concentrations of H₂O₂ or APAP in the presence or absence of Vin. To evaluate the responses, MTS Cell Viability assay, immunoblotting, biochemical assays, and molecular docking approach were used. Viability analysis showed that treatment of L02 cells with Vin prevented the cytotoxicity induced by H₂O₂ and APAP. It was evidenced by the fact that Vin dumped H₂O_2- and APAP-cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The immunoblotting analysis shows that Vin increased Nrf2 expression along with the expression of target protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and increased intracellular glutathione (GSH) level. Interestingly, we found that Vin could protect the protein expression-level of Nrf2, which indicated the prospective interaction between Vin and Keap1 protein. Additionally, molecular docking-study revealed that Vin competed with Nrf2 for Keap1-binding site, with hydrogen and stearic interactions. Collectively, Vin effectively protects against H₂O₂ and APAP-induced cytotoxicity via executing Nrf2-mediated restoration of antioxidative/oxidative balance. Meanwhile, Vin interrupts protein-protein interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1, which might also contribute to decrease Nrf2 degradation and stabilize protein expression. Thus, Vin-based adjuvant therapy may represent a smart drug regimen to mitigate drug-induced oxidative stress and liver injuries.