Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum on spinal cord motor neurons and microglial cells in vitro

The regenerative capability of spinal cord neurons is limited to impossible. Thus, experimental approaches supporting reconstruction/regeneration are in process. This study focused on the evaluation of the protective potency of an extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP), a plant used in traditional medicine with anti-oxidative and neuroprotective activities, in vitro on organotypic spinal cord cultures, the motor-neuron-like NSC-34 cell line and the microglial cell line BV-2. Organotypic cultures were mechanically stressed by the slicing procedure and the effect of GP on motor neuron survival and neurite sprouting was tested by immunohistochemistry. NSC-34 cells were neuronal differentiated by using special medium. Afterwards, cell survival (propidium iodide/fluorescein diacetate labeling), proliferation (BrdU-incorporation), and neurite sprouting were evaluated. BV-2 cells were stimulated with LPS/interferon γ and subjected to migration assay and nanoparticle uptake. Cell survival, proliferation and the expression pattern of different microglial activation markers (cFOS, iNOS) as well as transcription factors (PPARγ, YB1) were analyzed. In organotypic cultures, high-dose GP supported survival of motor neurons and especially of the neuronal fiber network. Despite reduced neurodegeneration, however, there was a GP-mediated activation of astro- and microglia. In NSC-34 cells, high-dosed GP had degenerative and anti-proliferative effects, but only in normal medium. Moreover, GP supported the neuro-differentiation ability. In BV-2 cells, high-dosed GP was toxic. In lower dosages, GP affected cell survival and proliferation when combined with LPS/interferon γ. Nanoparticle uptake, migration ability, and the transcription factor PPARγ, however, GP affected directly. The data suggest positive effects of GP on injured spinal motor neurons. Moreover, GP activated microglial cells. The dual role of microglia (protective/detrimental) in neurodegenerative processes required further experiments to enhance the knowledge about GP effects. Therefore, a possible clinical use of GP in spinal cord injuries is still a long way off.