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In vivo and in vitro neuroprotective effects of maca polysaccharide
Yi Zhou1,2, Lemei Zhu1,2, Haigang Li1,2
1Hunan Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, 410219 Changsha, Hunan, China.
Objective:
To explore the protective effect of MP on oxidative damage in vivo and in vitro.
Methods:
A mouse aging model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal), and pathological changes in the hippocampal ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues were evaluated with GSH-Px and MDA assay kits. An MTT assay was used to detect the viability of the model SH-SY5Y cells with H2O2-induced damage, and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit was used to evaluate LDH leakage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cleaved caspase 3 and P53 protein expression was determined by western blot analysis.
Results:
Demonstrated that MP increased GSH-Px activity, reduced MDA levels, and attenuated the cell damage induced by H2O2. Furthermore, MP protected neuronal cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism including a decrease in LDH leakage and reversal of H2O2-induced cell morphological damage. MP treatment alleviated the H2O2-induced increases in ROS levels, inhibited apoptosis, relieved cell cycle arrest, and downregulated cleaved caspase 3 and P53 protein expression.
Conclusions:
MP is a novel antioxidant with neuroprotective effects.
Insights
MP demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage. This novel antioxidant enhances cellular defense mechanisms and reduces neuronal cell death, offering a promising therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxidative damage is a key factor in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Identifying effective antioxidants for neuroprotection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective potential of MP against oxidative stress.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying MP's protective effects in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Established a mouse aging model using D-galactose and induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells with H2O2.
- Assessed hippocampal ultrastructure, antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH-Px), lipid peroxidation (MDA), cell viability (MTT), LDH leakage, ROS levels, cell cycle, and apoptosis markers (cleaved caspase 3, P53).
Main Results:
- MP treatment increased GSH-Px activity and decreased MDA levels in brain tissue.
- MP attenuated H2O2-induced neuronal cell damage, reducing LDH leakage and ROS generation.
- MP inhibited apoptosis, relieved cell cycle arrest, and downregulated cleaved caspase 3 and P53 expression.
Conclusions:
- MP exhibits significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
- MP safeguards neuronal cells against oxidative stress by enhancing antioxidant defenses and inhibiting apoptotic pathways.
