Monascus pigment prevent the oxidative cytotoxicity in myotube derived hydrogen peroxide

The amounts of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) become higher by strenuous exercises which consume larger amounts of oxygen in active muscles. Since these ROS directly injured muscles, the high ROS concentration involves muscle fatigue. Thus, an immediate ROS scavenging system in the muscle is desired. Since Monascus pigment (MP) involves physiologically active substances which scavenge ROS, it may be a clue to save the muscle injury. However, there are no reports examining MP effects on oxidative stress in skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of MP on skeletal muscle cells damaged by oxidative stress. The ability to directly eliminate ROS was evaluated by mixing MP solutions with ^•OH and O₂ ^•-, a type of ROS. The effect of peroxidation in C2C12 cells was evaluated by cell viability assay and Western blotting. MP scavenges ^•OH and O₂ ^•-. MP treatment increases the survival rate under oxidative stress. At that time, the expression of catalase was increased: the enzyme change H₂O₂ into H₂O to rescue the cells under oxidative stress. We conclude that monascus pigment suppressed myotube damage under oxidative stress by both non-enzymatic ROS scavenging and up-regulation of catalase expression.