Isobavachin induces autophagy-mediated cytotoxicity in AML12 cells via AMPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways

Isobavachin (IBA) is a dihydroflavonoid compound with various pharmacological effects. However, further investigation into the hepatotoxicity of IBA is necessary. This study aims to identify the hepatotoxic effects of IBA and explore its potential mechanisms. The study assessed the impact of IBA on the viability of AML12, HepG2, LO2, rat, and mouse primary hepatocytes using MTT and LDH assays. Autophagy was detected in AML12 cells after IBA treatment using electron microscopy, MDC, and Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B fluorescence. The effect of IBA on autophagy-related proteins was examined using Western blot. The results showed that IBA had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on five cells, induced autophagy in AML12 cells, and promoted autophagic flux. The study found that IBA treatment inhibited phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, while increasing phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1. Treatment with both AMPK and PI3K inhibitors reversed the expression of AMPK and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway proteins. These results suggest that IBA may have hepatocytotoxic effects but can also prevent IBA hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the AMPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This provides a theoretical basis for preventing and treating IBA hepatotoxicity in clinical settings.