Luteolin Induces Nrf2 Activity in C2C12 Cells: Implications for Muscle Health

Chronic oxidative distress results in cellular damage, necessitating adaptive mechanisms for redox balance. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is pivotal in the regulation of key antioxidant and cytoprotective genes. Under normal conditions, Nrf2 undergoes rapid degradation through polyubiquitination. However, it can be activated during oxidative eustress and distress via modifications of its inhibitor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1). Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway may decelerate aging-related muscle degeneration, such as sarcopenia and cachexia. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of two muscle-active endogenous factors, creatine and L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), as well as two natural phytochemicals, luteolin and silibinin, to induce Nrf2 in the murine myoblast cell line C2C12. Our results revealed that only luteolin significantly enhances Nrf2 activity in both proliferating and differentiated C2C12 cells, leading to increased expression of Nrf2 target genes in proliferating C2C12 cells. In contrast, the other three compounds had either no or only minor effects on Nrf2 activity or target gene expression. Our results underscore the distinct responses of C2C12 cells to different Nrf2 activators, emphasizing the significance of cellular context in their biological effects and highlight luteolin as a potential future treatment option to counteract muscle wasting associated with sarcopenia and cachexia.