Protective functions of salvianolic acid B in PC-12 cells against hydrogen peroxide-triggered damage by mediation of microRNA-26a

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to varying degrees of sensory and motor dysfunction. Salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) is the dominating bioactive constituent of Danshen, which has been reported to alleviate liver fibrosis and exert neuroprotective effects. But, the influence of Sal-B in SCI remains mysterious. The research planned to delve the protective function of Sal-B in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-caused PC-12 cell injury. H₂O₂-caused PC-12 cells injury model was built, CCK-8, Transwell and flow cytometry experiments were enforced to assess cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The microRNA (miR)-26a plasmid and the matching control were transfected into PC-12 cells, subsequently, the influence of miR-26a inhibition in H₂O₂-corrupted PC-12 cells was evaluated. The cell growth-correlated factors and PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways were assayed through western blot assay. Results corroborated that Sal-B eased H₂O₂-evoked injury in PC-12 cells. Ascended miR-26a was monitored in Sal-B and H₂O₂-exposed cells. MiR-26a inhibition annulled the protective action of Sal-B in H₂O₂-corrupted cells. The protective function of Sal-B was enabled through activating PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways. These findings delineated that Sal-B protected PC-12 cells against H₂O₂-caused injury through ascending miR-26a via initiating PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways.

Highlights

• H₂O₂ causes PC-12 cell injury;

• Sal-B eases H₂O₂-caused PC-12 cell injury;

• Sal-B protects PC-12 cells against H₂O₂-caused injury via elevating miR-26a;

• Sal-B activates AKT and MEK/ERK pathways via modulating miR-26a.

Keywords:

• PC-12 cells
• salvianolic acid B
• H₂O₂
• microRNA-26a
• PI3K/AKT
• MEK/ERK

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Expression of Concern

Author contributions

Mingfu Fan conceived and designed the experiments, Niansheng Liu performed the experiments and analyzed the data, and Niansheng Liu and Mingfu Fan wrote the manuscript.

Acknowledgements

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.