Baicalin protects PC-12 cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide via anti-apoptotic effects

Abstract

Primary objective: To examine the neuroprotection of baicalin, a flavonoid compound derived from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on neurons.

Research design: A rat PC12 cell line was used to study the neuroprotection and possible mechanisms of baicalin on H₂O₂-induced neuron damage.

Methods: Three anti- and one pro-apoptosis genes in PC12 cells were examined. Cell apoptosis was induced by H₂O₂ and apoptotic rate was obtained by flow cytometry. MTT for cell viability, immunofluorescence microscopy for promoter activity and western blot for gene expression were also employed.

Results: Data of MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry revealed that viability loss and apoptotic rate were reduced by pre-treatment of PC12 cells with baicalin for 24 hours. Baicalin was also found to increase SOD, GSH-Px activities and to decrease MDA level. Results from Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy showed baicalin increased the expressions of survivin, Bcl-2 and p-STAT3 and decreased caspase-3 expression which were attenuated by AG-490.

Conclusions: The results point to the possibility of the neuroprotective effects of baicalin on neuronal apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and indicate that activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway might involve the anti-apoptotic effect of baicalin.

• Apoptosis
• baicalin
• JAK/STAT3 signalling pathway
• neuronal injury
• PC12 cell