Baicalin protects PC-12 cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide via anti-apoptotic effects.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the neuroprotection of baicalin, a flavonoid compound derived from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on neurons.


METHODS
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.
Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology , Wuhan, Hubei Province , PR China.
Wen-xia
WX
Zheng
Feng
F
Wang
Xiao-lu
XL
Cao
Hong-yan
HY
Pan
Xiao-ying
XY
Liu
Xia-min
XM
Hu
Yu-ying
YY
Sun
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D051379:Mice; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats
D000975:Antioxidants; D005419:Flavonoids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C038044:baicalin; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D053148:Caspase 3