Pro‑neurogenic effects of andrographolide on RSC96 Schwann cells in vitro.
Nerve regeneration remains a challenge to the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. Andrographolide (Andro) is the main active constituent of Andrographis paniculata, which has been applied in the treatment of several diseases, including inflammation, in ancient China. Andro has been reported to facilitate the reduction of edema and to exert analgesic effects in the treatment of various diseases. These findings suggest that Andro may be considered a promising anti‑inflammatory agent that may suppress destruction and accelerate proliferation of Schwann cells following peripheral nerve injury. In the present study, the effects of Andro on RSC96 cells were investigated in vitro. The RSC96 cell line is a spontaneously immortalized rat Schwann cell line, which was originally derived from a long‑term culture of rat primary Schwann cells. RSC96 cells were treated with a range of 0 to 50 µM Andro prior to the MTT assay. Cell proliferation, morphology, synthesis and nerve‑specific gene expression were performed to detect the effect of Andro on RSC96 cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that the recommended doses of Andro ranged between 0.78 and 12.5 µM, among which the most obvious response was observed when used at 3.125 µM (P<0.05). DNA content was improved in Andro groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). In addition, Andro was able to promote the gene expression of glial cell line‑derived neurotrophic factor, brain‑derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and the specific Schwann cell marker S100β (P<0.05). The results of a viability assay, hematoxylin‑eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry were also improved in Andro groups. These results indicated that Andro may accelerate proliferation of RSC96 cells in vitro, whilst maintaining the Schwann cell phenotype; therefore, the present study may provide valuable evidence for the further exploration of the effects of Andro on peripheral nerves.
Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Fuben
F
Xu
Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Premedical Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Huayu
H
Wu
Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Kun
K
Zhang
Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Peizhen
P
Lv
Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Li
L
Zheng
Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China.
Jinmin
J
Zhao
D035685:Andrographis / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit / Q000032:analysis; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D020934:Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor; D004224:Diterpenes; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit; C030419:andrographolide