Piper betle Induced Cytoprotective Genes and Proteins via the Nrf2/ARE Pathway in Aging Mice

J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics. 2016;9(5-6):243-253. doi: 10.1159/000452407. Epub 2016 Dec 22.

Abstract

Background/aims: The objective of this study was to elucidate the underlying antioxidant mechanism of aqueous extract of Piper betle (PB) in aging rats. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/ARE pathway involving phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes plays an important role in the antioxidant system by reducing electrophiles and reactive oxygen species through induction of phase II enzymes and proteins.

Methods: Genes and proteins of phase II detoxifying antioxidant enzymes were analyzed by QuantiGenePlex 2.0 Assay and Western blot analysis.

Results: PB significantly induced genes and proteins of phase II and antioxidant enzymes, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and catalase in aging mice (p < 0.05). The expression of these enzymes were stimulated via translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, indicating the involvement of ARE, a cis-acting motif located in the promoter region of nearly all phase II genes.

Conclusions: PB was testified for the first time to induce cytoprotective genes through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, thus unraveling the antioxidant mechanism of PB during the aging process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / drug effects
  • Aging* / genetics
  • Aging* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antioxidant Response Elements / drug effects*
  • Antioxidant Response Elements / genetics
  • Antioxidant Response Elements / physiology
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cytoprotection* / drug effects
  • Cytoprotection* / genetics
  • Male
  • Metabolic Detoxication, Phase II / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Oxidative Stress / genetics
  • Piper betle / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Proteins / drug effects
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse
  • Plant Extracts
  • Proteins