Neuroprotective effects of ginseng pectin through the activation of ERK/MAPK and Akt survival signaling pathways

Mol Med Rep. 2012 May;5(5):1185-90. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2012.811. Epub 2012 Feb 28.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective activities of ginseng pectin (GP) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neuronal toxicity in different neuronal cells. GP selectively attenuated H2O2-induced damage up to 26% in primary cortical neuron cells and human glioblastoma U87 cells. Following H2O2 exposure, DAPI staining and neuron-specific β-tubulin antibody probing indicated that GP maintained cell integrity and decreased nuclei condensation. Data from western blot analysis revealed that pre-treatment with GP increased the phosphorylation of both the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Akt in cortical neuron cells. However, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was increased, but that of Akt was decreased in U87 cells. These results suggest that the protective effects of GP against H2O2-induced apoptosis may be due to the activation of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt; however, the mechanisms involved differ depending on the cell line. This neuroprotective property indicates that GP could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemistry
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Oxidants / pharmacology
  • Panax / chemistry*
  • Pectins / chemistry
  • Pectins / pharmacology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Oxidants
  • Pectins
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt