Humulus japonicus extract alleviates oxidative stress and apoptosis in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PC12 cells

Objective:To explore the possible neuroprotective activities of Humulus japonicus extract against Parkinson's disease(PD)in a cellular model.Methods:PD was modeled in PC12 cells using 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA).The cell activity,intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects,and other related indicators and related signaling pathways were evaluated to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of Humulus japonicus extract.Results:Humulus japonicus extract exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects in 6-OHDA-stimulated PC12 cells.It also reduced oxidative stress-induced ROS accumulation;upregulated antioxidant enzymes,such as glutathione,catalase,heme oxidase-1,and 8-oxguanine glycosylase 1;promoted cell survival by decreasing BAX and increasing Bcl-2 and sirtuin 1 expression via the MAPK and/or Nrf2 signaling pathways.Conclusions:Humulus japonicus extract has antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and could be developed as a promising candidate for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.