In vivo and in vitro neuroprotective effects of maca polysaccharide

Abstract

Objective: To explore the protective effect of MP on oxidative damage in vivo and in vitro. Methods: A mouse aging model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal), and pathological changes in the hippocampal ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues were evaluated with GSH-Px and MDA assay kits. An MTT assay was used to detect the viability of the model SH-SY5Y cells with H2O2-induced damage, and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit was used to evaluate LDH leakage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cleaved caspase 3 and P53 protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Results: Demonstrated that MP increased GSH-Px activity, reduced MDA levels, and attenuated the cell damage induced by H2O2. Furthermore, MP protected neuronal cells from oxidative stress through a mechanism including a decrease in LDH leakage and reversal of H2O2-induced cell morphological damage. MP treatment alleviated the H2O2-induced increases in ROS levels, inhibited apoptosis, relieved cell cycle arrest, and downregulated cleaved caspase 3 and P53 protein expression. Conclusions: MP is a novel antioxidant with neuroprotective effects.