Schisantherin A protects against 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron damage in zebrafish and cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells through the ROS/NO and AKT/GSK3β pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, has been traditionally used in management of liver diseases and ageing associated neurodegeneration. The bioactive compound from this medicinal plant would be valuable for its potential use in prevention and treatment of Parkinson׳s disease.

Aim of the study: The overall objective of the present study was to understand the neuroprotective effect of schisantherin A, a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan from the fruit of S. chinensis (Turcz.) Baill, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action.

Material and methods: This study investigated the protective effect of schisantherin A against selective dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neural damage in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and zebrafish models. Oxidative stress and related signaling pathways underlying the neuroprotective effect were determined by multiple biochemical assays and Western blot.

Results: Pretreatment with schisantherin A offered neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cytotoxicity. Moreover, schisantherin A could prevent 6-OHDA-stimulated dopaminergic neuron loss in zebrafish. Our mechanistic study showed that schisantherin A can regulate intracellular ROS accumulation, and inhibit NO overproduction by down-regulating the over-expression of iNOS in 6-OHDA treated SH-SY5Y cells. Schisantherin A also protects against 6-OHDA-mediated activation of MAPKs, PI3K/Akt and GSK3β.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that schisantherin A may have potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal oxidative stress such as Parkinson׳s disease.