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Mitochondria Related Pathway is Essential for Polysaccharides Purified from Sparassis crispa Mediated Neuro-Protection Against Glutamate-Induced Toxicity in Differentiated PC12 Cells

Summary

This research investigated how a compound extracted from the mushroom Sparassis crispa could protect nerve cells from damage. The study found that this natural compound helps protect brain cells by maintaining proper cellular function and preventing cell death. This has important implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new natural treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease – Demonstrates the potential medicinal value of mushrooms in treating brain disorders – May help develop preventive strategies against age-related cognitive decline – Shows promise for developing safer alternatives to current neurological medications

Background

Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have received great attention due to their devastating nature and limited treatment options. During neurological disorders, neurons show common pathological features like mitochondrial dysfunction and protein aggregation. Glutamate can induce neuronal cell apoptosis by opening mitochondrial permeability transition pores and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Objective

To explore the neuro-protective effects of purified Sparassis crispa polysaccharides (SCWEA) against l-glutamic acid-induced differentiated PC12 cell damages and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

Results

SCWEA was identified as a 75 kDa polysaccharide with a triple helix structure containing (1→3)-linked Rha in the backbone and (1→2) and (1→6) linkages in the side bone. Pre-treatment with SCWEA improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis, decreased intracellular ROS and calcium accumulation, and prevented mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation in l-Glu-treated cells. SCWEA enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL and activated the AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

Conclusion

SCWEA exhibits neuro-protective activity against l-Glu-induced PC12 cell damage through activation of AKT and regulation of the mitochondrial pathway. The findings suggest SCWEA could be a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms17020133
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