Protective Effect of Root of Vitis Amurensis Extract Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cytotoxicity in C2C12 Myogenic Cells

C2C12 근원세포에서 산화적 스트레스 유발 세포 독성에 대한 머루근 추출물의 보호 효과

Objectives This study evaluated the protective effects of water extract of Vitis amurensis root (WEVA) against hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in C2C12 myoblasts. Methods To evaluate the protective effects of WEVA, C2C12 myoblasts were treated with H₂O₂ in the presence or absence of WEVA. The effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function were analyzed using specific biochemical assays and western blotting. The involvement of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway was further investigated using a specific HO-1 inhibitor. Results Our results demonstrated that WEVA protected against H₂O₂-induced reduction in cell viability and DNA damage, while simultaneously inhibiting the production of ROS. WEVA attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in C2C12 cells by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax expression ratio, inhibiting caspase-3 activation, and blocking the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, WEVA reduced the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol by preventing mitochondrial membrane disruption in H₂O₂-treated C2C12 cells. Under oxidative stress, WEVA enhanced the expression and activity of HO-1, a process mediated by the induction and phosphorylation of Nrf2. However, the ROS scavenging and ytoprotective effects of WEVA were significantly diminished by an HO-1 inhibitor, indicating that WEVA prevents oxidative damage in C2C12 myoblasts by promoting Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activity. Conclusions In conclusion, these findings suggest that WEVA, as an Nrf2 activator, possesses ROS scavenging capabilities and holds potential for protecting against oxidative stress-mediated muscle diseases.