Pinostrobin Exerts Neuroprotective Actions in Neurotoxin-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Models through Nrf2 Induction

The aim of the present study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of pinostrobin (PSB), a dietary bioflavonoid, and its underlying mechanisms in neurotoxin-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) models. First, PSB could attenuate 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons and improve behavior deficiency in zebrafish, supporting its potential neuroprotective actions in vivo. Next, PSB could decreased apoptosis and death in the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺)-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells, evidenced by MTT, LDH, Annexin V-FITC/PI, and DNA fragmentation assay. PSB also blocked MPP⁺-induced apoptotic cascades, including loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase 3, and reduced ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. In addition, PSB suppressed MPP⁺-induced oxidative stress but increased antioxidant enzymes, evidenced by decrease of reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation and up-regulation of GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, GSH/GSSG, and NAD/NADH. Further investigations showed that PSB significantly enhanced Nrf2 expression and nuclear accumulation, improved ARE promoter activity and up-regulated expression of HO-1 and GCLC. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown via specific Nrf2 siRNA abolished PSB-induced antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects against MPP⁺ insults. Interestingly, we then found that PSB promoted phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and ERK, and pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT or ERK signaling diminished PSB-induced Nrf2/ARE activation and protective actions. In summary, PSB confers neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP⁺-induced neurotoxicity in PD models. Promoting activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling contributes to PSB-mediated antioxidative and neuroprotective actions, which, in part, is mediated by PI3K/AKT and ERK.