Pandanus tectorius fruits attenuated cell injury and oxidative stress in high glucose-induced Schwann cells by activating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway

We studied the protective effects of Pandanus tectorius fruits (PTF) on Schwann cells and sciatic nerve damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) rats. PTF improved RSC96 cell viability and increased Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 expression. PTF reduced apoptosis and ROS in high glucose-treated cells, which was reversed by Nrf2 siRNA. Co-treatment with SFN further decreased apoptosis and ROS. PTF increased SOD, GSH-Px, NGF, IGF-1, and VEGF activities, reduced by Nrf2 knockdown but restored with SFN. MDA levels showed opposite trends. In DPN rats, PTF reduced pain and prevented nerve damage, suggesting it alleviates DPN by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.