This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism and value of lupeol in inhibiting high-glucose-induced apoptosis in rabbit nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).
Methods
NPCs were divided into four groups: control (CON), high glucose (HG), LUP, and HG + LUP. Viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis were examined in NPCs. The protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, and caspase 9/3 were measured using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay.
Results
The apoptotic rate and total ROS level of the HG group significantly increased compared with the CON group (P < 0.01). The total ROS level in the HG + LUP group significantly decreased compared with the HG group(P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly upregulated, whereas the expression of Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase 9/3 was downregulated in the HG + LUP group compared with those in the HG group(P < 0.05).The Western blot assay showed that the expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated, but the expression of Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase 9/3 was significantly downregulated in the HG + LUP group compared with the HG group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Lupeol inhibited high-glucose-induced apoptosis in NPCs by enhancing the anti-oxidative stress in the mitochondria. This study suggested lupeol as a potential therapeutic drug for treating intervertebral disc degeneration under hyperglycaemic conditions.
Graphical abstract
These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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