Akebiae caulis extract inhibits oxidative stress through AMPK/GSK3-beta pathway (LB551)

Akebiae caulis is commonly used for the oposiuria, inflammation, nociceptive and fever. We investigated the effect of Akebiae Caulis extract (ACE) to protect cells against the mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Arachidonic acid (AA)+iron promotes excessive reactive oxygen species production and dysfunction of mitochondria. ACE protected hepatocytes from AA+iron-induced cytotoxicity. As a potential molecular mechanism for the ACE-mediated cytoprotection, phosphorylation of AMPK, a key regulator in determining cell survival or death, was increased by ACE. Moreover, ACE treatment enhanced inactive phosphorylation of GSK3β, downstream substrate kinase of AMPK. ACE also prevented a decrease in the GSK3β phosphorylation derived by AA+iron, which might contribute to mitochondrial protection and cell survival. Moreover, we found that betulin in combination with hederagenin protected from AA+iron-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. These results show that ACE has the ability to protect cells against AA+iron-i...