Effects of Naokang II on apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by methylglyoxal

Objective:To investigate the effect of Naokang II on apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by methylglyoxal (MG).Methods:Hippocampal neurons were isolated from new born rats,and the cultured cells were exposed to various concentrations of MG to prepare a cell injury model.The serum containing Naokang II(0.5 g/mL,1.0 g/mL,2.0 g/mL)was pre-incubated with neuron cells for 24 h,respectively.Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay.Cell apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33342 labeling and flow cytometry of Annexin V/PI method.Results:100μM MG(corresponding to-50%cell survival)was the best concentration to precede with the following experiments.Pre-incubation of Naokang II at all three doses with cultured neurons increased the cell viability compared with MG model group(P0.01).Results of Hoechst staining and flow cytometric analysis revealed that a significant increase in apoptosis was observed after MG insult,compared with normal control(P0.05).Pre-incubation of Naokang II significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic neurons(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusions:Naokang II has a protective effect against injury of hippocampal neurons induced by MG,which may be related to its anti-apoptotic property.