[Pyruvate attenuates the injury of PC12 cells induced by hypoxia via inhibiting p38MAPK phosphorylation].

for 12, 24 and 48 hours. The proliferation of PC12 cells was detected by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was observed via the detection of caspase-3 activity. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The expressions of p38MAPK and phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) protein were tested by Western blotting. Results The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and p-p38-MAPK increased in hypoxia exposure for 24 and 48 hours, which inhibited the proliferation of PC12 cells and increased the activity of caspase-3. Pyruvate treatment significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis, decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and depressed p38MAPK phosphorylation. Conclusion Pyruvate protects hypoxia-induced neuron injury by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and decreasing the levels of inflammatory factors in PC12 cells.