Neuroprotective Effects of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang in the MPP+MPTP Models of Parkinson’s Disease In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract EN

San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXT), composed of Coptidis rhizoma, Scutellariae radix, and Rhei rhizoma, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for complementary and alternative therapy of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of SHXT in the 1–methyl–4–phenylpyridinium (MPP+)/1–methyl–4–phenyl–1,2,3,6–tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) models of Parkinson’s disease.

Rat primary mesencephalic neurons and mouse Parkinson disease model were used in this study.

Oxidative stress was induced by MPP+ in vitro and MPTP in vivo.

In MPP+-treated mesencephalic neuron cultures, SHXT significantly increased the numbers of TH-positive neurons.

SHXT reduced apoptotic signals (cytochrome and caspase) and apoptotic death.

MPP+-induced gp91phox activation and ROS production were attenuated by SHXT.

In addition, SHXT increased the levels of GSH and SOD in MPP+-treated neurons.

In MPTP animal model, SHXT markedly increased TH-positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and improved motor activity of mice.

In conclusion, the present results reveal the evidence that SHXT possesses beneficial protection against MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in this model of Parkinson’s disease via its antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects.

SHXT might be a potentially alternative and complementary medicine for neuroprotection.