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Upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 through activation of Nrf2 by the phytochemicals in Protandim
Author(s) -
Reuland Danielle,
McCord Joe,
Hamilton Karyn
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.1001.1
Subject(s) - oxidative stress , reactive oxygen species , antioxidant , heme oxygenase , downregulation and upregulation , superoxide dismutase , chemistry , silybum marianum , pharmacology , curcumin , biochemistry , heme , biology , enzyme , botany , gene
Increased production of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with enhanced endogenous antioxidants proposed as a potential mechanism for promoting redox balance. Protandim is a well‐defined combination of 5 widely studied medicinal plants derived from botanical sources [Bacopa monniera, Silybum marianum (milk thistle), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Camellia sinensis (green tea), and Curcuma longa (turmeric)]. The purpose of this study was to determine if treatment of cardiomyocytes with Protandim induces phase II detoxification enzymes, including the endogenous antioxidant heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), through activation of nuclear factor E2 p45‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), and if activation of this pathway offers protection from oxidative stress. In cultured HL‐1 cells, Protandim induced a significant increase in HO‐1, mediated through activation of Nrf2. Protandim supplemented cells were protected against hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis as assessed by TUNEL (40% apoptotic in untreated vs. 16% apoptotic in Protandim treated). These findings support the use of Protandim as a potential method for upregulation of antioxidant defenses and protection of heart cells against an oxidative challenge. Future studies will focus on optimizing phytochemical induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant defenses in relevant in vivo models of CVD.