The protective effect of Zataria multiflora on the amyloid β25-35-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 Cells

In the previous study, the effects of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and its main constituents carvacrol and thymol were evaluated and it was found that they could alleviate cognitive impairments caused by amyloid β (Aβ) in rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, the effect of ZM against Aβ25-35-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in PC12 cells as a model of Alzheimer's disease was evaluated.

First, PC12 cells were exposed to Aβ25-35 and different concentrations of ZM for 48 h. Then, the cell viability was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. Fluorospectrometer was employed to observe ROS production.

The results indicated that concentrations of 18.75, 37.5 and 75 μl/L of ZM could significantly rescue and protect PC12 cells against Aβ25-35-induced cytotoxicity (p< 0.001). Furthermore, the data demonstrate that Aβ25-35 induced intracellular ROS, while the concentrations of 18.75 (p <0.05), 37.5 and 75 (p <0.001) µL of ZM could significantly reverse Aβ25-35 induction of ROS generation.

According to these findings, ZM could attenuate the level of intracellular ROS induced by Aβ. Therefore, ZM could have antioxidant activity. Ability of ZM to reduce ROS and its protective effects against Aβ-induced cellular damage in PC12 cells may indicate its potential for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies are required to determine its clinical efficacy.