Effect of mixed plant-extract powder on the regulation of differentiation and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in C2C12 cells

Abstract

This study evaluated the differentiation and protective effects of mixed plant-extract powder in C2C12 muscle cells. Cells were differentiated into myotubes in 2% horse serum (HS)-containing medium with mixed plant-extract powder (MPEP) for 6 days. Treatment with MPEP increased the expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein in cells compared with non-treated cells. Differentiated cells were pretreated with MPEP, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Our results revealed that treatment with MPEP before H2O2 treatment increased cell viability and decreased H2O2-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). In addition, MPEP attenuated H2O2-induced upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and activation of caspase-9 and -3. These results suggest the MPEP can stimulate C2C12 muscle cell differentiation into myotubes and observe the protective effect of mixed plant-extract powder against muscle oxidative stress. In conclusion, MPEP may be useful as a prevention and treatment material for skeletal muscle disease caused by age-related diseases.