Schisandrin A protects intestinal cells from mycophenolic acid-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage
Abstract Objectives: The gastrointestinal side effects of mycophenolic acid affect its efficacy in kidney transplant patients, which may be due to its toxicity to the intestinal epithelial mechanical barrier, including intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and destruction of tight junctions. The toxicity mechanism of mycophenolic acid is related to oxidative stress-mediated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP K). Schisandrin A (Sch A), one of the main active components of the Schisandra chinensis, can protects intestinal epithelial cells from deoxynivalenol-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage by antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of Sch A on mycophenolic acid-induced damage in intestinal epithelial cell. Methods: Caco-2 cells monolayers were treated with mycophenolic acid (10µM) and/or Sch A (10, 20 and 40µM) at 37°C for 24h, and cell viability was measured by MTT; Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of relevant proteins. Intracellular ROS and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured by kits. Results: The results showed that Sch A significantly reversed the mycophenolic acid-induced cell viability reduction, restored the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1, occludin and reduced cell apoptosis. In addition, Sch A inhibited mycophenolic acid-mediated MAPK activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. Conclusions: Sch A protected intestinal epithelial cells from mycophenolic acid intestinal toxicity, at least in part, by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Sch A protected intestinal epithelial cells from mycophenolic acid intestinal toxicity, at least in part, by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway.