Protective effects of the pyrolyzates derived from bamboo against neuronal damage and hematoaggregation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBamboo species are thought to be originally from Central China, but are now found in many temperate and semi-tropical regions around the world. Although the extracts from bamboo may have antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory effects, their exact biological activities have not been elucidated.Aim of the studyTwo biological activities of bamboo-derived pyrolyzates were investigated; the protective effects against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced cell death in primary cultured cortical neuron and the anti-plasmin effects determined by using fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) assay.ResultsTreatment of neuronal cells with pyrolyzates of Phyllostachys pubescens, Phyllostachys nigra and Phyllostachys bambusoides resulted in restored cell viability when compared to untreated cells in an NMDA-induced neuronal cell death assay. In addition, cortical neurons treated with Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys nigra showed a reduction of apoptosis following exposure to NMDA, as determined by Hoechst 33342 staining. In addition, Phyllostachys nigra pyrolyzates also exhibited anti-plasmin action in a FDP assay. It is of interest to note that pyrolyzates exhibited activities of NMDA-receptor antagonist and antifebrin (ogen), since a combination of NMDA receptor antagonists, glucocorticosteroids, GABAergic drugs and heparin are useful for treatment in delayed postischemic injury.ConclusionOur results indicate that the pyrolyzates derived from bamboo may have anti-apoptotic effects, and can be useful as a supplement for ischemic injury treatment.

Graphical abstractProtective effects of pyrolyzates on NMDA-induced cell death determined by Hoechst 33342 staining. The cells were cultured on coverslips and exposed to 1 mM NMDA in serum-free growth medium for 6 h. The cells were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde at room temperature for 20 min, and then stained with Hoechst 33342 dye for 15 min. To quantify the apoptotic process, neurons with fragmented and condensed DNA or normal DNA were counted. Pyrolyzates treatments with Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys nigra resulted in the reduction of apoptosis in cortical neurons following exposure with NMDA (1 mM) for 6 h.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide