The mitochondrial protective mechanism of olfactory ensheathing cells conditioned medium protects against H2O2-induced injury in astrocytes

•OECCM could protect ASTs against H2O2 induced injury.•Its mechanism might be related to against ROS generation, inhibit Ca2+ overloading and stabilize mitochondrial function.•OECCM is a promising clinical treatment for neuronal injury.

Our previous studies showed that olfactory ensheathing cells conditioned medium (OECCM), has a positive effect against apoptosis in ASTs and prevents the morphology changes in the, mitochondria, but the accurate mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we examined the mitochondrial mechanism of OECCM which may protect against H2O2-induced injury in ASTs. It was, found that OECCM could protect ASTs from the injury of 500 μmol/L H2O2, decrease the intracellular, ROS and Ca2+ level, as well inhibit apoptosis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Further, investigations showed that OECCM could increase both the mitochondrial membrane potential and the, ATP level, as well enhance the cell respiratory function. In summary, OECCM could protect ASTs from, damages induced by H2O2. Its mechanism may be related to the decrease of ROS generation and the, overloading of Ca2+, then stabilization of the mitochondrial function.