Activation of Nrf2 signaling and suppression of oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis: mechanisms for baicalin capsules relieving diabetic encephalopathy.

Introduction: Baicalin is the most abundant flavonoid in the traditional Chinese heat-clearing botanical drug Methods: HT22 cells were treated with glucose and palmitic acid to mimic neuronal damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The CCK-8 assay and oxidative stress-related detection kits were employed to measure cell viability and cellular oxidative stress levels. The ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The baicalin content in BC was detected through high-performance liquid chromatography. The cognitive ability was evaluated using the Morris water maze in db/db mice. Nissl staining, TEM, and TUNEL staining were performed to assess neuronal injury. The expression of Nrf2 signaling and apoptosis-related proteins was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence colocalization analyses. Results: We successfully established an Conclusion: BC ameliorated diabetic encephalopathy in db/db mice. The underlying mechanisms were closely associated with Nrf2 activation in neurons of the frontotemporal cortex, along with the inhibition of oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis.