Work

Pinus koraiensis essential oil enhances glucose uptake and proliferation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Aromatherapy using essential oils (EOs) is well known for its beneficial effects on mental health and neuroprotection. However, the significant molecular mechanisms have not yet been identified. Recent studies have identified a decrease in glucose uptake as a common feature across various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive autophagy. This suggests that glucose may serve not only as an energy source but also as a therapeutic target for NDDs. Using SH-SY5Y neuroblast-like cells and the glucose uptake inhibitor BAY-876, we demonstrated that glucose depletion promoted autophagy. To discover the potential therapeutics that modulate glucose metabolism, we obtained EO from Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. (PKSZ) using steam distillation. PKSZ-EO upregulated mRNA expression of SLC2A2, SLC2A3, and SLC2A4, leading to increased glucose uptake in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, PKSZ-EO protected SH-SY5Y cells from BAY-876-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cytostasis, autophagy, and inflammation. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we confirmed the high levels of α-pinene, an inducer of GLUT4 expression, in PKSZ-EO. These results suggest that PKSZ-EO exerts a protective effect against glucose depletion stress, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for NDDs.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-78357-8

Authors: Hyungkuen Kim, Hwan Myung Lee, Sung-Jo Kim

Institution: Hoseo University

Language: English

Topic: Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590