Schizonepeta tenuifolia reduces methylglyoxal-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in mesangial cells

Methylglyoxal (MG) is known to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and has emerged as a leading cause of diabetes and the associated complications. We aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and action mechanism of Schizonepeta tenuifolia, by investigating its protective effect on MG-induced cytotoxicity in mouse mesangial cells. Schizonepeta tenuifolia exerted inhibitory effect on MG-mediated AGE formation and AGE protein cross-linking. MG treatment also reduced cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), but S. tenuifolia treatment reversed these phenomena. We also confirmed that S. tenuifolia can activate the Nrf2-ARE pathway. While MG treatment reduced the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules, S. tenuifolia treatment upregulated these protein expression. In conclusion, S. tenuifolia ameliorates cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in mouse mesangial cells via inhibition of AGE formation and AGE protein cross-linking. Thus, S. tenuifolia can serve as a health food and potential candidate for treating MG-induced glucotoxicity.