Diospyros kaki extract protects myoblasts from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity via secretions derived from intestinal epithelium

Under oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) alter signal transduction and induce macromolecular damage in cells. Such oxidative damage can lead to sarcopenia, an age-related syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of mass and strength of skeletal muscles. Because food components do not directly come in contact with muscle cells, we focused on the effects of secretions produced by stimulated intestinal epithelial cells on oxidative stress in myoblast cells. An extract of Diospyros kaki was fractionated using different concentrations of ethanol. Each fraction showed different levels of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The biological activity was evaluated using a Caco-2 cell coculture system. Secretions from Caco-2 cells exposed to 0.5 mg/mL D. kaki extract attenuated the oxidative stress-induced reduction of C2C12 cell viability, suggesting that the D. kaki extract could stimulate intestinal epithelial cells to produce secretions that reduce oxidative stress in myoblasts in vitro.

Automated summary

Under oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce macromolecular damage in cells which leads to sarcopenia. However, a study found that by using Diospyros kaki extract to stimulate secretions from intestinal epithelial cells, oxidative stress in myoblasts can be reduced.