Schisandrin B alleviates acute oxidative stress via modulation of the Nrf2/Keap1-mediated antioxidant pathway

Schisandrin B (Sch B), one of the main effective components of the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis, protects neurons from oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Here we investigated the neuroprotective effect of Sch B against damage caused by acute oxidative stress and attempted to define the possible mechanisms. Using the elevated plus maze and open field test, we found that forced swimming, an acute stressor, significantly induced anxiety-like behavior that was alleviated by oral Sch B treatment. In addition, the Sch B treatment reduced toxicity, malondialdehyde levels, and production of reactive oxygen species, an important factor for neuron damage. Antioxidants under the control of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione, were significantly increased by Sch B treatment. Moreover, a higher percentage of intact cells in the amygdala of treated mice, revealed by Nissl staining, further verified the neuroprotective effect of Sch B. Several proteins, such as Nrf2 and its endogenous inhibitor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), were abnormally expressed in mice subjected to forced swimming, but this abnormal expression was significantly reversed by Sch B treatment. Our results suggest that Sch B may be a potential therapeutic agent against anxiety associated with oxidative stress. The possible mechanism is neuroprotection through enhanced antioxidant activity.