Inhibition by epigallocatechin gallate of CoCl2-induced apoptosis in rat PC12 cells

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major constituent of green tea polyphenols. This study was aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of EGCG-mediated inhibition against apoptosis in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells by exposure to CoCl(2). Exposure to CoCl(2) caused the generation of ROS and induced cell death with appearance of apoptotic morphology and DNA fragmentation. However, EGCG rescued the loss of viability in the cells exposed to CoCl(2) and led the reduction of DNA fragmentation and sub-G(1) fraction of cell cycle. Also, EGCG attenuated the CoCl(2)-induced disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to cytosol and abolished the CoCl(2)-stimulated activities of the caspase cascades, caspase-9 and caspase-3. In addition, EGCG ameliorated the increase in the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio, a marker of apoptosis proceeding, induced by CoCl(2) treatment. Taken together, the present results suggest that EGCG inhibit the CoCl(2)-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells through the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway involved in modulating the Bcl-2 family.     

Dosage effects of EGb761 on hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells

Standardized extract from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, labeled EGb761, is one of the most popular herbal supplements, taken for its multivalent properties. In this study, dosage effects of EGb761 on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced apoptosis of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were investigated. It was found that H₂O₂-induced apoptotic cell death in SH-SY5Y cells, which was revealed in DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and activation of Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and caspase 3. Low doses of EGb761 (50–100 μg/ml) inhibited H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis via inactivation of Akt, JNK and caspase 3 while high doses of EGb761 (250–500 μg/ml) enhanced H₂O₂ toxicities via inactivation of Akt and enhancement of activation of JNK and caspase 3. Additional experiments revealed that H₂O₂ decreased intracellular GSH content, which was also inhibited by low concentrations of EGb761 but enhanced after high concentrations of EGb761 treatment. This further suggests to us that dosage effects of EGb761 on apoptotic signaling proteins may be correlated with regulation of cell redox state. Therefore, treatment dosage may be one of the vital factors that determine the specific action of EGb761 on oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis. To understand the mechanisms of dosage effects of EGb761 may have important clinical implications.     

H2O2 induces rapid biophysical and permeability changes in the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the diffusion rate of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) through the plasma membrane decreases during adaptation to H₂O₂ by means of a mechanism that is still unknown. Here, evidence is presented that during adaptation to H₂O₂ the anisotropy of the plasma membrane increases. Adaptation to H₂O₂ was studied at several times (15min up to 90min) by applying the steady-state H₂O₂ delivery model. For wild-type cells, the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy increased after 30min, or 60min, when using 2-(9-anthroyloxy) stearic acid (2-AS), or diphenylhexatriene (DPH) membrane probe, respectively. Moreover, a 40% decrease in plasma membrane permeability to H₂O₂ was observed at 15min with a concomitant two-fold increase in catalase activity. Disruption of the ergosterol pathway, by knocking out either ERG3 or ERG6, prevents the changes in anisotropy during H₂O₂ adaptation. H₂O₂ diffusion through the plasma membrane in S. cerevisiae cells is not mediated by aquaporins since the H₂O₂ permeability constant is not altered in the presence of the aquaporin inhibitor mercuric chloride. Altogether, these results indicate that the regulation of the plasma membrane permeability towards H₂O₂ is mediated by modulation of the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane.     

d-β-Hydroxybutyrate inhibited the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by H2O2 via inhibiting oxidative stress

Oxidative stress has an important role in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral ischemic injury. It is reported that d-β-hydroxybutyrate (DβHB), the major component of ketone bodies, is neuroprotective in recent studies. Therefore, in the present work the neuroprotective effects of DβHB on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress was investigated. PC12 cells were exposed to H₂O₂ with different concentrations of H₂O₂ for different times after DβHB pretreatment. MTT assay, apoptotic rates, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, GSH content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and caspase-3 activity were determined. The results showed that DβHB inhibited the decrease of cell viability induced by H₂O₂ in PC12 cells. DβHB decreased the apoptotic rates induced by H₂O₂. The changes of intracellular ROS, GSH, MMP and caspase-3 activity due to H₂O₂ exposure were partially reversed in PC12 cells. So DβHB inhibited the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by H₂O₂ via inhibiting oxidative stress.     

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK)-1 mediates apoptosis through activation of JNK1 following engagement of membrane immunoglobulin

Engagement of membrane immunoglobulin (mIg) on WEHI-231 mouse B lymphoma cells results in growth arrest at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, followed by a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis. WEHI-231 cells resemble immature B cells in terms of the cell surface phenotype and sensitivity to mIg engagement. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying mIg-induced loss of ΔΨm and apoptosis have not yet been established. In this study, we show that apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) signaling pathway participates in mIg-induced apoptosis through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Stimulation of WEHI-231 cells with anti-IgM induces phosphorylation and subsequent activation of ASK1, leading to JNK activation. Anti-IgM stimulation immediately (5 min) induces hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production with a substantial increase during later time points (36-48 h), accompanied by loss of ΔΨm and an increase in cells with sub-G1 DNA content. The anti-IgM-induced late-phase H₂O₂ production, loss of ΔΨm, and increase in the sub-G1 fraction were all reduced substantially in WEHI-231 cells overexpressing a dominant-negative form of ASK1, compared with control vector alone, but enhanced substantially in cells overexpressing a constitutively active form of ASK1. These mIg-mediated events were also partially abrogated by ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). Taken together, these results suggest that mIg engagement induces H₂O₂ production leading to activation of ASK1-JNK1 pathway, creating a feedback amplification loop of ROS-ASK/JNK that leads to loss of ΔΨm and finally apoptosis.     

Polyphenols suppress hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in human bone‐marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are considered a highly promising candidate cell type for cell‐based tissue engineering and regeneration because of their self‐renewal and multi‐lineage differentiation characteristics. Increased levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are associated with tissue injury and inflammation, impact a number of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation, and have been linked to cellular senescence in MSCs, potentially compromising their activities. Naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds (polyphenols), epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and curcumin, block ROS/RNS and are potent inflammation‐modulating agents. However, their potential protective effects against oxidative stress in hMSCs have not been examined. In this study, we carried out a systematic analysis of the effects of polyphenols on hMSCs in their response to oxidative stress in the form of treatment with H₂O₂ and S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), respectively. Parameters measured included colony forming activity, apoptosis, and the levels of antioxidant enzymes and free reactive species. We found that polyphenols reversed H₂O₂‐induced loss of colony forming activity in hMSCs. In a dose‐dependent manner, polyphenols inhibited increased levels of ROS and NO, produced by H₂O₂ or SNAP, respectively, in MSCs. Notably, polyphenols rapidly and almost completely blocked H₂O₂‐induced ROS in the absence of significant direct effect on H₂O₂ itself. Polyphenols also protected the antioxidant enzymes and reduced apoptotic cell death caused by H₂O₂ exposure. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that EGCG and curcumin are capable of suppressing inducible oxidative stress in hMSCs, and suggest a possible new approach to maintain MSC viability and potency for clinical application. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1163–1173, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Nox4-dependent H2O2 production contributes to chronic glutamate toxicity in primary cortical neurons

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can trigger neuronal cell death and has been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases as well as brain ischemia. Here, we demonstrate that chronic (but not acute) glutamate toxicity in primary cortical neuronal cultures is associated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation in the culture medium and that neurotoxicity can be eliminated by external catalase treatment. Neuronal cultures in Ca²⁺-free medium or treated with BAPTA showed reduced glutamate-induced H₂O₂ generation, indicating that H₂O₂ generation is Ca²⁺-dependent. Pharmacological and genetic approaches revealed that NADPH oxidase plays a role in glutamate-induced H₂O₂ generation and that activation of NMDA and AMPA receptors is involved in this H₂O₂ generation. The Nox4 siRNA reduced NMDA-induced H₂O₂ production by 54% and cytotoxicity in parallel, suggesting that Nox4-containing NADPH oxidase functions NMDA receptor-mediated H₂O₂ production resulting in neurotoxicity. These findings suggest that the modulation of NADPH oxidase can be used as a new therapeutic strategy for glutamate-induced neuronal diseases.     

Knock-out of metacaspase and/or cytochrome c results in the activation of a ROS-independent acetic acid-induced programmed cell death pathway in yeast

To gain further insight into yeast acetic acid-induced programmed cell death (AA-PCD) we analyzed the effects of the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) on cell viability, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production, DNA fragmentation, cytochrome c (cyt c) release and caspase-like activation in wild type (wt) and metacaspase and/or cyt c-lacking cells. We found that NAC prevents AA-PCD in wt cells, by scavenging H₂O₂ and by inhibiting both cyt c release and caspase-like activation. This shows the occurrence of a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent AA-PCD. Contrarily no NAC dependent change in AA-PCD of mutant cells was detectable, showing that a ROS-independent AA-PCD can also occur.     

Effects of a natural extract from Mangifera indica L,and its active compound,mangiferin, on energy state and lipid peroxidation of red blood cells

Following oxidative stress, modifications of several biologically important macromolecules have been demonstrated. In this study we investigated the effect of a natural extract from Mangifera indica L (Vimang), its main ingredient mangiferin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on energy metabolism, energy state and malondialdehyde (MDA) production in a red blood cell system. Analysis of MDA, high energy phosphates and ascorbate was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under the experimental conditions, concentrations of MDA and ATP catabolites were affected in a dose-dependent way by H₂O₂. Incubation with Vimang (0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/mL), mangiferin (1, 10, 100 μg/mL) and EGCG (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 μM) significantly enhances erythrocyte resistance to H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species production. In particular, we demonstrate the protective activity of these compounds on ATP, GTP and total nucleotides (NT) depletion after H₂O₂-induced damage and a reduction of NAD and ADP, which both increase because of the energy consumption following H₂O₂ addition. Energy charge potential, decreased in H₂O₂-treated erythrocytes, was also restored in a dose-dependent way by these substances. Their protective effects might be related to the strong free radical scavenging ability described for polyphenols.     

Quercetin-induced H2O2 mediates the pathogen resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and has been extensively used as a therapy intervention to prevent age-associated diseases. However, emerging studies showed it can also act as a prooxidant and induce H₂O₂ under certain conditions. In the current study, our results showed that quercetin contributed to the pathogen resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) in response to the infection of virulent strain Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato DC3000 (Pst). Various defense responses, such as H₂O₂ burst, callose deposition, cell death, PR1 (pathogenesis-related 1) and PAL1 (Phe ammonia-lyase 1) gene expression, have been investigated in quercetin-pretreated Pst-inoculated Arabidopsis Col-0 and there was a strong defensive response in quercetin-pretreated Arabidopsis against virulent Pst. However, with the presence of catalase, the protective effects of quercetin on pathogen resistance to virulent Pst disappeared in Arabidopsis, suggesting that H₂O₂ may play a key role in plant defense responses. In addition, we confirmed that quercetin did not show any beneficial effect on pathogen-free leaves in Arabidopsis, indicating that pathogen challenge is also required to induce the defense responses in quercetin-pretreated Arabidopsis. Furthermore, strong defense responses have been observed in quercetin-pretreated Arabidopsis mutant jar1, ein2, and abi1-2 under Pst challenge, whereas no protective effect has been observed in quercetin-pretreated Arabidopsis mutant NahG and npr1. These findings indicate that quercetin induces the resistance to Pst in Arabidopsis via H₂O₂ burst and involvement of SA and NPR1.     

MeJA诱导的拟南芥保卫细胞H2O2积累与质膜H+-ATPase的关系

茉莉酸类物质(JAs)作为与昆虫啃噬及损伤相关的植物激素和信号分子在植物防御反应中起重要作用,但是茉莉酸引起的早期防御反应的机理仍不清楚。该研究以拟南芥叶片保卫细胞为材料,结合非损伤微测(NMT)及激光共聚焦技术探讨了茉莉酸诱导的保卫细胞中质膜H+-ATPase与H2O2积累的调控关系。结果表明:茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)处理导致H+迅速跨膜外排和H2O2积累,H+外排和H2O2积累能够被钒酸钠抑制,而二苯基碘(DPI)处理则对MeJA诱导的H+跨膜外排无显著影响。研究结果证明,在MeJA诱导的早期信号事件中,质膜H+-ATPase的激活先于H2O2的产生。     

Hydrogen peroxide modulates meiotic cell cycle and induces morphological features characteristic of apoptosis in rat oocytes cultured <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is known to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various somatic cell types cultured in vitro. We hypothesize that this reactive oxygen species (ROS) could modulate cell cycle and induce morphological features characteristics of apoptosis in oocytes cultured in vitro. To test this hypothesis, immature and mature oocytes were cultured in medium containing various doses of H₂O₂ with or without caspase-3 inhibitor for various times. The treatment of H₂O₂ induced germinal vesicle break down (GVBD) in all immature oocytes followed by initiation of shrinkage. Some of immature oocytes (but not mature oocytes) also showed membrane blebbing. On the other hand, H₂O₂ treatment inhibited first polar body emission in mature oocytes just prior to initiation of shrinkage. The cytoplasmic granulation and fragmentation into apoptotic bodies were observed in mature oocytes during later stages of H₂O₂ treatment. The shrinkage was induced by H₂O₂ in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both immature and mature oocytes. Although, H₂O₂-induced degeneration was observed in both immature and mature oocytes after 2.0 hrs of treatment, immature oocytes were more susceptible to undergo quick shrinkage, membrane blebbing and degeneration. Co-addition of caspase-3 inhibitor prevented shrinkage and degeneration of both immature and mature oocytes except membrane blebbing that was observed at higher doses of H₂O₂ after 1.0 hr of culture. Treatment of H₂O₂ induced bax protein expression (3 times), DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity (2.5 times) in oocytes undergoing morphological apoptotic changes. These findings clearly suggest that H₂O₂ induced GVBD in immature oocytes, inhibited first polar body extrusion in mature oocytes prior to initiation of morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis such as shrinkage, membrane blebbing and cytoplasmic fragmentation prior to degeneration.     

Study on the heterogeneous degradation of chitosan with H2O2 catalyzed by a new supermolecular assembly crystal: [C6H8N2]6H3[PW12O40]·2H2O

A new supermolecular assembly crystal, [C₆H₈N₂]₆H₃[PW₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O (DMB-PWA), was synthesized with phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and 1,2-diaminobenzene (DMB) under hydrothermal conditions and was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. DMB-PWA could effectively catalyze oxidative degradation of chitosan with H₂O₂ in the heterogeneous phase. The optimum degradation conditions were determined by orthogonal tests as follows: amount of chitosan 1.00 g, 30% (wt %); H₂O₂, 3.0 mL; dosage of catalyst, 0.06 g; reaction temperature, 85 °C; and reaction time, 30 min. The water-soluble chitosan with a viscosity-average molecular weight (M_v) of 4900 was obtained under the optimum degradation conditions and was characterized by FTIR, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray powder diffraction analysis.     

Effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine on bleomycin induced oxidative stress in malignant testicular germ cell tumors

Testicular cancer is a very common cancer in males aged 15–44 years. Bleomycin is used in chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of patients having testicular germ-cell tumor. Bleomycin generates oxygen radicals, induces oxidative cleavage of DNA strand and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. There is no study in the literature investigating effects of N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine (NAC) on bleomycin-induced oxidative stress in testicular germ cell tumors. For this reason, we studied effects of NAC on oxidative stress produced in wild-type NTera-2 and p53-mutant NCCIT testis cancer cells incubated with bleomycin and compared the results with H₂O₂ which directly produces oxidative stress. We determined protein carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione (GSH), 8-isoprostane, lipid hydroperoxide levels and total antioxidant capacity in both testicular cancer cells. Bleomycin and H₂O₂ significantly increased 8-isoprostane, TBARS, protein carbonyl and lipid hydroperoxide levels in NTera-2 and NCCIT cells. Bleomycin and H₂O₂ significantly decreased antioxidant capacity and GSH levels in both cell lines. Co-incubation with NAC significantly decreased lipid hydroperoxide, 8-isoprostane, protein carbonyl content and TBARS levels increased by bleomycin and H₂O₂. NAC enhanced GSH levels and antioxidant capacity in the NTera-2 and NCCIT cells. It can be concluded that NAC diminishes oxidative stress in human testicular cancer cells induced by bleomycin and H₂O₂.     

Chloroplast-generated ROS dominate NaCl- induced K+ efflux in wheat leaf mesophyll

Mesophyll K⁺ retention ability has been recently reported as an important component of salinity stress tolerance in wheat. In order to investigate the role of ROS in regulating NaCl^-induced K⁺ efflux in wheat leaf mesophyll, a series of pharmacological experiments was conducted using MV (methyl viologen, superoxide radical inducer), DPI (an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase), H₂O₂ (to mimic apoplastic ROS), and EGCG ((−)-Epigallocatechin gallate, ROS scavenger). Mesophyll pre-treatment with 10 μM MV resulted in a significantly higher NaCl^-induced K⁺ efflux in leaf mesophyll, while 50 μM EGCG pre-treatment alleviated K⁺ leakage under salt stress. No significant change in NaCl^-induced K⁺ efflux in leaf mesophyll was found in specimens pre-treated by H₂O₂ and DPI, compared with the control. The highest NaCl^-induced H⁺ efflux in leaf mesophyll was also found in samples pre-treated with MV, suggesting a futile cycle between increased H⁺-ATPase activity and ROS-induced K⁺ leak. Overall, it is suggested that, under saline stress, K⁺ efflux from wheat mesophyll is mediated predominantly by non-selective cation channels (NSCC) regulated by ROS produced in chloroplasts, at least in bread wheat.     

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce the expression of BRAK/CXCL14 in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxyl radical (HO^?), on the expression of both BRAK , which is also known as non-ELR motif angiostatic CXC chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. When HNSCC cells were cultured in the presence of ROS, the expression of BRAK was significantly decreased whereas that of IL-8 was increased. Interestingly, the effects on the expression of both genes in HNSCC cells were much greater with HO^? than with H₂O₂. The effects of ROS on both BRAK and IL-8 expression were attenuated by pre-treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. These results indicate that oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ or HO^? stimulates angiogenesis and tumuor progression by altering the gene expression of BRAK and IL-8 via the EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway in human HNSCC cells.     

Oligochitosan induced Brassica napus L. production of NO and H2O2 and their physiological function

NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) are important signaling molecule in plants. Brassica napus L. was used to understand oligochitosan inducing production of NO (nitric oxide) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) and their physiological function. The result showed that the production of NO and H₂O₂ in epidermal cells of B. napus L. was induced with oligochitosan by fluorescence microscope. And it was proved that there was an interaction between NO and H₂O₂ with L-NAME (N^G-nitro-l-arg-methyl eater), which is an inhibitor of NOS (NO synthase) in mammalian cells that also inhibits plant NO synthesis, and CAT (catalase), which is an important H₂O₂ scavenger, respectively. It was found that NO and H₂O₂ induced by oligochitosan took part in inducing reduction in stomatal aperture and LEA protein gene expression of leaves of B. napus L. All these results showed that oligochitosan have potential activities of improving resistance to water stress.     

Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1

Prostaglandin (PG)E₂ is a critical lipid mediator connecting chronic inflammation to cancer. The anti-carcinogenic epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea (Camellia sinensis) suppresses cellular PGE₂ biosynthesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated the interference of EGCG with enzymes involved in PGE₂ biosynthesis, namely cytosolic phospholipase (cPL)A₂, cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2, and microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 (mPGES-1). EGCG failed to significantly inhibit isolated COX-2 and cPLA₂ up to 30 μM and moderately blocked isolated COX-1 (IC₅₀ > 30 μM). However, EGCG efficiently inhibited the transformation of PGH₂ to PGE₂ catalyzed by mPGES-1 (IC₅₀ = 1.8 μM). In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human whole blood, EGCG significantly inhibited PGE₂ generation, whereas the concomitant synthesis of other prostanoids (i.e., 12(S)-hydroxy-5-cis-8,10-trans-heptadecatrienoic acid and 6-keto PGF_1α) was not suppressed. Conclusively, mPGES-1 is a molecular target of EGCG, and inhibition of mPGES-1 is seemingly the predominant mechanism underlying suppression of cellular PGE₂ biosynthesis by EGCG.     

Insulin protects H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury through upregulation of microRNA-210

Abstract

Background. Insulin protects cardiomyocytes from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis after ischemic/reperfusion injury, but the mechanism is not clear. This study investigated the protective mechanism of insulin in preventing cardiomyocyte apoptosis from ROS injury. Methods. Rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or insulin at various concentrations for various periods of time, or with insulin and H₂O₂ for various periods of time. Cell viability was measured by the methylthiazolydiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide method. Cellular miR-210 levels were quantified using real-time RT-PCR. MiR-210 expression was also manipulated through lentivirus-mediated transfection. LY294002 was used to investigate involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Results. The percentage of viable cells was significantly and inversely associated with H₂O₂ concentration, an effect that was seemingly attenuated by insulin pretreatment. Treatments with H₂O₂ or insulin were associated with a significant increase in miR-210 levels. Manipulation of miR-210 expression by gene transfection showed that miR-210 could attenuate H₂O₂-induced cellular injury. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway by the Akt inhibitor LY294002 was associated with a decrease in miR-210 expression. Conclusion. Insulin stimulated the expression of miR-210 through the PI3K/Akt pathway, resulting in a protective effect against cardiomyocyte injury that had been induced by H₂O₂/oxygen species. Our results provide novel evidence regarding the mechanism underlying the protective effect of insulin.