Gastrodia protects HT22 cells from damage caused by oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion through inhibiting ferroptosis

Gastrodin (Gas) is a key active ingredients of Gastrodia elata Bl., with applications in treating cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. However, the impact of Gas on neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion remains uncertain. A cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was established and the viability and Apoptosis of HT22 cells were measured using the CCK-8 assay and TUNEL staining. Different kits detected the levels of LDH, Fe²⁺ and MDA. The levels of ferroptosis-related genes and proteins were evaluated utilizing RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Following OGD/R, there was a decrease in HT22 cell viability and an increase in LDH level and Apoptosis rate. Gas (25µM) increased cell viability, decreased LDH, Fe²⁺, MDA and ACSL4 levels, up-regulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 and ameliorated OGD/R-induced Apoptosis (P < 0.01). Ferroptosis inducer Erastin (Era, 10µM) successfully induced Ferroptosis in HT22 cells, while Gas treatment attenuated the effect of Era. Era further promoted OGD/R-induced damage and Ferroptosis in HT22 cells, whereas Gas inhibited the effect of Era. In conclusion, Gas might provide protection against induced HT22 cell injury caused by OGD/R through inhibiting Ferroptosis, shows promising potential for clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.