Neuroprotective effects of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis

<i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> polysaccharides have protective effects against apoptosis in neurons exposed to ischemia/reperfusion injury, but the mechanisms are unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of ganoderma <i>lucidum</i> polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was used to induce apoptosis in cultured cerebellar granule cells. In these cells, <i>ganoderma lucidum</i> polysaccharides remarkably suppressed H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, decreased expression of caspase-3, Bax and Bim and increased that of Bcl-2. These findings suggested that <i>ganoderma lucidum</i> polysaccharides regulate expression of apoptosis-associated proteins, inhibit oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis and, therefore, have significant neuroprotective effects.