Involvement of AMP-activated Protein Kinase α/Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-derived 2) Like 2-iniatived Signaling Pathway in Cytoprotective Effects of Wasabi 6-(Methylsulfinyl) Hexyl Isothiocyanate

6-(Methylsulfinyl) hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) is an active ingredient present in Wasabi, which is a popular pungent spice used in Japanese cuisine. Our previous studies suggested that the primary antioxidant activity of 6-MSITC may link to other biological activity. This study aimed to clarify how the antioxidant activity of 6-MSITC contributes to preventing overloaded lipid stress in hepatic cell model. HepG2 cells were treated with 6-MSITC at defined concentrations and times in normal medium or in combined fatty acids (CFA) medium, and the targeted proteins were detected by Western blotting. The kinetic data revealed that 6-MSITC activated AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) like 2 (Nrf2), and then enhanced the protein expression of Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and Sirtuin1 as well as that of the Nrf2 target proteins, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase (HO-1). Furthermore, lipid metabolic stress was mimicked in HepG2 cells by overloading CFA. 6-MSITC significantly alleviated CFA-induced formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and fat accumulation. Signaling analysis data revealed that 6-MSITC enhanced phosphorylation of AMPKα, upregulated the expression of Nrf2, NQO1, heme oxygenase 1, FOXO1, and Siruin1, and downregulated the expression of PPARα. Taken together, our results suggested that the AMPKα/Nrf2-mediated signaling pathways might be involved in the cytoprotective effects of Wasabi 6-MSITC against metabolic lipid stress.