Protocatechuic Acid Inhibits Inflammatory Responses in LPS-Stimulated BV2 Microglia via NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling Pathways

Neurochem Res. 2015 Aug;40(8):1655-60. doi: 10.1007/s11064-015-1646-6. Epub 2015 Jul 2.

Abstract

Protocatechuic acid (PA), a major metabolite of anthocyanins, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effects of PA on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in microglia have not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of PA on LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. The production of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and PGE2 were detected by ELISA. TLR4, NF-κB and MAPKs activation were detected by western blotting. Our results demonstrated that PA dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and PGE2 production. In addition, PA suppressed LPS-induced TLR4 expression, NF-κB and MAPKs activation, which resulted in the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, these results suggested that PA exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia and the mechanisms were involved in the inhibition of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology*
  • Hydroxybenzoates / pharmacology*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology
  • Mice
  • Microglia / drug effects*
  • Microglia / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Hydroxybenzoates
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • NF-kappa B
  • protocatechuic acid