Prophylactic Effect of Biochanin a in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Bv2 Microglial Cells

Abstract

Aim/Purpose of the study:Inhibition of microglial activation using phytochemicals may be a potential candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective role of Biochanin A on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. BV2 microglial cells were treated with LPS in the presence and absence of Biochanin A.Materials and methods:For this aim, nitric oxide production, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88), and toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4) protein expressions, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were measured.Results:Biochanin A pretreatment resulted in significant and concentration-dependently reduced the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, NF-kappa B p65, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, PGE2, and ROS compared to the untreated group. Biochanin A prophylaxis exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing iNOS, COX-2, MyD88, and TLR-4 protein expressions and Akt and ERK1/2 pathway activation.Conclusion:Taken together, these results show that Biochanin A exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, thus may be beneficial for preventing neurodegenerative diseases mediated by microglial cells.