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Effects of ginsenoside Re on LPS-induced inflammatory mediators in BV2 microglial cells
Kang-Woo Lee1, So Young Jung, Sun-Mi Choi
1Department of Medical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Microglial activation plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases by producing several pro-inflammatory enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation leads to the activation of microglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and is associated with the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, AD, and ALS. Ginseng is a natural antioxidant used in herbal medicine and contains ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Re, and Rd), which have anti-neoplastic and anti-stress properties.This study demonstrates the involvement of the anti-inflammatory signaling pathway, ginsenoside-Re (G-Re), which is one of the ginsenosides mediated by LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cells.
Methods:
BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with 2 μg/ml G-Re and stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS to induce neuroinflammation. To investigate the effect of G-Re on LPS-induced cell signaling, we performed western blotting and immunofluorescence using specific antibodies, such as phospho-p38, COX2, and iNOS.
Results:
Pretreatment with 2 μg/ml G-Re was neuroprotective against 1 μg/ml LPS-treated microglial cells. The neuroprotective events induced by G-Re treatment in neuroinflammation occurred via the phospho-p38, iNOS, and COX2 signaling pathways in BV2 cells.
Conclusion:
Taken together, we suggest that G-Re exerts a beneficial effect on neuroinflammatory events in neurodegenerative diseases.
Insights
Ginsenoside-Re (G-Re) from ginseng offers neuroprotection against inflammation in microglial cells. This natural compound modulates key inflammatory pathways, suggesting a therapeutic role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglial activation contributes to neuroinflammation in diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS.
- Ginseng, a traditional antioxidant, contains ginsenosides with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to induce microglial activation and study neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside-Re (G-Re) on LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cells.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in G-Re's neuroprotective effects.
Main Methods:
- BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with G-Re and stimulated with LPS.
- Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze signaling pathways, including phospho-p38, COX2, and iNOS.
Main Results:
- G-Re pretreatment demonstrated neuroprotective effects against LPS-induced inflammation in BV2 cells.
- G-Re modulated the phospho-p38, iNOS, and COX2 signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenoside-Re exhibits beneficial effects against neuroinflammatory processes.
- G-Re shows potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases involving neuroinflammation.
