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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
Published on: January 30, 2014
Resveratrol induces the expression of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in BV2 microglia under
Juhyun Song1, So Yeong Cheon2, Wonsug Jung3
1Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea. sjh1008@yuhs.ac.
Abstract:
Microglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in neuronal recovery by scavenging damaged neurons. However, overactivation of microglia leads to neuronal death that is associated with CNS disorders. Therefore, regulation of microglial activation has been suggested to be an important target for treatment of CNS diseases. In the present study, we investigated the beneficial effect of resveratrol, a natural phenol with antioxidant effects, in the microglial cell line, BV2, in a model of hypoxia injury. Resveratrol suppressed the mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory molecule, tumor necrosis factor-α, and promoted the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory molecule, interleukin-10, in BV2 microglia under hypoxic conditions. In addition, resveratrol inhibited the activation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), which is upstream in the control of inflammatory reactions in hypoxia-injured BV2 microglia. Moreover, resveratrol promoted the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in BV2 microglia under hypoxic stress. Overall, resveratrol may promote the beneficial function of microglia in ischemic brain injury.
Insights
Resveratrol, an antioxidant, benefits brain injury by regulating microglia. It reduces inflammation and promotes neuroprotection in a hypoxia model, suggesting therapeutic potential for central nervous system disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microglia, the CNS immune cells, can cause neuronal death when overactivated.
- Regulating microglial activation is a potential therapeutic strategy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
- Hypoxia-induced brain injury involves complex inflammatory responses mediated by microglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on microglia.
- To examine resveratrol's impact on inflammatory pathways in a hypoxia-induced injury model.
- To assess resveratrol's influence on microglial function and neurotrophic factor expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the BV2 microglial cell line.
- Induced hypoxia injury model.
- Measured mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.
- Assessed the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB).
- Quantified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.
Main Results:
- Resveratrol suppressed pro-inflammatory TNF-α mRNA expression.
- Resveratrol enhanced anti-inflammatory IL-10 mRNA expression.
- Resveratrol inhibited NF-κB activation.
- Resveratrol promoted BDNF expression in BV2 microglia under hypoxic stress.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in microglia.
- Resveratrol modulates key inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB) and cytokine production.
- Resveratrol may promote beneficial microglial functions in ischemic brain injury, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
