Vitamin D2 suppresses amyloid-β 25-35 induced microglial activation in BV2 cells by blocking the NF-κB inflammatory

Suchismita Raha1, Ho Jeong Lee1, Silvia Yumnam1

  • 1Research Institute of Life Science and College of Veterinary Medicine (BK21 plus project), Gyeongsang National University, Gazwa, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea.

Life Sciences
|August 2, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vitamin D2 (VD2) reduces inflammation in Alzheimer's disease models by inhibiting microglial activation. This study shows VD2 suppresses inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, suggesting its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is linked to inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Microglial activation is central to AD pathogenesis, driving inflammation and neuronal injury.
  • Vitamin D2 (VD2) possesses anti-inflammatory properties that warrant further investigation in AD contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of vitamin D2 (VD2) on the inflammatory activities of BV2 microglial cells.
  • To explore VD2's potential as a therapeutic agent against inflammation and Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods:

  • Cellular compatibility of VD2 and amyloid-beta (Aβ25-35) was assessed using CCK-8 assays.
  • Western blotting was employed to measure inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantified pro-inflammatory cytokines, and fluorescence intensity detected reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Main Results:

  • VD2 pre-treatment significantly reduced Aβ25-35-induced BV2 cell stimulation.
  • VD2 inhibited iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and reduced ROS generation.
  • VD2 blocked NF-κB p65 phosphorylation by preventing IκB-α degradation in the cytosol.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D2 effectively suppresses the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in Aβ25-35-induced activated BV2 microglial cells.
  • VD2 mitigates inflammation by reducing ROS generation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
  • These findings highlight vitamin D2's therapeutic potential for managing inflammation and Alzheimer's disease.