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Blueberry Counteracts BV-2 Microglia Morphological and Functional Switch after LPS Challenge
Maria Giovanna De Caris1, Maddalena Grieco2, Elisa Maggi3
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Nutrients
|June 25, 2020
Summary
Blueberry extract protects against inflammatory damage in brain immune cells. It reduces pro-inflammatory markers and shifts microglia towards a healing M2 phenotype, suggesting potential as a nutraceutical.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microglia are key innate immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that respond to injury.
- Blueberry (BB) is recognized for its antioxidant and pharmacological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a hydroalcoholic blueberry extract on microglia.
- To determine if BB extract can mitigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in microglia.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cell viability and cytotoxicity in BV-2 microglia cells treated with BB extract and LPS.
- Evaluated actin cytoskeleton organization, cell migration, and GTPase activity (Rho, Rac1).
- Measured mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (Arg-1) cytokines, and iNOS.
Main Results:
- BB extract protected microglia from LPS-induced cytotoxicity.
- BB extract modulated actin cytoskeleton organization, reduced LPS-driven migration, and counteracted increased Rac1 activity.
- BB extract decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA and iNOS, while increasing Arg-1 mRNA, indicating a shift from M1 to M2 phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Blueberry extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects on microglia during inflammatory responses.
- BB extract promotes a shift from M1 to M2 microglial polarization via actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.
- Blueberry extract holds potential as a nutraceutical for managing neuroinflammation.
