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Published on: January 30, 2014
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) presents anti-neuroinflammatory capacity in LPS-activated microglia cells
Diulie Valente de Souza1,2, Lauren Pappis3, Thuany Teixeira Bandeira2
1Graduate Program in Nanoscience, Franciscan University, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Introduction:
Neuropsychiatric diseases are responsible for one of the highest burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Individuals affected by these diseases may present mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Additionally, patients also have increased peripheral and neural chronic inflammation. The Brazilian fruit, açaí, has been demonstrated to be a neuroprotective agent through its recovery of mitochondrial complex I activity. This extract has previously shown anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory cells. However, there is a lack of understanding of potential anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms, such as cell cycle involvement.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory potential of an açaí extract in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglia cells.
Methods:
Açaí extract was produced and characterized through high performance liquid chromatography. Following açaí extraction and characterization, BV-2 microglia cells were activated with LPS and a dose-response curve was generated to select the most effective açaí dose to reduce cellular proliferation. This dose was then used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, double-strand DNA release, cell cycle modulation, and cytokine and caspase protein expression.
Results:
Characterization of the açaí extract revealed 10 bioactive molecules. The extract reduced cellular proliferation, ROS production, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and caspase 1 protein expression under 1 μg/mL in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia cells but had no effect on double strand DNA release. Additionally, açaí treatment caused cell cycle arrest, specifically within synthesis and G2/Mitosis phases.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that the freeze-dried hydroalcoholic açaí extract presents high anti-neuroinflammatory potential.
Insights
Açaí extract shows anti-neuroinflammatory potential by reducing cell proliferation and inflammation markers in microglia cells. It also modulates the cell cycle, suggesting a role in treating neuropsychiatric diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric diseases cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are implicated in these conditions.
- Açaí extract is known for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, but its anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of açaí extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglia cells.
- To investigate the impact of açaí extract on cell cycle modulation in activated microglia.
Main Methods:
- Açaí extract was produced and characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- BV-2 microglia cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Dose-response studies assessed cellular proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA release, cell cycle, and protein expression (cytokines, caspase-1).
Main Results:
- Açaí extract characterization identified 10 bioactive molecules.
- The extract reduced LPS-induced cellular proliferation, ROS production, and pro-inflammatory cytokine and caspase-1 expression at 1 μg/mL.
- Açaí treatment induced cell cycle arrest in the synthesis and G2/Mitosis phases, without affecting double-strand DNA release.
Conclusions:
- The freeze-dried hydroalcoholic açaí extract exhibits significant anti-neuroinflammatory potential.
- Açaí extract may exert its effects by modulating cell cycle progression and reducing inflammatory markers in microglia.
- These findings support açaí's potential as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammatory conditions.
