Plasmalogens ensure the stability of non-neuronal (microglial) cells during long-term cytotoxicity

Fatma Ali1, Md Shamim Hossain2, Ahmed Abdeen3,4

  • 1Physiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81528, Egypt.

Insights

Plasmalogens (PLS) protect brain microglia from death induced by long-term lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. PLS inhibit microglia necroptosis via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, preserving neuronal health.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglia (MG) are crucial brain phagocytes for neuronal maintenance.
  • Regulating MG necroptosis is vital for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Elucidate molecular mechanisms of microglia necroptosis under prolonged lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation.
  • Investigate the protective effects of plasmalogens (PLS) against LPS-induced insult in microglia.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized BV2 and MG6 cell lines for in vitro studies.
  • Administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a time-dependent apoptotic stimulus.
  • Assessed cell survival and caspase signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • LPS exposure caused time-dependent decreases in BV2 and MG6 cell survival.
  • Microglia death was mediated by caspase-8 and caspase-9 signaling, indicating necroptosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
  • Plasmalogens (PLS) pretreatment significantly inhibited caspase signaling, preserving microglia populations.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term LPS treatment induces microglia necroptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic caspase pathways.
  • Plasmalogens (PLS) protect microglia against LPS-induced necroptosis.
  • PLS exert protective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, maintaining microglia viability.

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