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Daphne genkwa flower extract promotes the neuroprotective effects of microglia
Deepak Prasad Gupta1, Sung Hee Park1, Young-Sun Lee2
1Department of Medical Science, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea.
Background:
Microglia are innate immune cells in the central nervous system that play a crucial role in neuroprotection by releasing neurotrophic factors, removing pathogens through phagocytosis, and regulating brain homeostasis. The constituents extracted from the roots and stems of the Daphne genkwa plant have shown neuroprotective effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. However, the effect of Daphne genkwa plant extract on microglia has yet to be demonstrated.
Purpose:
To study the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) in microglia and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
In-vitro mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase, Arginase1, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in microglia cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α protein were respectively analyzed by Griess reagent and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Immunoreactivity of Iba-1, Neu-N, and BDNF in mouse brain were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Phagocytosis capacity of microglia was examined using fluorescent zymosan-red particles.
Results:
GFE significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and promoted neuroprotection both in vitro and in vivo. First, GFE inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory factors NO, iNOS, and TNF-α in microglial cell lines and primary glial cells, thus demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects. Arginase1 and BDNF mRNA levels were increased in primary glial cells treated with GFE. Phagocytosis was also increased in microglia treated with GFE, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of GFE. In vivo, neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of GFE were also found in the mouse brain, as oral administration of GFE significantly inhibited LPS-induced neuronal loss and inflammatory activation of microglia.
Conclusion:
GFE has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes microglial neuroprotective effects. GFE inhibited the pro-inflammatory mediators and enhanced neuroprotective microglia activity by increasing BDNF expression and phagocytosis. These novel findings of the GFE effect on microglia show an innovative approach that can potentially promote neuroprotection for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Insights
Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties by modulating microglia activity. GFE reduces inflammatory mediators and enhances microglial phagocytosis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, offering potential for neurodegenerative disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Microglia are central nervous system immune cells vital for neuroprotection.
- Daphne genkwa constituents show promise in Parkinson's disease models.
- The specific effects of Daphne genkwa extract on microglia remain largely uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential of Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) in microglia.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of GFE's effects on microglial function.
Main Methods:
- In vitro analysis of inflammatory gene and protein expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, Arginase1, BDNF, NO) in microglia.
- In vivo assessment of GFE's impact on neuronal loss and microglial activation in mouse brains via immunofluorescence.
- Evaluation of microglial phagocytosis capacity using fluorescent particles.
Main Results:
- GFE significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).
- GFE treatment increased Arginase1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA levels and enhanced microglial phagocytosis.
- In vivo studies confirmed GFE's neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, reducing LPS-induced neuronal damage and microglial activation.
Conclusions:
- Daphne genkwa flower extract (GFE) demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects on microglia.
- GFE promotes neuroprotection by enhancing microglial phagocytosis and increasing BDNF expression.
- These findings suggest GFE as a novel therapeutic approach for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
