Parthenolide alleviates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling to ameliorate cognitive

Mingde Fan1, Chao Wang1, Xueying Zhao2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

Abstract

Insights

Parthenolide (PTL) effectively reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models. This study highlights PTL's therapeutic potential by targeting the MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Neuroinflammation, driven by microglia, is central to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression.
  • Parthenolide (PTL) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
  • The effect of PTL on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in AD models remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether Parthenolide (PTL) can modulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation.
  • To assess PTL's impact on cognitive impairment in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PTL's effects.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies used BV2 and HMC3 microglia to assess PTL's anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects.
  • In vivo studies utilized LPS-treated wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 mice models.
  • Evaluations included cytokine assays, reactive oxygen species measurement, phagocytosis assays, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and the Morris water maze test.

Main Results:

  • PTL suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and enhanced IL-10 in vitro.
  • PTL restored microglial phagocytic activity and reduced reactive oxygen species via the AKT/MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
  • PTL treatment alleviated microgliosis, astrogliosis, and cognitive deficits in vivo, enhancing TRIM31 expression and acting via the TRIM31/NLRP3 axis.

Conclusions:

  • Parthenolide (PTL) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
  • PTL ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation by modulating the MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
  • PTL exhibits potent anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects, suggesting its utility in treating cognitive disorders associated with AD.