Bromelain Protects Against PTZ-Induced Glial Damage and Inflammation: An In Vitro and In Silico Study

This study aimed to investigate how bromelain protects glial cells from pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced damage, focusing on its anti-inflammatory effects. C6 glioma cells were treated with PTZ, bromelain, or a combination of PTZ and bromelain. The interactions of bromelain with iNOS (Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase) and COX2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) were investigated using molecular docking calculations. Cell viability was measured using the XTT (Methoxynitrosulfophenyl-Tetrazolium Carboxanilide) assay. iNOS, NO (Nitric Oxide), and COX2 levels were assessed using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. Bromelain at 50 and 100 µg/mL significantly increased cell viability (p < 0.001). On the other hand, bromelain at 50 µg/mL reduced inflammation, as indicated by lower levels of NO, iNOS, and COX2 (p < 0.001). In-silico predictions suggest that bromelain can effectively target iNOS and COX2, key inflammatory proteins. These findings indicate that bromelain protects glial cells by exerting anti-inflammatory effects. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms fully.