[Paeonol inhibits the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in mouse BV2 microglia induced by lipopolysaccharide].

Objective This study is aimed to investigate the effect of paeonol on inflammation of BV2 microglia induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the underlying mechanism. Methods Mouse BV2 microglia was cultured in vitro. BV2 microglia was pretreated with paeonol of different concentration for 24 hours, then stimulated by LPS for 12 hours. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Morphological changes of microglia were monitored by microscopy. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-12 and IL-6 by BV2 microglia was measured by real time quantitative-PCR. The protein expression of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) was determined by Western blot analysis. Results Paeonol treatment improved cell viability, and inhibited over-activation of BV2 microglia challenged by LPS. Paeonol treatment concentration-dependently suppressed LPS induced mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-12 by BV2 microglia. Phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, but not protein level of NF-κB p65, was suppressed by paeonol treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion Paeonol inhibits LPS induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and transcription of downstream proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglia.