Apigenin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia through activating GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> Apigenin is a natural flavonoid compound extracted from <i>Matricaria chamomilla</i>. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in this study using the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia.<b>Methods:</b> BV2 cells were treated with apigenin for 1 h and then treated with LPS. The inflammatory cytokine productions were tested by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of GSK3β, Nrf2, and NF-κB signaling pathways were measured by western blot analysis.<b>Results:</b> Apigenin significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production. Apigenin suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, GSK3β, Nrf2, and HO-1 were concentration-dependently increased by apigenin. The suppression of apigenin on LPS-induced inflammatory response and NF-κB activation were prevented when Nrf2 was knocked out or by GSK3β inhibitor.<b>Conclusions:</b> Collectively, apigenin suppressed LPS-induced microglia activation via activating GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway.