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Biochanin A Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators Production in BV2 Microglia

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Abstract

Biochanin A, one of the major isoflavonoids in red clover or cabbage, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of biochanin A has not been completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. The results showed that biochanin A suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory mediators nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β production. LPS-induced NF-κB activation was also inhibited by biochanin A. In addition, biochanin A up-regulated the expression of PPAR-γ and the anti-inflammatory effects of biochanin A can be abolished by PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662. These results suggest that biochanin A exerts an anti-inflammatory property by activating PPAR-γ, thereby attenuating NF-κB activation and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

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  1. Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 32500, Zhejiang, China

    Yang Zhang & Wei-an Chen

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  1. Yang Zhang
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Correspondence to Wei-an Chen.

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Zhang, Y., Chen, Wa. Biochanin A Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and Mediators Production in BV2 Microglia. Neurochem Res 40, 165–171 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-014-1480-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-014-1480-2

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