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Neuroprotective effect of wogonin: Potential roles of inflammatory cytokines

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Abstract

Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone), an active component originated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of wogonin in a focal cerebral ischemia rat model. Wogonin markedly reduced the infarct volume after 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 22 h reperfusion. Wogonin decreased the production of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 in lipopolisaccharide-stimulated microglial cells. While wogonin reduced the activity ofNF-kB, it did not change the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases family members, p38, ERK and JNK. The lipopolisaccharide-stimulated production of NO and cytokines was significantly blocked by various kinds ofNF-kB inhibitors such asN-acetyl cysteine, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and MG-132. The data may indicate that wogonin has neuroprotective effect by preventing the over-activation of microglial cells, possibly by inactivatingNF-kB signaling pathway

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Correspondence to Won-Ki Kim.

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Piao, H.Z., Jin, S.A., Chun, H.S. et al. Neuroprotective effect of wogonin: Potential roles of inflammatory cytokines. Arch Pharm Res 27, 930–936 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02975846

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