Anti‐inflammatory effects of punicalagin on LPS‐activated microglia

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a popular fruit originated in the Middle East and has been widely planted around the world. It contains various phytochemicals such as polyphenolic compounds and has a wide range of biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, antibacterial, and anti‐oxidant activities. Among many polyphenols of pomegranate, punicalagin is the main component of pomegranate polyphenols. However, the effect of punicalagin on immunoregulation has not been well examined. Since inflammation is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, the inhibition of inflammatory response has benefit to delay the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine whether punicalagin affects LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in BV2 murine microglial cells. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by Griess reagent assay. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs)‐related proteins was examined by Western blot. The production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), was detected using ELISA. Our experimental showed that punicalagin inhibits NO production, attenuates COX‐2 and iNOS expression, decreases IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α production in LPS‐activated BV2 microglial cells. In addition, we also found that punicalagin inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38 in LPS‐activated BV2 microglial cells. Collectively, these results pointed out that punicalagin has anti‐inflammatory activities in LPS‐activated BV2 microglial cells and suggest that punicalagin might have benefit in attenuating brain inflammation and delaying the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, R.O.C. (Grant No. MOST 107‐2320‐B‐037‐019)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.