Abstract
Objects : Baicalein is a major bioactive flavonoid component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi that shows a wide range of biological activities, including neuroprotections and anti-inflammatory actions. Hence it is a potential therapeutic material for the treatment of neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the modulatory effect of baicalein on neuroinflammation. Method : Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX> and IL-6 mRNA), COX-2 mRNA expression and microglial activation in the brain tissue is induced by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in C57BL/6 mice. Baicalein was treated orally with 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg 1 hour prior to the LPS (3 mg/kg, i.p.) injection. TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX>, IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA expression in the brain tissue was measured by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method. Iba1 expression in the brain was measured by western blotting method. Microglia was observed with immunohistochemistry. Results : Baicalein 30 mg/kg significantly attenuated the expression of TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX>, IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA in the brain tissue. Baicalein 20 mg/kg significantly attenuated the expression of IL-6 mRNA in the brain tissue. Baicalein 30 mg/kg significantly attenuated the expression of Iba1 protein expression in the brain tissue. Baicalein 30 mg/kg significantly decreased the number and cell size of microglia in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamic region and the area percentage of Iba1-expressed microglia in the hippocampus. Conclusion : These results demonstrated that baicalein attenuates LPS induced neuroinflammation in the mice via reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-<TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>, IL-<TEX>$1{\beta}$</TEX>, IL-6), COX-2 mRNA expression and microglial activation.
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