Microglia Research Articles

Comprehensive profiling of Rhodiola rosea roots and corresponding products: phytochemical insights and modulation of neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cell model

IntroductionRhodiola rosea L., mainly known within the medicinal plant industry as golden root, Arctic root, or rose root, derives its name from its economic significance, distinctive morphology, and restricted geographical distribution. Extracts from Rhodiola rosea roots/rhizomes are widely used across Europe and Asia as ingredients of traditional herbal medicines and dietary supplements, with numerous claims regarding their adaptogenic effects. With the growing demand for pharmaceutical products that relieve stress-related fatigue and exhaustion, driven by technological advancements and increasing psychophysical challenges, R. rosea has become a highly sought-after resource. However, this heightened demand has also increased the risk of adulteration and the proliferation of low-quality products on the market. The reproducible efficacy and quality of R. rosea preparations are largely dependent on the variable content of key active compounds, such as rosavin, which directly influence product quality. The rapid expansion of the dietary supplement market, coupled with insufficient quality verification of products entering the market, underscores the need for rigorous identification and quality assessment of these products.MethodsThis study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis of 13 dietary supplements claiming to contain R. rosea using HPTLC and LC-MS techniques and to correlate these findings with their anti-inflammatory activity in an LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cell model, in vitro.ResultsOur study indicates that nearly 60% of the tested preparations did not contain the declared amount of Rhodiola rosea roots/rhizomes or the characteristic marker compounds associated with this species. Furthermore, rosavin was detected in only 9 out of the 13 analyzed products, with 4 of these containing only trace amounts of this marker compound. Misidentification of R. rosea was most frequently observed among tablet and capsule formulations, whereas products in the form of cut raw material exhibited the highest quality. Moreover, rosavin significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglial cells.DiscussionThe identification of R. rosea in only 40% of the preparations underlines that rigorous control and standardisation of herbal supplements are crucial to understanding their therapeutic activity and preventing adulteration.

Spatial Analysis Identifies CD147 as a Novel Marker of High-Grade Childhood Posterior Fossa Ependymoma.

Spatial Analysis Identifies CD147 as a Novel Marker of High-Grade Childhood Posterior Fossa Ependymoma.

Fufang zhenzhu tiaozhi capsule alleviates hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress and leptin resistance through autophagy modulation in DIO rats.

Fufang zhenzhu tiaozhi capsule alleviates hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress and leptin resistance through autophagy modulation in DIO rats.

Schaftoside restrains neuroinflammation and ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury associated with LncGm36 mediated COP1 upregulation.

Schaftoside restrains neuroinflammation and ameliorates cerebral ischemic injury associated with LncGm36 mediated COP1 upregulation.

High Affinity Staining for Histological Immunoreactivity revealed phosphorylated tau within amyloid-cored plaques in the brain of AD model mice.

High Affinity Staining for Histological Immunoreactivity revealed phosphorylated tau within amyloid-cored plaques in the brain of AD model mice.

Poldip2 Aggravates inflammation in diabetic retinopathy by impairing mitophagy via the AMPK/ULK1/Pink1 pathway.

Poldip2 Aggravates inflammation in diabetic retinopathy by impairing mitophagy via the AMPK/ULK1/Pink1 pathway.

Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA and mRNA Revealing Potential Mechanism Underlying Neuroinflammation in BV2 Cells

Background: The significance of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in diabetic complications has been established. However, their role in basal and diabetic states, as well as cognitive dysfunction, requires further investigation. Methods: BV-2 microglial cells were exposed to high glucose (50mM) and insulin (2μM) for 48 hours. The levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) were assessed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, and ELISA. CircRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing were performed, and the data were analyzed. Differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs were identified using qPCR. The circRNA-miRNA interaction was predicted using Miranda and TargetScan software, and their levels were quantified by qPCR. Results: The results demonstrated a significant increase in mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in BV2 cells treated with glucose and insulin. Five circRNAs (four upregulated and one downregulated) were identified in both glucose and insulin groups compared to the control. Further qPCR analysis revealed marked increases in the levels of chr17:40159331- 40159711+ and chr2:72800499-72801858- (mmu_circ_0010164) in both treatment groups. Competitive endogenous RNA networks showed significant upregulation of mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription termination factor 1b (Mterf1b) and G protein subunit gamma 4 (Gng4), accompanied by a decrease in mmu-miR-6918-3p and mmu-miR-7043-3p levels in the glucose and insulin groups compared to the control. Knockdown of mmu_circ_0010164 significantly inhibited the inflammatory response induced by glucose and insulin in BV-2 microglial cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate that both glucose and insulin can elicit inflammatory responses in BV2 cells through the modulation of mmu_circ_0010164 levels. The underlying mechanism may involve potential downstream targets of mmu_circ_0010164, specifically mmu-miR-7043-3p/Gng4 and mmu-miR-6918-3p/Mterf1b. This provides novel insights into the treatment of glucose-induced neuroinflammation.

An accurate and sensitive method for neurotoxicity assessment of emerging contaminants in zebrafish.

An accurate and sensitive method for neurotoxicity assessment of emerging contaminants in zebrafish.

Hormonal contraceptives in adolescence impact the neuroimmune environment of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in female rats.

Hormonal contraceptives in adolescence impact the neuroimmune environment of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in female rats.

TREM2 inhibits LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation by promoting mitophagy via SYK in BV2 cells.

TREM2 inhibits LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation by promoting mitophagy via SYK in BV2 cells.

Targeting mitochondrial DNA-STING-NF-κB Axis-mediated microglia activation by cryptotanshinone alleviates ischemic retinopathy.

Targeting mitochondrial DNA-STING-NF-κB Axis-mediated microglia activation by cryptotanshinone alleviates ischemic retinopathy.

Mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective effects of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation in post-cardiac arrest brain injury: Modulation of the Piezo1-Dkk3/PI3K-Akt pathway.

Mechanistic insights into the neuroprotective effects of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation in post-cardiac arrest brain injury: Modulation of the Piezo1-Dkk3/PI3K-Akt pathway.

Nanoplastics exposure exacerbates Aβ plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease mice by inducing microglia pyroptosis.

Nanoplastics exposure exacerbates Aβ plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease mice by inducing microglia pyroptosis.

Increasing indoxyl sulfate induces iNOS expression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor leading to microglia hyperactivation in the prefrontal cortex of autism-like offspring rats.

Increasing indoxyl sulfate induces iNOS expression via aryl hydrocarbon receptor leading to microglia hyperactivation in the prefrontal cortex of autism-like offspring rats.

Hypertums A-J, bioactive polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with diverse skeletons from Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort).

Hypertums A-J, bioactive polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with diverse skeletons from Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort).

Bioactive molecules in wheat "Senatore Cappelli" food chain: Extraction, analysis, processing, and beneficial properties.

Ancient grains, once forgotten due to the dominance of high-yield modern crops, are making a comeback due to concerns over biodiversity loss and global food challenges. This study examines the nutritional composition, safety, and health benefits of Senatore Cappelli, an ancient Italian durum wheat variety (SCW), highlighting its potential as a functional food. Using a multi-method approach, SCW was analyzed across four food chain stages (seeds, flour, pasta, and chaff) for compositional changes, phytochemical content, and safety. The safety of raw material was assessed by determination of biogenic amines, pesticides, mycotoxins and pathogenic microorganisms. The chemical profile detected by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of bioactive molecules such as phenolic acids and carotenoids in the case of chaff. The toxicity of ethanolic extracts was evaluated using in vitro assays on murine BV-2 microglial cells and in vivo assays on Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. No cytotoxic effects were detected at concentrations up to 250ng/mL for chaff extract and 1000ng/mL for seed, flour, and pasta extracts. Additionally, SCW extracts extended the lifespan of C. elegans, indicating potential anti-aging and health-promoting properties. These results position SCW as a valuable resource for enhancing bioactive compounds, supporting its reintroduction into modern diets and its use in functional food development.

Neuroregulation of histamine of circadian rhythm disorder induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Neuroregulation of histamine of circadian rhythm disorder induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Poliumoside alleviates microglia-mediated inflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption via modulating the polarization of microglia after ischemic stroke in mice.

Poliumoside alleviates microglia-mediated inflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption via modulating the polarization of microglia after ischemic stroke in mice.

The interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation supports autistic-related behaviors in Cntnap2 knockout mice.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive/restricted behaviors. Several studies showed that oxidative stress and inflammation may contribute to ASD. Indeed, increased levels of oxygen radicals and pro-inflammatory molecules were described in the brain and peripheral blood of persons with ASD and mouse models. Despite this, a potential direct connection between oxidative stress and inflammation within specific brain areas and ASD-related behaviors has not been investigated in detail yet. Here, we used RT-qPCR, RNA sequencing, metabolomics, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to show that pro-inflammatory molecules were increased in the cerebellum and periphery of mice lacking Cntnap2, a robust model of ASD. In parallel, oxidative stress was present in the cerebellum of mutant animals. Systemic treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) rescued cerebellar oxidative stress, inflammation, as well as motor and social impairments in Cntnap2-/- mice, concomitant with enhanced function of microglia cells in NAC-treated mutants. Intriguingly, social deficits, cerebellar inflammation, and microglia dysfunction were induced by NAC in Cntnap2+/+ animals. Our findings suggest that the interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation accompanied by genetic vulnerability may underlie ASD-related behaviors in Cntnap2 mutant mice.

Caffeic Acid's Influence on the Viability and Apoptosis of a Diverse Array of Cancer Cell Lines

Natural phytochemicals, such as caffeic acid (CA), are emerging as promising candidates for cancer therapy due to their bioactive properties. This study investigated the cytotoxic potential of CA across ten cancer cell lines—HuH7 (hepatocellular carcinoma), PC3 (prostate adenocarcinoma), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), CaCo2 and HT29 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), SW48 (colon carcinoma), MG63 (osteosarcoma), A673 (Ewing's sarcoma), 2A3 (pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma), and CARM-L12-TG3 (lung carcinoma)—alongside the healthy HMC3 (microglial) cell line. Cell viability was evaluated via MTT assays, while apoptosis induction and cell cycle modulation in CA-treated CaCo2 cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results revealed heightened sensitivity to CA in HT29, 2A3, and A673 cells, which exhibited reduced viability at lower concentrations than other cancer and healthy cell lines. CA induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in CaCo2 colorectal cells, with pronounced effects observed in cancer types directly exposed to dietary components (e.g., colon and pharynx) and bone-related malignancies (Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma). This study provides novel insights into CA's efficacy against less-studied cancers, such as pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (2A3) and Ewing's sarcoma (A673). These findings underscore CA's potential as a targeted cytotoxic agent, particularly for diet-associated and bone cancers. Further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms, optimize therapeutic applications, and validate safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical settings, positioning CA as a viable candidate for preventive and adjunctive cancer therapies.