Linalool Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammation in BV2 Microglia Cells by Activating Nrf2

• Published in: Neurochemical research 2015-07, Vol.40 (7), p.1520-1525
• Main Authors: Li, Yang, Lv, Ou, Zhou, Fenggang, Li, Qingsong, Wu, Zhichao, Zheng, Yongri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cell Biology; Dinoprostone - biosynthesis; Heme Oxygenase-1 - metabolism; Inflammation - chemically induced; Inflammation - prevention & control; Inflammation Mediators - metabolism; Lipopolysaccharides - toxicity; Mice; Microglia - cytology; Microglia - drug effects; Microglia - metabolism; Monoterpenes - pharmacology; Neurochemistry; Neurology; Neurosciences; NF-kappa B - metabolism; Original Paper; Up-Regulation - drug effects
• ISSN: 0364-3190; 1573-6903
• DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1629-7

Linalool, a natural compound of the essential oils, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of linalool in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia cells. BV2 microglia cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of linalool. The production of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, NO, and PGE 2 as well as Nrf2, HO-1 expression were detected. Our results showed that linalool inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, NO, and PGE 2 production in a dose-dependent manner. Linalool also inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Treatment of linalool induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1. In addition, our results showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of linalool was attenuated by transfection with Nrf2 siRNA. In conclusion, these results suggested that linalool inhibits LPS-induced inflammation in BV2 microglia cells by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.