Dynamic Brain Lipid Profiles Modulate Microglial Lipid Droplet Accumulation and Inflammation Under Ischemic Conditions in Mice

Microglia are critically involved in post-stroke inflammation affecting neurological outcomes. Lipid droplet (LD) accumulation in microglia results in a dysfunctional and pro-inflammatory state in the aged brain and worsens the outcome of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of LD-rich microglia (LDRM) under stroke conditions is unknown. Using in vitro and in vivo stroke models, herein accumulation patterns of microglial LD and their corresponding microglial inflammatory signaling cascades are studied. Interactions between temporal and spatial dynamics of lipid profiles and microglial phenotypes in different post-stroke brain regions are found. Hence, microglia display enhanced levels of LD accumulation and elevated perilipin 2 (PLIN2) expression patterns when exposed to hypoxia or stroke. Such LDRM exhibit high levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 beta as well as a pro-inflammatory phenotype and differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes. These post-ischemic alterations result in distinct lipid profiles with spatial and temporal dynamics, especially with regard to cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol levels, further exacerbating post-ischemic inflammation. The present study sheds new light on the dynamic changes of brain lipid profiles and aggregation patterns of LD in microglia exposed to ischemia, demonstrating a mutual mechanism between microglial phenotype and function, which contributes to progression of brain injury. The mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and their impact on microglia in the context of stroke need further studies. Using an innovative in vitro and in vivo approach, this study observes dynamic changes in the lipid profile of the ischemic brain associated with microglial function. The study sheds new light on how lipid droplet accumulation and concomitant changes of lipidomic profiles modulate post-ischemic inflammation, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for reducing brain damage after stroke. image