Genome wide expression profile of Asiasarum sieboldi in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells

Recent studies suggest that activated microglial cells play an essential role in the inflammatory responses and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective mechanisms of Asiasarum sieboldi (AS) on LPS-induced activation of BV-2 microglial cells. The effects of AS on gene expression profiles in activated BV-2 microglial cells were evaluated using microarray analysis. BV-2 microglial cells were cultured in a 100 mm dish (1 x 10(7)/ mL) for 24 h and then pretreated with 1 mu g/mL AS or left untreated for 30 min. Next, 1 mu g/mL LPS was added to the samples and the cells were reincubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min and 1 hr. The gene expression profiles of the BV-2 microglial cells varied depending on the AS. The microarray analysis revealed that MAPK signaling pathway-related genes were down-regulated in AS-treated BV-2 microglial cells. AS can affect the neuroinflammatory-related pathway such as MAPK signaling pathway in activated BV-2 microglial cells.