Piceatannol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation and NF-κB-related proinflammatory mediators in BV2 microglia

Proinflarnmatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines [interlukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] play pivotal roles in brain injuries. Anti-inflamrnatory responses are associated with significant downregulation of these proinflammatory mediators following brain injury. In the present study, we investigated the effects of piceatannol (PIC) on the production of proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide, (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. PIC significantly inhibited the release of NO, PGE(2), and proinflarnmatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. PIC also attenuated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, PIC prevented NF-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation. Our data also indicate that PIC exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of proinflammatory cytokine genes through the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. The anti-inflammatory properties of PIC may be useful for attenuating inflammatory diseases and LPS-stimulated microglial activation. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.