Suppressive effect by Hizikia fusiforme on the production of tumor necrosis factor in BV2 murine microglial cells

Background: Hizikia fusiforme, however, was recently reported. Thus, herein, we investigated the effect of Hizikia fusiforme on the production and expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a major pro-inflammatory mediator, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV2 microglial cells. Methods: Cells were pre-treated with 5 or 50 mu g/ml Hizikia fusiforme and treated with 1 mu g/ml LPS. The production of TNF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of Hizikia fusiforme on the expression of TNF was also performed by immunoblot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Activation of nuclear factor kappa b (NF kappa b) was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: We observed that Hizikia fusiforme decreased the production of TNF. The inhibitory effect of the Hizikia fusiforme on the expression of TNF was confirmed by immunoblot and RTPCR analyses. In addition, EMSA experiment revealed that Hizikia fusiforme blocked the LPS-induced activation of NF kappa b. Conclusion: The present study suggests that Hizikia fusiforme may suppress LPS-stimulated TNF production via inhibition of NF kappa b in murine microglial cells.