Progranulin inhibits LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization via NF-kB and MAPK pathways

Background Macrophage M1 polarization plays a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases. Progranulin (PGRN) has potential anti-inflammation action, however, the effect of PGRN on macrophage M1 polarization has been poorly studied. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of PGRN on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage M1 polarization and clarify the underlying mechanisms. Methods RAW264.7 cells were polarized to M1 macrophage by LPS with or without recombinant PGRN (rPGRN) and tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody (anti-TNF-alpha). A cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), flow cytometry, Quantitative Real-Time PCR assay (q-PCR), Western blot assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine the effect of different treatments on cell proliferation, expression of surface phenotype marker and expressions and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. The activation of NF-kappa B/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and the nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B p65 were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence respectively. THP-1 and primary bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDMs) were also used to demonstrate effect of PGRN on expressions and secretion of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. Results In RAW264.7 cells, rPGRN at concentrations below 80 ng/ml significantly promoted cell proliferation in dose dependent fashion. rPGRN significantly inhibited LPS-induced change of phenotype (CD86/CD206 ratio) and function (tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions). LPS-stimulated secretion of TNF-alpha and activated phosphorylation of IKK alpha/beta, IkB alpha, p65, JNK and p38 and the nucleus translocation of NF-kB p65 were also significantly downregulated by rPGRN. In addition, recombinant TNF-alpha (rTNF-alpha) significantly boosted TNF-alpha and iNOS expression vs the control group. Moreover, anti-TNF-alpha significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha and iNOS expression. In THP-1 and BMDM cells, reversing effect of rPGRN on LPS-enhanced expressions of TNF-alpha and iNOS and secretion of TNF-alpha was further demonstrated. Conclusions PGRN down-regulates LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization in phenotype and function via NF-kappa B/MAPK signaling pathways.