Anti-inflammatory potential of β-cryptoxanthin against LPS-induced inflammation in mouse Sertoli cells

beta-cryptoxanthin (CX), a major carotenoid pigment, can inhibit inflammatory gene expression in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of CX on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in mouse primary Sertoli cells and the possible molecular mechanisms behind its effects. The results showed that CX significantly inhibited LPS-induced decreases in cell viability and in the percentage of apoptotic cells. Moreover, CX inhibited the LPS-induced up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in Sertoli cells. In addition, CX significantly limited the LPS-induced down regulation of AR, HSF2, CREB, FSHR, INHBB and ABP in Sertoli cells. Western blot analysis showed that CX significantly suppressed NF-kappa B (p65) activation as well as MAPK phosphorylation. All the results suggested that CX suppressed inflammation, possibly associated with the NF-kappa B activation and MAPK of phosphorylation. Thus, CX may possess therapeutic potential against inflammation-related diseases. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.