Spirulina and C-phycocyanin reduce cytotoxicity and inflammation-related genes expression of microglial cells

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effects of Spirulina on BV-2 microglial cell cytotoxicity and inflammatory genes expression. Methods: BV-2 microglial cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mu g/ml) and various concentrations of Spirulina platensis water extract or its active component (C-phycocyanin (C-PC)) for 24 hours. Cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNAs were assayed. Results: LPS increased LDH production and up-regulated expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 by BV-2 microglial cells. However, Spirulina platensis water extract and C-PC significantly reduced LPS-induced LDH release, and expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 mRNAs. Conclusion: Spirulina can reduce the cytotoxicity and inhibit expression of inflammation-related genes of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells.