EGb 761 inhibits Aβ1-42-induced neuroinflammatory response by suppressing P38 MAPK signaling pathway in BV-2 microglial cells

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 possesses a variety of biological effects and has been proved to be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EGb 761 on the A beta(1-42)-induced BV-2 microglial cells. We analyzed the production and gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and qRT-PCR, examined phosphorylation of MAPKs by western blot and measured nuclear factor-kappa B nuclear translocation. Compared with A beta(1-42)-treated group, EGb 761 inhibited release and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta, suppressed nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B and attenuated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in a concentration-dependent manner, but not ERK and JNK. In summary, the results suggested that EGb 761 could attenuate A beta(1-42)-induced neuroinflammatory response.