Apigenin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia through activating GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Objective: Apigenin is a natural flavonoid compound extracted from Matricaria chamomilla. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in this study using the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. Methods: BV2 cells were treated with apigenin for 1 h and then treated with LPS. The inflammatory cytokine productions were tested by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of GSK3 beta, Nrf2, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways were measured by western blot analysis. Results: Apigenin significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 production. Apigenin suppressed LPS-induced NF-kappa B activation. Furthermore, GSK3 beta, Nrf2, and HO-1 were concentration-dependently increased by apigenin. The suppression of apigenin on LPS-induced inflammatory response and NF-kappa B activation were prevented when Nrf2 was knocked out or by GSK3 beta inhibitor. Conclusions: Collectively, apigenin suppressed LPS-induced microglia activation via activating GSK3 beta/Nrf2 signaling pathway.