Inhibition of NO Production in LPS-Stimulated Primary Rat Glial Cells by Gnidilatimonoein and Extract of Daphne mucronata

BACKGROUND: In the CNS, glial cells are involved in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain. The glial cells are activated by a variety of pathological conditions and release pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO). Overexpression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and extra NO is detrimental to neurophysiology and neuronal viability. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effect of Gnidilatimonein isolated from D. mucronata and its leaves extract (as natural phytochemicals) on NO production in the LPS-induced primary glial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A preparative HPLC method was used to isolate gnidilatimonoein from leaves ethanolic extract. Various doses of Gnidilatimonoein, the ethanolic extract were applied to primary glial cells inflamed by lipopolysaccharide. A Colorimetric test, an MTT assay, and a RT-PCR analysis were then performed to analyze and compare NO production, cell viability, and iNOS expression. RESULTS: Gnidilatimonoein treatment of pretreated primary glial cells significantly inhibited iNOS expression and decreased NO synthesis. Plant extracts also reduced NO production in inflamed microglial and glial at 0.1-3 mg.mL(-1). At these concentrations, none of these compounds exerted a cytotoxic effect, suggesting that their anti-inflammatory effects were not due to the death of cells. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that D. mucronata and its active compound, Gnidilatimonoein, could have restrained effects on the expression of iNOS on the induced glial cells; however, further investigation is warranted.