Methyl Jasmonate Protects Microglial Cells Against β-Amyloid-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Nrf2-Dependent HO-1 Pathway

BACKGROUND: β-Amyloid (Aβ) induces oxidative stress and inflammation of microglial cells, thus leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, the potential roles of MeJA in Aβ-induced cell activities and the underlying mechanism are unclear. METHODS: Microglial cell line BV-2 was stimulated by 20 μM Aβ and/or 20 μM MeJA and then divided into four groups (control, Aβ, MeJA, and Aβ+MeJA). Cell viability was detected by MTT assay. MDA, SOD activity, and ROS were detected by fluorescence spectrophotometry and immunofluorescence assay. Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, inflammatory cytokines (p-NFκB, TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and apoptosis factors (Bcl-2, Bax, and cl-casp-3) were detected by Western blot. TUNEL assay was applied to investigate apoptosis rate. Moreover, the mechanism of how MeJA played anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory roles was investigated by silencing of Nrf2 via siRNA. RESULTS: The result of MTT assay showed that MeJA improved the decreased viability of BV-2 cells induced by Aβ. The detection of MDA, SOD activity, and ROS showed the oxidative stress levels were decreased in Aβ+MeJA group compared with Aβ group. Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD were significantly up-regulated in Aβ+MeJA group compared with Aβ group (p<0.01). In contrast, inflammatory cytokines were significantly down-regulated in Aβ+MeJA group compared with Aβ group (p<0.05). Similarly, the expressions of apoptosis cytokines and TUNEL assay suggested a decreased apoptosis rate in Aβ+MeJA group compared to Aβ group (p<0.01). Finally, results of Nrf2 knockdown experiment showed down-regulations of anti-oxidative stress factors (Nrf2, HO-1 and SOD), up-regulations of inflammatory cytokines, and increased ratio of Bax to Bcl in Aβ+MeJA+si-Nrf2 group compared with Aβ+MeJA group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: MeJA could relieve Aβ-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in microglial cells by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.