The anti-oxidative effects of Centella asiatica on lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial cells

Sagayarajan, Nivishaa (2022) The anti-oxidative effects of Centella asiatica on lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial cells. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by the gradual degeneration of the structure and function of the neuronal cells in the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS). The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease is greatly influenced by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Microglia, the macrophage-like resident immune cells of the CNS are mediators of neuroinflammation which are activated under stimuli and produce inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately causing neuronal damage and death. The therapeutic approaches based on natural compounds or drugs that target the activated microglia via the master endogenous antioxidant regulatory transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target gene, heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), are now being pursued. Centella asiatica (CA), a medicinal herb locally known as Pegaga is described to exert neuroprotective properties, such as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In view of this, the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway by CA in microglial cells remains elusive that requires further investigation. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidative effects of Centella asiatica on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial cells by measuring the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. Methodology: The BV-2 microglial cells were cultured and pre-treated with CA at varying concentrations before being stimulated with 1 µg/ml LPS. The anti-oxidative effects of CA were assessed by determining the levels of ROS in all groups using ROS assay. Furthermore, the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were measured using the western blotting technique. Results: The results showed that the CA at tested concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/mL) significantly reduced the ROS levels compared to LPS alone. At highest concentration (100 μg/mL) of CA, both Nrf2 and HO-1 expression increased, however only HO-1 showed a significant result. Discussion: The CA ameliorate LPS-induced oxidative stress by decreasing the intracellular ROS. The CA also possesses anti-oxidative effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway which can be observed with the increased protein expression at highest concentration of CA. Conclusion: Taken together, this study suggest that CA can attenuate microglia activation by reducing the ROS via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, however further studies are warranted.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms. Nor Safa'aton Saidin
Date Deposited:	22 Aug 2023 07:02
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2023 07:02
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1402

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