ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To study the effect of metformin (Met) hydrochloride on the expressions of inflammatory cytokines in Aβ1-42-induced BV-2 cells and its mechanisms. 【Methods】 BV-2 cells were induced by Aβ1-42 to mimic the neuroinflammatory cell model, and after treatment with Met, the contents of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, in cell supernatant were examined by ELISA; the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 were examined by RT-PCR; and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1, NF-κB, p-IκBα and IκBα were examined by Western blotting. 【Results】 Aβ1-42 at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μmol/L could decrease the BV-2 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, while Met at 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/L could increase the cell viability in 5 μmol/L Aβ1-42-induced BV-2 cells. After treatment with Met, the transcription and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, and the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1(p20), NF-κB and p-IκBα were significantly decreased in Aβ1-42-induced BV-2 cells. 【Conclusion】 Met attenuates inflammatory responses in Aβ1-42-induced BV-2 cells, which may be associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation via NF-κB pathway.