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Effects of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem Extract on Microglial Activation-Mediated Mild Cognitive Impairment via Regulation of CREB Signaling Pathway

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a pivotal contributor to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with microglial activation playing a central role in this process.While Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, its effects on MCI and its active components have not been fully elucidated.In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of Luffa cylindrica extract (LCE) on microglial activation and MCI-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).BV2 microglial cells were stimulated with LPS (1 μg/ml) and treated with LCE (25, 50, or 100 μg/ml).Microglial activation was assessed via Griess assay, western blotting, RT-PCR, and ELISA.In vivo, male ICR mice were received LCE (50 or 300 mg/kg) orally for 7 days in combination with intraperitoneal LPS (0.5 mg/kg).Cognitive function was evaluated using passive avoidance and Y-maze tests.The hippocampus was harvested for biochemical analysis.Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify major bioactive components of LCE.LCE treatment significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and inflammation-associated protein levels in BV2 cells.These effects were associated with inhibition of the AKT-GSK3β-CREB signaling pathway.In vivo, oral LCE administration ameliorated LPS-induced cognitive impairment and decreased inflammatory markers in the hippocampus.HPLC analysis identified myricetin as a major component of LCE, which independently exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in microglia.These findings highlight the potential of LCE as a natural therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation-related cognitive impairment, with myricetin contributing to its pharmacological activity.

Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2506.06049

Authors: Joon Park, Yongeun Kim, Yongeun Kim, Jung-Eun Lee, Yun Tai Kim, Yun Tai Kim

Institutions: University of Arizona, Korea Food Research Institute, Korea University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Korea Food Research Institute