Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Suppress Radiation-Induced Microglial Inflammation by Inhibiting the IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κB Pathway.

Abstract

Background: Radiation therapy for brain tumors often leads to radiation-induced brain injury, which is closely linked to microglial hyperactivation and neuroinflammation. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the primary active component of Lycium barbarum, may provide neuroprotection by suppressing microglial overactivation and reducing neuroinflammation.

Methods: BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with LBP for 12 hours (h), exposed to 10 Gy X-ray irradiation, and then post-treated with LBP for another 12 h. We assessed microglial polarization and measured levels of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and key proteins in the IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κB pathway.

Results: LBP treatment shifted microglia from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and significantly decreased the release of NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α following irradiation.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that LBP mitigates radiation-induced microglial inflammation by inhibiting the IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κB pathway, suggesting its potential as a radioprotective agent against radiotherapy-induced neuroinflammation.