Anti-inflammatory effect of proanthocyanidins from blueberry through NF-κβ/NLRP3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro

Abstract

Background

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response. Proanthocyanidins (PC) is a general term of polyphenol compounds widely existed in blueberry fruits and can treat inflammation-related diseases. This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of PC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation and its potential mechanism, providing effective strategies for the further development of PC.

Methods

Here, RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with LPS to establish an inflammation model in vitro, while endotoxin shock mouse models were constructed by LPS in vivo. The function of PC was investigated by MTT, ELISA kits, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis.

Results

Functionally, PC could demonstrate the potential to mitigate mortality in mice with endotoxin shock, as well as attenuated the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and biochemical indicators (AST, ALT, CRE and BUN). Moreover, it had a significant protective effect on lung and kidney tissues damage. Mechanistically, PC exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

PC might have the potential ability of anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Graphical abstract

Keywords:

• Proanthocyanidins
• inflammation
• endotoxin shock
• LPS
• NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Author contributions

Lulu Zang and Weifeng Li designed the main ideas and contents of this study. Xinyao Liu, Lulu Zang and Jiabao Yu conducted the experiments and wrote the manuscript. Xiaofeng Niu and Weifeng Li critically revised the manuscript. Jinjin Yu, Siqi Wang, Lili Zhou, Huixin Song and Yajing Ma analyzed and organized the data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Project of Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration [no.: 2019-13] (Shaanxi Province, PR China).