Effects of Kongsheng Zhenzhong Pills on Neuroinflammation and cGAS-STING Pathway Activity in BV-2 Microglia.

Background

Global aging has led to a rise in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation constitutes a core pathological mechanism in these disorders. The Kongsheng Zhenzhong Pill (KSZZP), a modern preparation derived from a classical Chinese herbal formula, are reputed for their sedative and cognition-enhancing effects. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its modulation of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation remains unclear. The present study was designed to assess the intervention effects of KSZZP on LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 microglial cells and to preliminarily explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

An in vitro neuroinflammation model was established in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. The chemical components of KSZZP were identified using UPLC-Q-Exactive HFX technology. The pharmacological effects of KSZZP were evaluated by assessing cell activation, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Molecular docking and Western blotting were used to explore the specific mechanism of its action on the cGAS-STING pathway.

Results

Chemical analysis identified 67 components in KSZZP, primarily flavonoids, prenyl lipids, and isoflavones. KSZZP treatment dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced BV-2 microglial activation and significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factor release. Furthermore, it alleviated oxidative stress, mitigated mitochondrial ultrastructural damage, and inhibited apoptosis induced by LPS. Molecular docking revealed that key active components of KSZZP exhibit strong binding potential to cGAS and STING proteins. Western blotting further confirmed that KSZZP dose-dependently suppressed the expression of key cGAS-STING pathway proteins (cGAS, STING) and downstream proteins associated with M1 polarization (iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2).

Conclusions

This study indicates that KSZZP alleviates LPS-induced microglial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis, and these effects may involve the modulation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings provide a preliminary experimental basis for understanding the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of KSZZP and support its potential application in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.